Autism

mr_fegelien

Excuse me if this is the wrong forum, but I was wondering whether anyone knows the story of autistic people in Ireland and how they cope as adults?

There's a study that says 80% of autistic adults are unemployed or on disability but that points mostly to the US, UK. I was wondering what the story is here.

Does that mean that a lot of autistic/aspergers are at risk of homelessness?

LoughNeagh2017

I don't know the stats but they don't paint the full picture of autism because many people are undiagnosed like myself and I don't intend to get an official diagnosis

I can only speak from my viewpoint but the brutal truth is that the future isn't bright for me, aparently the risk of suicide is 10 times higher for an Autist compared to the average person. I believe suicide is inevitable for me.

I am in Northern Ireland so I don't know what the welfare system is like across the border but here you get help with your housing bills when you are unemployed so homelessness isn't as big of a risk as it would be in USA. In USA it is even worse because they kick their children out of the house at 18 so they can't even live with parents.

Millionaire only not

LoughNeagh2017 wrote: »

I don't know the stats but they don't paint the full picture of autism because many people are undiagnosed like myself and I don't intend to get an official diagnosis

I can only speak from my viewpoint but the brutal truth is that the future isn't bright for me, aparently the risk of suicide is 10 times higher for an Autist compared to the average person. I believe suicide is inevitable for me.

I am in Northern Ireland so I don't know what the welfare system is like across the border but here you get help with your housing bills when you are unemployed so homelessness isn't as big of a risk as it would be in USA. In USA it is even worse because they kick their children out of the house at 18 so they can't even live with parents.

To write sentences like that , it’s not autism u have and stop insulting people that genuinely have it !

LoughNeagh2017

Millionaire only not wrote: »

To write sentences like that , it’s not autism u have and stop insulting people that genuinely have it !

I don't even know what you mean. I can write a paragraph so I don't have autism? First off I am referring to Aspergers which in USA is High functioning Autism, it works on a spectrum, someone can appear completely normal physically but be socially incept. I have no human relationships apart from my mother so who is a clown like you to tell me I don't have Aspergers? It ruined my life from the start and will cause my suicide. It is obviously you who doesn't have a clue about autism if you aren't even aware it works on a spectrum, the most basic fact about it.

Salary Negotiator

LoughNeagh2017 wrote: »

I don't even know what you mean. I can write a paragraph so I don't have autism? First off I am referring to Aspergers which in USA is High functioning Autism, it works on a spectrum, someone can appear completely normal physically but be socially incept. I have no human relationships apart from my mother so who is a clown like you to tell me I don't have Aspergers? It ruined my life from the start and will cause my suicide.

Self diagnosis doesn’t count.

LoughNeagh2017

Salary Negotiator wrote: »

Self diagnosis doesn’t count.

Silly logic, it is like saying someone who killed themselves didn't have depression because they didn't have a certificate saying they had it. Aspergers is one of those things you know you have without doctors tests especially when you can see how your relatives from the previous generation have the exact same symptoms. What do you suggest I have then? Social anxiety? Don't make me laugh, not being able to look a human in the eye and not having a friend in 6 years is more than social anxiety disorder. I knew people at school with autism diagnoses and they were more functioning than me.

Also what about humans who lived before medical science improved? Did they not have these conditions simply because there were no psychologists to visit? Did an ancient man not have dementia because there were no doctors?

Salary Negotiator

LoughNeagh2017 wrote: »

Silly logic, it is like saying someone who killed themselves didn't have depression because they didn't have a certificate saying they had it. Aspergers is one of those things you know you have without doctors tests especially when you can see how your relatives from the previous generation have the exact same symptoms. What do you suggest I have then? Social anxiety? Don't make me laugh, not being able to look a human in the eye and not having a friend in 6 years is more than social anxiety disorder. I knew people at school with autism diagnoses and they were more functioning than me.

Also what about humans who lived before medical science improved? Did they not have these conditions simply because there were no psychologists to visit? Did an ancient man not have dementia because there were no doctors?

