Asperger's Syndrome

bagaspuds · 08-10-2009 1:24pm #1

A young relative of mine may have Asperger's Syndrome.
It hasn't been diagnosed yet but having talked to the parents and researching the topic myself, I think this may be the case.

Anyone have experience of this?
As you can imagine it is very distressing for the parents. It's all new to me so I want to find out as much as I can about it.
Sorry, I don't know if this is the right forum or not !:(

seamus · 08-10-2009 1:27pm

The very first thing to do is to try and get the child diagnosed. Otherwise you risk stressing out the child and his/her parents needlessly. You cannot diagnose Asperger's yourself.

This group can help: http://www.aspire-irl.org/

bagaspuds · 08-10-2009 1:47pm

...I knew someone would say that and I agree totally.
The child is being assessed. I was told by them initially so I didn't come to the conclusion myself. Since researching the topic though, I can see the signs.

Thanks for the link, btw.

undecided · 09-10-2009 12:14am

OP I have a little boy with aspergers. Getting a diagnosis can be a very though time for parents. Im no expert but anything you want to ask feel free! Also not sure if parent are online but is a site www.magicmum.com that I found a brilliant support over the last few years alot of other parents on it with kids on the spectrum. Maybe it might help in answering some questions. hths!

10-10-2009 5:50pm

I'm not diagnosed but highly suspect I have AS myself. I tried to get an assessment but got a less than helpful psychologist who wouldn't. It's something I still intend to do, I'd like to know once and for all.

yoyo · 10-10-2009 6:01pm

I have aspergers syndrome, was diagnosed about 3 years ago I'd say now. Here are some of the differences I faced:
* Used to prefare to interact with adults rather than children if lets say a party was on
* Have focused interests. Used to be collecting stuff although now I am addicted to computers

* Don't like crowds of people
* Sometimes am found to be difficult to understand
* Never really understood jokes

These are just some things I've faced with this condition, If you need any more info send me a pm

Nick

10-10-2009 6:51pm

yoyo wrote: »

I have aspergers syndrome, was diagnosed about 3 years ago I'd say now. Here are some of the differences I faced:
* Used to prefare to interact with adults rather than children if lets say a party was on
* Have focused interests. Used to be collecting stuff although now I am addicted to computers
* Don't like crowds of people
* Sometimes am found to be difficult to understand
* Never really understood jokes

These are just some things I've faced with this condition, If you need any more info send me a pm

Nick

That's amazing, you just described me there!

magnumlady · 12-10-2009 4:45pm

My son has Asperger's Syndrome. He wasn't diagnosed until he was 13, he's 16 now.
It's very difficult for him to make friends, kids his age just 'don't get him'. He's a great lad though, if people just gave him a chance they'd see that for themselves.

bagaspuds · 12-10-2009 6:55pm

Thanks for all the replies. I've done research elsewhere on the net. Its great to know that people have lived full lives with this condition. One pt being made a lot is that people shouldn't refer to it as Mild Autism as this may lead to a certain amount of denial, inadequate support as the child is growing, low level of initial diagnosis etc.:o

26-10-2009 7:31pm

I have Asperger's syndrome. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 20. It's a tough life unless you're a hermit.

Kama · 28-10-2009 1:03am

First-off, an actual diagnosis would be great; there's a joke that Aspergers is a contagious disease spread by the internet and contracted by reading the Wikipedia page on Aspergers and self-diagnosing

I have more than a shade of Aspergers; I had huge problems with social etiquette growing up, physically inept, several classic repetitive behaviors and so on. I spent much of my time trying to work out what the rational structures governing conversations were, so I could take part in them; factual adult conversations were obvious, smalltalk was an absolute mystery. I'd pretty much randomly repeat things I'd heard people say in other conversations >_<

I still have problems with things like eyecontact, emotionally connecting, and some repetitive physical behaviors and stimming. But not nearly as severely as when I was younger. Still have problems with smalltalk, and guessing emotion from cues, but otherwise alright.

While it can be difficult for social reasons, Aspergers doesn't have to be thought of as a 'bad thing'. Medicine and psychology revolved around 'neurotypical' people, and anything different was seen as a 'disease', but thankfully this is changing. In some senses, Aspergers can almost be an advantage; I had more than one college lecturer on the autist spectrum, for instance. But being a 'weirdly eccentric nerd' is far more acceptable now, than when I was growing up. There's different types of people. with different aptitudes and abilities, rather than people whose brains are 'wrong', imho.

So, thinking positively, if your kid is an Aspie, they're likely to be unusually honest (inappropriate in a world of pervasive subtle social lies), highly devoted to their interests (not necessarily bad at all), and often precociously articulate. On the other hand, social-emotional communication and processing may be problematic, concrete linguistic meanings will likely crowd out subtleties and subtexts, and 'getting the joke' won't be easy.

As with any other child, you just want to encourage them, and help them grow into the world. This can be harder in some areas (like social), but thats all part of the uniqueness of a new human being.

McChubbin · 12-12-2009 7:36pm

I'd highly recommend this website:

http://www.wrongplanet.net
It not only offers information for parents and reletives in coming to terms with the condition but also offers a place to communicate with other Apies and talk part in a community forum, which i'm sure will no doubt be of help.

13-12-2009 2:24am

Kama wrote: »

I still have problems with things like eyecontact, emotionally connecting, and some repetitive physical behaviors and stimming. But not nearly as severely as when I was younger. Still have problems with smalltalk, and guessing emotion from cues, but otherwise alright.

Yeah I'd be similar, I'm not so likely to blast out random facts anymore but that may just be because I'm more socially withdrawn now.

Kama wrote: »

So, thinking positively, if your kid is an Aspie, they're likely to be unusually honest (inappropriate in a world of pervasive subtle social lies)

I can remember several occasions where I've been brutally honest (and often got a slap for it). Looking back on them actually embarrasses me, I think "why did I say that?" The main one which springs to mind is when I told my aunt her apple tarts tasted like vinegar. *shudders*

She still talks to me so I don't think she held a grudge, lol.

Demonique · 20-12-2009 6:30am

McChubbin wrote: »

I'd highly recommend this website:

http://www.wrongplanet.net
It not only offers information for parents and reletives in coming to terms with the condition but also offers a place to communicate with other Apies and talk part in a community forum, which i'm sure will no doubt be of help.

I'm not a big fan of Wrong Planet TBH. I find the forums are too large and there's too many argumentive people on it.

Still, it's a damn site better than Aspies For Freedom

Stu77 · 27-12-2009 3:49pm

I was also diagnosed with mild aspergers syndrome in my late teens. I get jokes and i have a good sense of humour but there are other areas where i struggle but its not all that bad as long you understand the condition and keeping working hard to minimize the effects it has on your day to day life.

On the positive side, i have a lot of empathy for people and i'm very good at putting an arm around someone who's having a hard time and saying something that will make them feel better.

Sometimes i get very frustrated with myself though especially in social situations where i can sometimes just zone out completely and want to be on my own especially if i'm surrounded by a lot of people talking over each other.

I would say that aspergers is just another way of analysing situations but on the whole i've fully accepted how i am and the vast majority of people wouldn't know i was any different to anybody else but i've worked very hard at it over the years and its something i need to keep on top of daily because as far as i know, there is no cure for aspergers but i wouldn't want to be cured at this stage anyway. I just learn to adapt to new situations as they happen.

SLUSK · 28-12-2009 10:40pm

Newsflash, having no friends and having just one or two hobbies that take up most of your time does not automatically mean you are suffering from Aspergers.

noodle24 · 28-12-2009 11:00pm

My little brother is 19 and he was diagnosed when he was 13. He is doing his leaving cert this year. His teachers love him because he is so good, he does everything that they tell him to. He doesn't really have any friends though, he only mixes with older people, and young children love him. He is really kind and helpful to everyone. Doesn't get jokes or sarcasm, zones out with people are talking to him sometimes and he doesn't make eye contact either. As a child he could quote every ad from tv, and he speaks with an American accent.

