|
|
| Page 1 of 1 |
|
|
 Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 00:11 Post subject: Asperger syndrome |
|
 |
I just figured out that my little brother (well, not so little, he is 25 actually) might have Asperger's syndrome.
My girlfriend was telling me about her new colleague, and how weird he is. From what she told me, I thought it sounded alot like what I had heard about Asperger's, so we looked it up on Wikipedia. And while reading that stuff, we both noticed that it basically also applies to my brother.
I never noticed that before, just when I read about the symptoms I thought that he might have it. He used to collect some random stuff as a child (empty soda cans) and he also has a difficulty opening up to people, he seems shy to most strangers and even family members, but actually isn't. When he talks to somebody, he can't look the other person in the eyes, it makes him feel awkward and he has to turn away. He also keeps very much to himself, never tells anybody what he is up to or so. This is not that he just prefers his privacy (which would obviously be alright), but that he actually has a problem telling people about himself.
I don't think that Asperger's is something really bad, but it confuses me that I knew about this condition, but never actually noticed it on my brother. I have no idea if my parents know about this, and I am afraid to talk to them about this. I don't want to give them the feeling that they missed out on noticing it or treating it when my brother was a child...
I don't know if my brother should be treated with this (if it is possible anyway), but I don't want to make him feel ill or different or anything... I just notice that he has a hard time getting along with people, and I just want to make it easier for him and to make him feel better about himself.
Does somebody else here have experience with Asperger's? Should I at least try if he wants to be treated with this, or should I just leave him alone, and assume he is happy with his life right now? Because I know that I have no right to force him to do anything, and I don't want to. I just want to make sure he doesn't miss out on an opportunity that might improve his life...
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Frant
King's Bounty
Posts: 24802
Location: Your Mom
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 00:55 Post subject: |
|
|
Don't know if you can do much about it except be understanding. He requires proper diagnosis and guidance by professionals, that's imperative for him having a better life and learning how to cope with the difficulties of social interaction and interpreting signals. The family need advice and knowledge as well from a professional psychologist/psychiatrist. Doesn't matter what age an aspie is, the sooner he get some help, the sooner life will be easier for both him and the family.
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!
"The sky was the color of a TV tuned to a dead station" - Neuromancer
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 05:19 Post subject: |
|
|
Shame all kids can't be diagnosed while still in school, so learning can be tailored to suit their needs better.
Kinda like what Frant said. You don't know for sure, he requires proper diagnosis.
I am sure if you approach your parents with a attitude that isn't blaming they would be receptive. It isn't their fault. Only a small fraction of children got diagnosed with learning disabilities when your brother was in school. The information is out there so much more today.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 08:10 Post subject: |
|
|
As much as I feel sorry for you bro, I don't like people making diagnoses based on the Internet stuff.
i5 6600k @ 4.3 GHz | MSI z170 Gaming M7 | 32GB Kingston HyperX Fury | 850 Evo 500GB | EVGA 1070 SC | Seasonic X-660 | CM Storm Stryker
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 10:18 Post subject: |
|
|
Based on internet lists with syndromes, most people on this planet have a severe psychological disorder. Go to a doctor with him before causing a shitstorm.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 11:00 Post subject: |
|
|
everytime i hear about asperger syndrome, i think assburger syndrome.
DAMN YOU SOUTH PARK! DAMN YOU!
I hate you.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TSR69
Banned
Posts: 14962
Location: Republic of the Seven United Provinces
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 11:08 Post subject: |
|
|
There are already three different disorders to distinguish here from, Asperger Syndrome Disorder, Autistic Disorder, or some Pervasive Developmental Disorder (with PDD-NOS, not otherwise specified, the most common one). So be careful with labelling.
I think best way to proceed is to talk to your parents that you recognise some autistic characteristics in your little brother. They should take it from there. On the other hand he is 25 (just read the age). Hmm maybe better talk to him.
There is something else here you may want to consider. Some people despite some disorder can live meaningful lives, get a job, a girlfriend, a career. In those cases the stigma of having some disorder diagnosed, might not help them.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 12:19 Post subject: |
|
|
These things can blur together, and it's vital to get a proper diagnosis before assuming ANYTHING. It may just be "natural" shyness or whatever.
People like to put lablels on things because it makes them feel comfortable, because it gives the illusion of understanding.
But a label is not understanding.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Frant
King's Bounty
Posts: 24802
Location: Your Mom
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 17:37 Post subject: |
|
|
From personal experience with aspies, adhd etc. the common denominator is that while it was scary in the beginning they came to be grateful of knowing why they were different, why they had problems dealing with people, by getting guidance and help to better deal with their difficulties. There's a major risk that undiagnosed and untreated issues like these can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and so on.
A neuro-psychiatric examination is the ticket here. Knowing is always better in my experience.
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!
"The sky was the color of a TV tuned to a dead station" - Neuromancer
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Horrordee
Soderator
Posts: 8872
Location: England
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 17:52 Post subject: |
|
|
I work with someone who has it, good luck!
Space for rent. Contact me for rates!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TSR69
Banned
Posts: 14962
Location: Republic of the Seven United Provinces
|
| Posted: Wed, 21st Dec 2011 18:50 Post subject: |
|
|
| Frant wrote: | From personal experience with aspies, adhd etc. the common denominator is that while it was scary in the beginning they came to be grateful of knowing why they were different, why they had problems dealing with people, by getting guidance and help to better deal with their difficulties. There's a major risk that undiagnosed and untreated issues like these can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and so on.
A neuro-psychiatric examination is the ticket here. Knowing is always better in my experience. |
Knowing why you're different can be helpful so you can adjust a little or understand yourself a bit better, but biggest problem is to be treated differently (in an unfair way) that is most damaging. And that is what a (wrong) diagnosis can cause. Others don't see the person in question as a normal human being, but as something inferior and they will change their behaviour accordingly. I have been wrongly diagnosed with PDD-NOS some 7 years ago. After that I have had too may encounters with so called professionals who think, they can run your life, make the decisions for you, tell you what to do, etc. I am so sick of those of clowns I want to smash them with a baseball bat. Back to diagnosing, if more then one disorder is present, these so called professionals fuck up in general. They don't know shit. Is health care is so much better in other countries compared to the Netherlands, I doubt it.
I have spoken to some young woman (26) who studied psychology at some international university here, asked her if they get classes to learn to interpret non verbal language. You may know that at least 70% of language is non verbal. She said no. So I said: "Kinda strange that the science that studies human behaviour throws away 70% of the communication." Dunno, if this is true for all psychology courses here.
Even if they get some decent education, after that they start working in some institution or organisation, that has some kind of very strict guidelines. I dare to say that in the Netherlands most institutions/organisations have guidelines that aren't rational, ethical, psychological or juridical correct. Enough of this. About social workers, put them in a concentration camp and re-educate them with a baseball bat. Teach them respect for clients.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Thu, 22nd Dec 2011 05:24 Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for your input guys!
I think I will first talk to my parents, if they ever at least considered that he might have it. But I think actually talking to him should be my part after that, if we agree on talking to him.
I am not saying that he defiinitely has Aspergers or something like that, I usually don't trust internet diagnostics as well. But he really is a bit different than other people, and it might apply to him.
As I said, I don't want to force myself into this, and I am especially afraif of this:
[quote=iconized]There is something else here you may want to consider. Some people despite some disorder can live meaningful lives, get a job, a girlfriend, a career. In those cases the stigma of having some disorder diagnosed, might not help them.[/quote]
I will speak with my parents, and then maybe carefully ask my brother about consulting a doctor with this.
I am still going to treat him like I did before, just normal. Hell, he sure didn't have it easy with my (but who has it easy as a little brother anyway?  ), and personally I don't really care if he has it or not, I just want him to get along better in his life.
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
- Albert Camus
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
| Page 1 of 1 |
All times are GMT + 1 Hour |
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB 2.0.8 © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
|
|
 |
|