You may have Aspergers, though the traits you listed are only part of the diagnosis, but if you start your post with “I’m not diagnosed...” or similar don’t expect people to take you seriously.

I mean, you could just be an asshole, or uninteresting or any number of other things, and that’s why you’ve not been able to form long term relationships.

Why not go see a doctor and start getting the supports that are in place for people with autism.

Sleeper12

mr_fegelien wrote:

There's a study that says 80% of autistic adults are unemployed or on disability but that points mostly to the US, UK. I was wondering what the story is here.

It's exactly the same here in Ireland. 80 percent of autistic adults in Ireland are unemployed. Well at least they were in 2016. I'm not sure if it's slightly lower now. Many of these unemployed have 3rd level education. It's not that they don't have the qualifications. The problem is that many don't socially fit in, in a particular work environment. Personally I've always tried to stay away from jobs or the part of jobs where I have to deal with the public. Many would see me as rude. I was in a flat a couple of weeks ago to repair a shower. The couple started talking at me at the same time cramming me into a tiny bathroom. They were junkies or ex junkies & like most junkies they can get in your face without realising it. I politely asked them to back away & give me some space. The lady of the house slammed the door as I left. The two of them set my stress levels off yet saw me as rude when I asked for space. She reported me to the letting agents.

This is just a tiny example of why it's very difficult for most autistic adults to get employment. If I had a visible disability people would be tripping over themselves to be supportive. They just see me as rude

Ironicname

Salary Negotiator wrote:

I mean, you could just be an asshole, or uninteresting or any number of other things, and that’s why you’ve not been able to form long term relationships.

That's really not helpful.

LoughNeagh2017 wrote:

I can only speak from my viewpoint but the brutal truth is that the future isn't bright for me, aparently the risk of suicide is 10 times higher for an Autist compared to the average person. I believe suicide is inevitable for me.

I implore you to seek help. I know it may seem pointless but you literally have nothing to lose.

I wish you the best. Happy new year.

Salary Negotiator

Ironicname wrote: »

That's really not helpful.

I disagree, without a diagnosis he’s just using it as an excuse for his current situation. Once he’s diagnosed he can get help and support to improve his situation.

And if he isn’t diagnosed then he can work on whatever other issues he has.

drunkmonkey

mr_fegelien wrote: »

Excuse me if this is the wrong forum, but I was wondering whether anyone knows the story of autistic people in Ireland and how they cope as adults?

There's a study that says 80% of autistic adults are unemployed or on disability but that points mostly to the US, UK. I was wondering what the story is here.

Does that mean that a lot of autistic/aspergers are at risk of homelessness?

What's this survey you've read. Is it just in relation to aspergers?
Probably the most famous person of the year Greta has asparagers and she calls it her superpower.
I doubt 80% of people on the spectrum are unemployed or homeless here. If you get the right start and the right supports there's no reason you shouldn't get on ok.
It's too wide a spectrum though and that's something I really dislike about how everyone is shoved in the same basket especially when trying to get supports.
To meet someone with low to mild autusim you'd probably never know and if they were in school 20yrs ago they might not know themselves, someone with full blown autism is a different case entirely, I doubt there going to end up homeless but they will probably end up in a care home, they wouldn't be capable of working.

brightspark

Salary Negotiator wrote: »

I disagree, without a diagnosis he’s just using it as an excuse for his current situation. Once he’s diagnosed he can get help and support to improve his situation.

And if he isn’t diagnosed then he can work on whatever other issues he has.

If only we lived where there was a health service that could readily provide a diagnosis and provided prompt treatments.

But many people have to cope with various psychological or physiological conditions because the effort of getting a diagnosis and the unlikely probability of treatment is greater than the problems they currently suffer.

Sleeper12

The unemployment rate among people with autism spectrum disorders is currently around 80%, despite many of these people having excellent qualifications”, according to DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith. “This is a loss not just to the individuals, but to the employers who miss out on a cohort of talented and qualified people.

https://asiam.ie/autism-friendly-university/

drunkmonkey

brightspark wrote: »

If only we lived where there was a health service that could readily provide a diagnosis and provided prompt treatments.

If you can afford to pay for it your ok, if you can't your literally ****ed, Ciara Kelly had a slot on her show about accessing health services recently it was an eye opener to how disgraceful our health system is. Harris and Leo should be utterly ashamed of themselves. If was a Garda I'd arrest the pair of them for murder.

Lily_Aldrin7

Salary Negotiator wrote: »

I disagree, without a diagnosis he’s just using it as an excuse for his current situation. Once he’s diagnosed he can get help and support to improve his situation.

And if he isn’t diagnosed then he can work on whatever other issues he has.

I don’t want to argue with anyone, I don’t know whether the person in question is autistic or not but the diagnosis for autism is based on doctors’ opinions, it’s not a blood test or a MMR that will say, yes you’re autistic. Many people feel different and they are misdiagnosed because they don’t “fit in” some sort of a chart, autism is very complex and there is so much more to learn about it. I do think that if you have it you’d know regardless of what w doctor might say 🀷ðŸ½*♂️

skooterblue2

mr_fegelien wrote: »

Excuse me if this is the wrong forum, but I was wondering whether anyone knows the story of autistic people in Ireland and how they cope as adults?

There's a study that says 80% of autistic adults are unemployed or on disability but that points mostly to the US, UK. I was wondering what the story is here.

Does that mean that a lot of autistic/aspergers are at risk of homelessness?

Just to break down your post OP!
There are No adults in Ireland with HFA/Aspergers/ASD *sarcasm*!
The reason for this is because the HSE wont pursue a diagnosis after 18. This has to be done privately. There are only 4 that specialise in it (see Aspire.ie) when I was diagnosed nigh on 6 years ago and it takes up to 8 months to get a private diagnosis.
The ones that do get a diagnosis as kids get all the benefits and treatments at school but shortly before they leave college/University the diagnosis vanishes and them integrate into society.
Then there are the upper professionals kids (doctors/accountants/etc) they pay for a negative diagnosis but still get the recommended treatments.
Then we have the working class /social welfare and they never get diagnosed properly and end in the mental health department on medication for life.
Aspergers/HFA/ASD is definitely a class thing.

The psychologists assigned to the Universities & ITs/DoE/HSE are bottom of the barrel incompetent or are corrupt that it is cheaper to ignore a case of Autism. Hence you should pursue your own private diagnosis. Poor GPs havent a clue god bless them. Mine told me I hadnt got it and ignored the €500 registered psychologist report and then had to ask me how to spell it (Dont worry I stuck the knife in at the end when I reminded her I had 130 in my leaving cert and she had at least 500). I have a new GP now, he is useless but I have him on his haunches like a trained dog.

In the UK 16% are employed but I would like to see the retention rates after 24 months. In Ireland 3% are gainfully employed. I doubt these numbers include university lecturers in physics and computing departments.

Diagnosed Autists are more or less fine, undiagnosed or unaccepted diagnoses are in severe danger of homelessness. Then you add in the high level of depression and addiction rates and it becomes very dangerous.

ExoPolitic

I had my diagnosis done privately, because the HSE is so inept. No surprise the Op hasn't perused such a diagnosis.

skooterblue2

Lily_Aldrin7 wrote: »

I do think that if you have it you’d know regardless of what w doctor might say ��ðŸ½*♂️

What doctors dont know about autism would fill Lough Neagh because many of them have it themselves and are afraid to admit it. The rest of them, well its just easier to dish out antidepressants wholesale.

skooterblue2

ExoPolitic wrote: »

I had my diagnosis done privately, because the HSE is so inept. No surprise the Op hasn't perused such a diagnosis.

The cost of getting a diagnosis is cheap compared with the value and relief it beings and the suffering of individuals and their families. Ahhh the HSE.... didnt they do a great job saving the money going cheap on the first day? Shower of skut monkeys.

Wanderer78

Yeeeeaaaa, we re all goin ta heavens lads! Another, 'full blown' aspie here!

Yup, the unemployment level is extremely high with us lot, most work environments are not suitable for us, neurotypicals don't know how to be dealing with us, or want to know, but it is interesting that some sectors are taking a liking, particularly it, some only employing autistic only.

I suspect many long term unemployment are in fact undiagnosed, and some criminals also, aspie expert Tony attwoods aspie son, will, being a perfect example.

Stay safe fellow spectrumors, and happy new year

Kurtosis

Mod note

Please keep discussion civil, respectful and constructive. Could I ask new posters to the LTI forum to please read the short forum charter before posting again. Any queries, please PM me.

skooterblue2

Kurtosis wrote: »

Mod note

Please keep discussion civil, respectful and constructive. Could I ask new posters to the LTI forum to please read the short forum charter before posting again. Any queries, please PM me.

Sorry Mod, I cant help myself giving GPs a kicking considering the age I got my diagnosis at.

RobbingBandit

Not a lot of support to be honest I am having a very bad time of things personally at the moment with very significant difficulties due to medical complications which the very limited support I have are unable to help me with, I'm in my late 30s haven't held down a proper job in a long time am unable to get back into education due to the medical situation.

No one gives to (insert) that I'm autistic the folks that are supporting me have been a rollercoaster of confusion some even questioning if I'm autistic or not I've been assessed twice due to a very high ranking HSE doctor disputing things there's little to no training for frontline services such as consultant or nursing staff in hospitals in Ireland for dealing with paitents with ASD I've been labelled as non compliant for questioning treatment plans or trying to explain my complex living situation and the negative impact the proposed treatment will or has had on me it's a living nightmare made so much worse when showing any signs of intellect you are almost shamed into your too smart to not be doing what your told

I've said way too much here to be honest and it's probably not answered what you asked.

skooterblue2

LoughNeagh2017 wrote: »

Silly logic, it is like saying someone who killed themselves didn't have depression because they didn't have a certificate saying they had it. Aspergers is one of those things you know you have without doctors tests especially when you can see how your relatives from the previous generation have the exact same symptoms. What do you suggest I have then? Social anxiety? Don't make me laugh, not being able to look a human in the eye and not having a friend in 6 years is more than social anxiety disorder. I knew people at school with autism diagnoses and they were more functioning than me.

To get a diagnosis, you must have some suspicion that you have it before you fork out close to grand. Then you have to seek out specialist psychologists. All psychologists are not equal (as mentioned before anyone engaged by the state are dog-dodo). The problem is the ones that know about it (teachers and nurses), wont share that information because they dont want you knowing their kids have it. This boggles me why people with Autism dont help each other more (I know it is part of the condition).

Sleeper12

RobbingBandit wrote:

I've said way too much here to be honest and it's probably not answered what you asked.

Sometimes it helps a little just to unload here

skooterblue2

RobbingBandit wrote: »

Not a lot of support to be honest I am having a very bad time of things personally at the moment with very significant difficulties due to medical complications which the very limited support I have are unable to help me with, I'm in my late 30s haven't held down a proper job in a long time am unable to get back into education due to the medical situation.

No one gives to (insert) that I'm autistic the folks that are supporting me have been a rollercoaster of confusion some even questioning if I'm autistic or not I've been assessed twice due to a very high ranking HSE doctor disputing things there's little to no training for frontline services such as consultant or nursing staff in hospitals in Ireland for dealing with paitents with ASD I've been labelled as non compliant for questioning treatment plans or trying to explain my complex living situation and the negative impact the proposed treatment will or has had on me it's a living nightmare made so much worse when showing any signs of intellect you are almost shamed into your too smart to not be doing what your told

I've said way too much here to be honest and it's probably not answered what you asked.

Brother you have sung a lot of our songs. You have to "train" your doctor. Basically you tell him "You fupped up, you have a history of fupping up, you are going to fupp up again. How about we try it my way or I can report you to the HSE under vulnerable people?". That usually makes them sit up and get their ship in order.

RobbingBandit

Oh dear gods if I unload it'll take up the 10000 post capacity I'm thinking of doing a podcast on the crazy stuff I've encountered in the 12+ years since I was originally assessed. But I've the follow through of a stoned teen-ager buying shiny things so it ain't gonna happen. Go private to get assessed and hope you have enough left over to buy your way into support as public funded goes well if you are very lucky or you fall through the cracks and it's a bottomless pit of dispair if you do with a very steep slope to climb out of that pit.