He's very independant though because he was never treated differently at home, he goes off on the train shopping by himself all the time. When my friends called over he used to make tea for us and bring it up on a tray with biscuits just to be nice! And he knows loads of interesting facts. (Some not so interesting)!!

Cacokicksass · 22-11-2010 8:35pm

My son was diagnosed by the Lucena clinic earlier this year. My wife and I are just getting around to telling friends now, most family members have known since he was diagnosed.

We were both in complete denial initially, but have come to terms with it now. Our son is like every other child in our eyes, although he doesn't really have a friend at school, he is in senior infants and is almost 6.

We are both very eager to get him involved socially with other kids his age but as most will know this is not that easy. We have found that while there is a lot of groups out there none of them seem to offer the simple things like play groups or social clubs such as AS specific scout troops or something similar.

If there are any other members with children with AS around the same age in the Dublin area who would be interested in getting something started please PM me.

Thanks.

cathy01 · 02-12-2010 2:21pm

If you go to www.faingalautism.com or www.adhd .ie both sites may help.
Also, if leaving in Fingal, you can contact Sarah Mc Nally on 018020484, shes there to help parents of kids with Autism , and other disabilitys to get the help they need.
HTH,Cathy

SparkyTech · 07-12-2010 2:35pm

yoyo wrote: »

I have aspergers syndrome, was diagnosed about 3 years ago I'd say now. Here are some of the differences I faced:
* Used to prefare to interact with adults rather than children if lets say a party was on
* Have focused interests. Used to be collecting stuff although now I am addicted to computers
* Don't like crowds of people
* Sometimes am found to be difficult to understand
* Never really understood jokes

These are just some things I've faced with this condition, If you need any more info send me a pm

Nick

I also have mild Aspergers (diagnosed professionaly). Would concur with Nick. Usualy click better with older adults and enjoy my own company more. Sometimes find socail situations a bit difficult and awkward, and have practicualr intrests that I don't like to stray too much from. I only have a close circle of friends. Have ofen been branded odd, wierd and sometimes needy but you learn to cope with it and become more aware of the ''socail cues'' one misses out on as you get older.

www.aspireireland.ie has some useful info on the subject matter

tony.aspergers · 13-12-2010 9:18pm

Hello.

My name is Tony and I am 37 and living in Meath. As an adult with Asperger's, having been diagnosed at the age of 14, I am extremely concerned about the lack of certain support availability in Ireland at the present time.

There seems to be some support for jobs, some extremely limited support for accommodation (NUA Healthcare), but absolutely no support for everyday living, not for adults anyhow.

Whereas I can fully understand and appreciate the high levels of support for children and parents of children with Asperger's, it would appear that once said youngsters leave school there is no proper support available and such people are forced to try and cope on their own.

Does anyone agree?

Tony.

D e e · 13-12-2010 9:21pm

Tony, I completely agree. My little brother is in his final year of school and he's dreading finishing because there isn't much help for him after school. He was diagnosed when he was 16 and he just turned 19 last week, he's very intelligent but doesn't want to go to college because he feels he can't mix/doesn't enjoy being around people his own age.

SparkyTech · 13-12-2010 9:29pm

Completely concur Tony. Support/awareness from public service psyc. outpatient services when I tried to get counselling recently was appalling. The Government/HSE never offers much in the way of mental health but it appears that for persons with Asperger's, services, training and dedication are very far behind our international neighbor's standards.

Dee, Do you know your brother can put down on his CAO form that he has Asperger's? It counts as a disability on the CAO system so long as you have medical evidence to certify diagnosis. College's will take it into consideration when offering support when entering college (In DCU I was assigned a mentor, among other supports) and also make concessions (within reason) for courses if the required points arn't met, but all entry requirements are satisfied.

tony.aspergers · 13-12-2010 9:38pm

SparkyTech wrote: »

Completely concur Tony. Support/awareness from public service psyc. outpatient services when I tried to get counselling recently was appalling. The Government/HSE never offers much in the way of mental health but it appears that for persons with Asperger's, services, training and dedication are very far behind our international neighbor's standards.

Dee, Do you know your brother can put down on his CAO form that he has Asperger's? It counts as a disability on the CAO system so long as you have medical evidence to certify diagnosis. College's will take it into consideration when offering support when entering college (In DCU I was assigned a mentor, among other supports) and also make concessions (within reason) for courses if the required points arn't met, but all entry requirements are satisfied.

I would like to set up a proper support group for people aged over 17 with Asperger's in Ireland. The group would have a website and Facebook etc pages, regular meetings in every county (at least), and events suitable for those over 17. I am not prepared to aim this group at under 17's as there are plenty of existing groups available for that category, as much as I am extremely sympathetic towards parents of and younger sufferers of Asperger's.

If anyone is interested in joining and/or helping, please say so on this forum and I will be in touch.

Tony.

tony.aspergers · 13-12-2010 9:59pm

tony.aspergers wrote: »

I would like to set up a proper support group for people aged over 17 with Asperger's in Ireland. The group would have a website and Facebook etc pages, regular meetings in every county (at least), and events suitable for those over 17. I am not prepared to aim this group at under 17's as there are plenty of existing groups available for that category, as much as I am extremely sympathetic towards parents of and younger sufferers of Asperger's.

If anyone is interested in joining and/or helping, please say so on this forum and I will be in touch.

Tony.

I have set up a Facebook group for the above - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_138230999563882&ap=1

Tony.

Mr Trade In · 15-12-2010 2:39pm

I was diagnoised just over 3 years ago,I am 28 now. My GP assigned me to a local psychologist who in the 1 year I seen did nothing to help me, I am currently a student in NUI Maynooth where there are some good supports in place but there is nothing available outside of this.I have sent a request to join the facebook page.

tony.aspergers · 20-12-2010 4:35pm

NUA Healthcare have now opened their new facility at Taliesin near Portlaoise town, which comprises of individual large timber lodges for occupation by adults with Asperger's Syndrome. They are now apparently "taking referrals".

See: www.nuahealthcare.ie for details.

Nicolas01 · 23-12-2010 12:45pm

The sense of touch in children with Asperger's can be heightened or reduced. Those children whose skin is very sensitive may only be able to wear certain types of clothing to be comfortable. They may not like to work with certain materials or they may not be able to handle simply being touched by another person.

snorlax · 23-12-2010 1:37pm

I know TCD and a dedicated service called Unilink to support people in college who have aspergers. They ahve a few PDF files on their website for tips for coping with the condition.

http://www.tcd.ie/disability/services/Unilink/index.php

It would be nice if all colleges followed suit.

tony.aspergers · 24-12-2010 12:49am

Nicolas01 wrote: »

The sense of touch in children with Asperger's can be heightened or reduced. Those children whose skin is very sensitive may only be able to wear certain types of clothing to be comfortable. They may not like to work with certain materials or they may not be able to handle simply being touched by another person.

Yes, I can identify with this! I can be fussy about types of clothes and the fabric they are made of!

Sound sensitivity is another issue - for example I love music but hate the sound of unexpected breaking glass........

Tony.

Nolanger · 23-01-2011 9:29pm

SLUSK wrote: »

Newsflash, having no friends and having just one or two hobbies that take up most of your time does not automatically mean you are suffering from Aspergers.

Unforunately it DOES in this country. You can also add in: Telling the truth, never drinking alcohol or taking drugs, giving honest answers to questions asked, and having an interest in things other than work/family/sport. I've lost count of the number of fools in Ireland who consider people who are 'different' to have autism/Asperger.

