willow3's comments

Adults with Asperger's Disorder - Blog Entry

01 Nov 2008 09:05 PM

My son has been to numerous psychiatrists since 13 years old. He is now 27 and is in trouble.

His problem is that he doesn't open up. I worked with him when younger to make eye contact with people. He is very bright (was in gifted and talented, but opted out); but NEVER fit in with his peers. He is painfully shy. Never had close friends. Very small in stature and still is. Always seemed rude to me because he would virtually ignore my friends when they would say "Hi". Was animated when very young, but became very rote. Was institutionalized twice for "failed attempt at suicide" as teenager; don't believe he would have gone through with it. Always bullied in school. Medicated for severe depression and anxiety (prozac, wellbutrin, klonopin). Some say he is impulsive and may have ADHD.

He has never fit in. Hates his life and doesn't understand why he is so different from his siblings. Why does he have so much trouble living?

He is now in trouble with law for a meeting a girl online who pretended to be of age. He gave his real age, was on an ADULT dating website, and believed the girl was telling him the truth about her age. She contacted him. Even though he is in trouble for this, cannot rationalize. Believes that the girl needed him and will not blame her for his problem. Doesn't understand society's rules. Has no ill will towards the girl and how she has virtually destroyed his life.

Very seldom would attend family social gatherings. Doesn't like to be around people. Becomes very anxious in social situations.

Extremely smart in math, music, art. Can remember multiple account numbers, Vin numbers, car license number, etc., by heart. I can't even remember one. Says it is easy for him because he sees patterns. Says his mind races. Cannot stand noise.

I never understood why is was so different from my other children. He has a good heart and would never harm anyone, yet now he faces criminal charges. I wonder if he does have Aspergers and if so why was he never diagnosed. The psychiatrists who have recently met with him because of the charges say he is NOT a child predator, but doesn't realize the consequences of his actions. Could he have aspergers? If so, would this explain his problem?

Where do I go from here? My son is now in jail with people who may do him harm, whereas he would never hurt any one.

At a loss with a breaking heart. My son is suffering where he is. The noise is getting to him. Cannot communicate with the others and very afraid. I don't know how much longer he can survive in there before his case comes up.

Please give me some guidance.