Damn I wish I hadn't posted that it's bumming me our big time now

BohsCeltic

brightspark wrote: »

If only we lived where there was a health service that could readily provide a diagnosis and provided prompt treatments.

But many people have to cope with various psychological or physiological conditions because the effort of getting a diagnosis and the unlikely probability of treatment is greater than the problems they currently suffer.

Yes i agree. My 4 year old nephew has Autism. My Sister had to borrow money to go private 2 years ago otherwise he would still be waiting for a diagnosis.

Not much help or support services either from the government. They constantly have to borrow to help fund his development privately.

RobbingBandit

skooterblue2 wrote: »

Brother you have sung a lot of our songs. You have to "train" your doctor. Basically you tell him "You fupped up, you have a history of fupping up, you are going to fupp up again. How about we try it my way or I can report you to the HSE under vulnerable people?". That usually makes them sit up and get their ship in order.

They've broke me beyond repair and to fight them now would be a war I'm not gonna win I call it the pit of dispair money won't help if only they'd listen and understand but it's a business and no matter how many of us there are there's so much more nt people; to make allowance for special needs would break the HSE system I might go for a piab claim but that's a story for another time and place and it's dragging this way off to a dark place

skooterblue2

RobbingBandit wrote: »

They've broke me beyond repair and to fight them now would be a war I'm not gonna win I call it the pit of dispair money won't help if only they'd listen and understand but it's a business and no matter how many of us there are there's so much more nt people; to make allowance for special needs would break the HSE system I might go for a piab claim but that's a story for another time and place and it's dragging this way off to a dark place

You dont have to have a claim, the thought of dealing with complaint through HR and affecting their insurance, that gets them to sit up.

nyarlothothep

Ironicname wrote: »

That's really not helpful.



I implore you to seek help. I know it may seem pointless but you literally have nothing to lose.

I wish you the best. Happy new year.

I agree, telling someone who may be suicidal that they might be uninteresting or an asshole is a horrible thing to say and really belongs at the level of the schoolyard, SN obviously hasn't progressed beyond that mentality. I'm also disgusted by the people who thanked him for such a nasty and gormless post. SN needs to cop himself on but I remember this is boards so it won't happen.

nyarlothothep

Although I'm not autistic myself, I do recognise that there is an extreme amount of bigotry and willful ignorance displayed by the population at large and particularly in corporate/work culture. This article discusses how people on the spectrum are at a much higher risk of suicide compared to NTs. We must crush societal prejudice against people who don't "fit in".
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-people-with-autism-die-at-younger-age#1

cnocbui

Salary Negotiator wrote: »

You may have Aspergers, though the traits you listed are only part of the diagnosis, but if you start your post with “I’m not diagnosed...” or similar don’t expect people to take you seriously.

I mean, you could just be an asshole, or uninteresting or any number of other things, and that’s why you’ve not been able to form long term relationships.

Why not go see a doctor and start getting the supports that are in place for people with autism.

You have to realise that most people with Autism/Apergers are more intelligent than you.

My son self-diagnosed himself as having Aspergers when he was about 16. This was later confirmed with an official diagnosis.

Hoboo

cnocbui wrote: »

You have to realise that most people with Autism/Apergers are more intelligent than you.

My son self-diagnosed himself as having Aspergers when he was about 16. This was later confirmed with an official diagnosis.

My dog had a sore bum, after doing some research and ruling out worms, next option was anal glands. Vet confirmed this. Doesn't make me more intelligent than the next person.

I think the point is, it would be better to get the official diagnosis so they can treat appropriately. Anyone can google symptoms and make a self diagnosis, sometimes get it right, sometimes wrong, because he got it right doesn't make your son a doctor, more intelligent, or supports the idea that lay people have the ability to self diagnose complicated medical conditions.

smelly sock

Severe Autism in a child / teen is horrendous and really hard to live with. Our child is now 11 ans we are facing the prospect of residential care for him in the near future.

mr_fegelien

smelly sock wrote: »

Severe Autism in a child / teen is horrendous and really hard to live with. Our child is now 11 ans we are facing the prospect of residential care for him in the near future.

Even as a child?

smelly sock

mr_fegelien wrote: »

Even as a child?

No. Although its hard to know. When he's 15 he'll be 6ft and 14 stone or so. Thats when it gets dangerous in terms of violence.

LostDays

My son was diagnosed with autism very worrying to see that suicide stat, I was already worried for the future.

Salary Negotiator

cnocbui wrote: »

You have to realise that most people with Autism/Apergers are more intelligent than you.

My son self-diagnosed himself as having Aspergers when he was about 16. This was later confirmed with an official diagnosis.

There are many different types of intelligence and what you say is probably correct for some some types and not for others. Having said that I'm not for one second trying to downplay, attack or ridicule etc the intelligence of anyone with Autism/Aspergers, all I'm saying is that a self-diagnosis isn't really worth much.

My gf teaches in an Autistic unit in a primary school, the kids she teaches get additional supports such as smaller classes, SNA's, sensory rooms, school transport and more. If a parent on behalf of a child or the child him/herself were to try and access these supports on the back of a self-diagnosis they wouldn't be able to, its the diagnosis that opens these doors.

cnocbui

Hoboo wrote: »

My dog had a sore bum, after doing some research and ruling out worms, next option was anal glands. Vet confirmed this. Doesn't make me more intelligent than the next person.

I think the point is, it would be better to get the official diagnosis so they can treat appropriately. Anyone can google symptoms and make a self diagnosis, sometimes get it right, sometimes wrong, because he got it right doesn't make your son a doctor, more intelligent, or supports the idea that lay people have the ability to self diagnose complicated medical conditions.

I remember a little anecdote from when my son was at CTYI. One of the minders remarked 'your son is really bright, we see a lot of bright kids, but...'

He has a friend who has full on Autism, got the official diagnosis and gets the government support. They were both at DCU. The friend has dyspraxia - a near inability to comprehend maths. My son managed to coach the friend through the statistics/math units of a degree in genetics (yes I know there is no such thing), which contains just a bit of statistics. The friend managed to learn to recognise the problems and apply a learned wrote approach to solving them.

They both got their degrees and are both unemployed and living with me. People who don't live with people with Aspergers/Autism can't really appreciate how intelligent they can be.

Good luck with your dog's arse.

mr_fegelien

I've read conflicting statistics which say that autistic people are less at risk for violence whereas some are more at risk for violence and that a fair number of the prison population has autistic/dyslexic people.

Professor Moriarty

cnocbui wrote: »

I remember a little anecdote from when my son was at CTYI. One of the minders remarked 'your son is really bright, we see a lot of bright kids, but...'

He has a friend who has full on Autism, got the official diagnosis and gets the government support. They were both at DCU. The friend has dyspraxia - a near inability to comprehend maths. My son managed to coach the friend through the statistics/math units of a degree in genetics (yes I know there is no such thing), which contains just a bit of statistics. The friend managed to learn to recognise the problems and apply a learned wrote approach to solving them.

They both got their degrees and are both unemployed and living with me. People who don't live with people with Aspergers/Autism can't really appreciate how intelligent they can be.

Good luck with your dog's arse.

Dyscalculia.

cnocbui

mr_fegelien wrote: »

I've read conflicting statistics which say that autistic people are less at risk for violence whereas some are more at risk for violence and that a fair number of the prison population has autistic/dyslexic people.

Care to provide links?

BohsCeltic

cnocbui wrote: »

I remember a little anecdote from when my son was at CTYI. One of the minders remarked 'your son is really bright, we see a lot of bright kids, but...'

He has a friend who has full on Autism, got the official diagnosis and gets the government support. They were both at DCU. The friend has dyspraxia - a near inability to comprehend maths. My son managed to coach the friend through the statistics/math units of a degree in genetics (yes I know there is no such thing), which contains just a bit of statistics. The friend managed to learn to recognise the problems and apply a learned wrote approach to solving them.

They both got their degrees and are both unemployed and living with me. People who don't live with people with Aspergers/Autism can't really appreciate how intelligent they can be.

Good luck with your dog's arse.

My Nephew get's little support from the government. He should be starting school next yer but they say they don't have the teachers trained to understand him.

When he was 3 my Sister got a professor to test his mental ability by doing various tasks. He said that a 7 year old would have struggled to complete what he had just done.

I had him with me today, So clever. His problem is he cannot speak. He might say the odd word but we communicate by sign language. That's what he uses to ask or tell us something.

He has a special computer too for learning and typing what he want's, i was trying to use it today and could barely figure it out so he took it off me and had what he wanted in seconds lol. And i would consider myself quite technical.

optogirl

Salary Negotiator wrote: »

I disagree, without a diagnosis he’s just using it as an excuse for his current situation. Once he’s diagnosed he can get help and support to improve his situation.

And if he isn’t diagnosed then he can work on whatever other issues he has.

Once he has a diagnosis he will join a massive waiting list so it really doesn't make that much difference. My son recently diagnosed and we have been told that waiting lists for any intervention for his age is around 2.5 years.

cnocbui

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

Dyscalculia.

Whoops, yes of course, my bad.

Salary Negotiator

optogirl wrote: »

Once he has a diagnosis he will join a massive waiting list so it really doesn't make that much difference. My son recently diagnosed and we have been told that waiting lists for any intervention for his age is around 2.5 years.

And what’s the waiting list when self diagnosed?

Wanderer78

LostDays wrote:

My son was diagnosed with autism very worrying to see that suicide stat, I was already worried for the future.

'Full on' autistic here, level one, and mild at that, just make sure he and you engage in whatever services are available to you, forever. make sure he continually works on positive strategies to reduce anxiety including regular physical exercise, and again, forever. Councilling has helped me a lot. Best of luck

mr_fegelien wrote:

I've read conflicting statistics which say that autistic people are less at risk for violence whereas some are more at risk for violence and that a fair number of the prison population has autistic/dyslexic people.

cnocbui wrote:

Care to provide links?

Plenty of research out there to support high levels of developmental disorders and learning disabilities amongst prison populations, well worth chatting to professionals involved in the field that have worked with such individuals

cnocbui

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Plenty of research out there to support high levels of developmental disorders and learning disabilities amongst prison populations, well worth chatting to professionals involved in the field that have worked with such individuals

Oh, I am well aware of that. I was rather interested in the linking of violent crime to Aspergers/Autism in particular.

Wanderer78

cnocbui wrote:

Oh, I am well aware of that. I was rather interested in the linking of violent crime to Aspergers/Autism in particular.

Tony attwood has made comments on this regarding school shootings in the US, I suspect he's largely right, his logic certainly makes a lot of sense

Hoboo

cnocbui wrote: »

I remember a little anecdote from when my son was at CTYI. One of the minders remarked 'your son is really bright, we see a lot of bright kids, but...'

He has a friend who has full on Autism, got the official diagnosis and gets the government support. They were both at DCU. The friend has dyspraxia - a near inability to comprehend maths. My son managed to coach the friend through the statistics/math units of a degree in genetics (yes I know there is no such thing), which contains just a bit of statistics. The friend managed to learn to recognise the problems and apply a learned wrote approach to solving them.

They both got their degrees and are both unemployed and living with me. People who don't live with people with Aspergers/Autism can't really appreciate how intelligent they can be.

Good luck with your dog's arse.

Lovely story. Thanks for sharing.

My nephew has pretty severe autism, i don't live with him but mind him 2/3 times a week, so I appreciate his love for and ability with numbers since he was 3. I appreciate his intelligence very much, but he's not a doctor. I'm not a vet. Your son googled symptoms and they matched the doctors prognosis. Well done him. You're suggestion his superior intelligence qualifies him to make a medical decision is ridiculous and dangerous when replying to someone who hasn't seen a professional and is talking about suicide being the most probable ending.