Nicolas01 · 24-01-2011 8:55am

Children with Asperger’s have a different way of understanding and reacting to the stimulus around them. They have a diverse way of picking up nonverbal social cues when it comes to their facial expression and body language. Parents who have children with Asperger’s need to train themselves that they may adapt well to the needs of their child.

cathy01 · 24-01-2011 12:03pm

Attached file , course on Autism ,may be of interest to some.HTH,Cathy

Aruba08 · 29-01-2011 2:27pm

my nearly 6 year old son had high functioning autism which is more or less aspergers. He was diagnosed at age 4 and he has come on amazingly. It is not the end of the world. Hes himself and his diagnosis is only something that is used to get the right schooling (mainstream JI with SNA and resource).
Lots or research, intervention, patience and understanding. Pm me any time.

jeep · 07-02-2011 3:59pm

noodle24 wrote: »

My little brother is 19 and he was diagnosed when he was 13. He is doing his leaving cert this year. His teachers love him because he is so good, he does everything that they tell him to. He doesn't really have any friends though, he only mixes with older people, and young children love him. He is really kind and helpful to everyone. Doesn't get jokes or sarcasm, zones out with people are talking to him sometimes and he doesn't make eye contact either. As a child he could quote every ad from tv, and he speaks with an American accent.

He's very independant though because he was never treated differently at home, he goes off on the train shopping by himself all the time. When my friends called over he used to make tea for us and bring it up on a tray with biscuits just to be nice! And he knows loads of interesting facts. (Some not so interesting)!!

Just wanted to say you described my little boy and have given me a boost in my hopes for his future.

St Senan · 07-02-2011 4:54pm

jeep wrote: »

Just wanted to say you described my little boy and have given me a boost in my hopes for his future.

My 9 year old son was diagnosed with Aspergers just over 1 year ago. His previous teacher brought his symptoms to our attention the first question she asked my Wife was our son born in America because of his accent. We do travel to America every year so we thought nothing of it. He got picked on in school one day and he lashed out at the other child, His teacher said that he will have to be punished. My sons reply was that when he gets home he will Stab himself. After speaking with his teacher again she gave us some information on AS. We were in shock that what we were reading was everything our son does or has. We had to bring him to get diagnosed privately with a child Psychiatrist. His school said that it would take up to 2 years if we went through the school system. We could not wait that long he would be ready for secondary school by then. The Psychiatrist said that our sons intelligent level was that of a 21 year old.He is in 3rd class and does not have any friends in school. He loves his own space. He loves his laptop and is always on Wikipiedia. He will gather enough information on a subject or a Toy until 1 day he stops and moves to an other subject. He has gone through Greek history, Roman history, Pirates and European wars at the moment he his main subject or topic is the American Civil war. My son is a very kind child he is also very polite. He has a SNA in school who is brilliant with him. But his biggest problem is that if he loses in a game or things don't work his way he lashes out at me or his mother calls him self a loser and tells us he wishes he was dead. At one point he used to draw pictures to explain his feelings one of his pictures was of a grave stone with his name on it. We have seen 2 other Psychiatrist with him in the last year. He is on a list to see an Occupational therapist and we have just been informed that it will take up to 3 years.

forgodssake22 · 26-02-2011 4:49pm

Dont touch Nua healthcare with a bargepole. Very poor quality of service. Unqualified/untrained staff.

tony.aspergers · 26-02-2011 10:56pm

forgodssake22 wrote: »

Dont touch Nua healthcare with a bargepole. Very poor quality of service. Unqualified/untrained staff.

So I have found out! Good ideas but hopeless management and of course the old curse lack of funding. There is absolutely nothing available in Ireland if one is an adult with Aspergers!

cathy01 · 27-02-2011 4:21pm

Autism & ADHD

Information Day

Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan

Thursday March 3rd 2011

Guest Speakers

Dr Sean Fennell 10.00am until 11.30am

Mr Shay Goulding from the National council for Special Education: 12.15 am until 1.30pm

Lunch

Ms. Grainne Bray: Director of Beech Park Services.

2.15pm until 3.30pm.

There will be a number of information stands containing information on supports and services available for those with autism and /or ADHD available on the day, such as

Eskimo oils

Irish guide dogs, Assistant dogs for people with Autism

Remember us
Remember us is an integrated social youth group for young people with special needs, their families and friends.

Pops Family Resources

An integrated Reading Programme supported by Word Cards, Phonic Sets and Educational Games to foster achievement through success and praise. The resources progress in small easy steps. They are designed to be easily adaptable to the individual learning needs of your child.

High frequency and everyday topic words are revisited frequently in text and games in every book. The story lines in the books build a child’s vocabulary, by introducing new words gradually in a range of contexts to reinforce their meaning.

Heidi Bedell

Heidi Bedell is a graduate of NUI Maynooth holding a degree in Maths, Science and Biology, a H. Dip in Applied Science (Microbiology) from UCG and a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy from ICIM. Heidi is a member of the Nutrional Therapists of Ireland

Paul Redmond has been studying and working with Homoeopathic medicine
for 27 years. He is a graduate of the Hahneman Collage of Homoeopathy
and is also a registered member of the Irish Society of Homoeopaths.
He has received 20 years medical training with the D.F.B. accident and
emergency service. Paul retired from the D.F.B. in 2001 and went on to
established the Swords Homoeopathic Clinic located at 28 main-street
Swords, where he is currently practising. Over the past 5 years, Paul
has devoted an ever increasing amount of his time and expertise to
understanding and treating children with Autism. , Paul
believes that over the past three years he has made a significant
break-through in the switching on of autistic children's comprehension
and communicative abilities.

Home tuition books

Fingal county child care

Crosscare

To improve the quality of life of family carers who are often vulnerable and under stress.
To provide opportunities to help carers break social isolation.
To provide training and information for carers to meet their needs

If possible could you confirm your attendance to Sarah Mc Nally or Jennifer Smith at 01- 8020484 or e-mail adhdinfade@eircom.net

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS EVENT AS ITS BEING SPONSERED BY FRIENDS OF AUTISM AND ADHD CHARITY SHOP.

Mr Trade In · 04-03-2011 2:30am

I am in the middle of gaining a referal to Nua Health Care,things are a bit rough at the moment and they seem to be the only thing available,has anyone any dealings with Aspire,they seem to me a money driven business rather than a support.

Mynamehere · 04-03-2011 10:34am

Stay well away from them. There all about the money.

tony.aspergers · 04-03-2011 5:09pm

Mr Trade In wrote: »

I am in the middle of gaining a referal to Nua Health Care,things are a bit rough at the moment and they seem to be the only thing available,has anyone any dealings with Aspire,they seem to me a money driven business rather than a support.

At the moment, there is absolutely bugger all reliable support for adults with AS in Ireland. Until someone sets up a national scheme for support, we are all going to have to try and exist on our own...!

Aspire used to be quite good at one time, but they don't return calls or answer email these days, seemingly!

Mr Trade In · 04-03-2011 5:55pm

I will tell my GP to cancel the Nua referral as I am frustrated enough already. In my area there is nothing available at all,GP doesn't know what to do with me.

magnumlady · 04-03-2011 8:52pm

tony.aspergers wrote: »

At the moment, there is absolutely bugger all reliable support for adults with AS in Ireland. Until someone sets up a national scheme for support, we are all going to have to try and exist on our own...!

Aspire used to be quite good at one time, but they don't return calls or answer email these days, seemingly!

You are totally right. My son is almost 18 and was all geared to start a brilliant course especially for people with asperger's but it got shelved due to cutbacks.

tony.aspergers · 04-03-2011 9:01pm

Right, it is time to set up a new (voluntary) action group for people with autism/Asperger's. Who's with me on this? It will purely be (for the time being) a group of concerned adults and will concentrate on the issues surrounding adults with the condition, pm me for more on this.

Asperger's Syndrome

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