Question

I would like more information about adults with Aspergers. My son has just turned 21 and has little prospects of a job because of the way he views the world. I need lots more information so that I can help him in the future.

Answer

Due to advancements in diagnostics, it is becoming easier to find information regarding adult Asperger’s Syndrome.  The information needed by parents of young children with Asperger’s is quite different from the information needed by parents of adult children with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Children are being diagnosed younger and are offered therapies and treatments that may not have been available for young adults such as your son.

Adult Asperger’s is quite complex.  As you mentioned, Asperger’s can interfere in every area of life including job or career opportunities, relationships, even basic daily living skills.  As you know, people with Asperger’s are very intelligent, yet struggle with social communication, inflexible thinking, sensory integration problems, and poor motor skills.  Without medical, emotional, and educational treatments, adulthood can prove to be awkward and complicated.  Here are some thoughts that may help you.

Psychological, neurological, and medical treatments are very useful for all people with Asperger’s Syndrome.  These professionals can test for underlying problems and treat them in addition to the Asperger’s Syndrome.  Common treatment plans include counseling, medication for seizure activity, anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, plus the following skills therapies:

*    Social skills training to help create and sustain relationships.

*    Coping skills/cognitive therapy to deal with emotions, feelings, and behavior.

*    Self-care skills to learn the importance of regular medical check ups and personal hygiene.

*    Daily living skills to learn how to live independently with success.

*    Sensory integration therapy to lessen the effects of hyper or hypo-sensitivities.

Finally, look for books and videos that focus on adult Asperger’s at your local public library or bookstore.  Many of these books are written specifically to parents, while others are written directly to the individual with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Books such as, “Asperger Syndrome: An Owner’s Manual 2 For Older Adolescents and Adults: What You, Your Parents and Friends, and Your Employer, Need to Know”, by Ellen S. Heller Korin, M.Ed. can be extremely informative.  This is an interactive workbook that covers the issues mentioned above, and would be the perfect tool for your family.

Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel