Asperger Syndrome Support Group

Asperger syndrome - also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, Aspergers or just AS - is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence, and standard language development.

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Asperger's and depression

Aspmom
Aspmom

My son is now an adult, but was diagnosed w Asperger's as a child.  He seems to become more depressed the older he gets.  He struggles to keep jobs or find a full time job. He has moved back home.  He is content to stay in his room and only comes out when I ask him too.  He told me the other day that he has no friends.  I feel like I am not connecting with him and struggle with what I can do to help him and motivate him.  He starts counseling again next week. 



If anyone has tips on what they have done to connect to someone with Asperger's or tips on how to help with the depression associated w Asperger's, please share.  

Jenniferswe
Jenniferswe
I don't really have any advice but I do have an idea of what you are going through. My son is 19 and has Asperger's. He has been depressed for awhile. When I try to talk him about it (or about getting a job) he gets very defensive and doesn't want talk about it.
He doesn't want to go to counseling or take medication.
Taking him to a counselor is a good start
Hugs.
Heidiclark
Heidiclark
My son is 19 and has Aspergers. He hasn't yet tried to get a regular job as he is still in school and looking to go to college but the one thing that he does like to do and that makes him feel like he's contributing and making a difference is volunteering. And he has done some counseling over the years that has been helpful. Good luck.
gettingitstraight
gettingitstraight
my daughter is only 17 and she is a senior. also has aspergers her condition she is going to struggle with once she graduates in may and even more so once shes 18 in august. my daughter is always on her phone on the apps Instagram and such she has one friend technically but if you ask her she has a lot but most of them just pick on and tease her so the friend thing will be an issue again soon,

my daughter also gets very defensive about the working thing. the way she is, talking to her sometimes doesn't go well when i try to talk to her all at once about everything. so i try to do teaching moments i have two daughters that live with me mostly and go to there moms two days a week so if i catch something that i think we need to talk about i do it then but only for a minute or two because i don't want her getting on the defensive or i use the time that i drive them to their moms to have conversations with her so it doesn't get elevated
Ichthymom
Ichthymom
I don't have first hand experience but I just want to wish you the best with the counseling. That sounds like the best option you have to help him cope with his depression and other concerns you have for him.
shemichele1
shemichele1
Hi Aspmom. My son also has Asperger's syndrome and he is 21. My son is also very depressed and takes medication. Being a person with Asperger's syndrome, your self-esteem takes a major hit and therefore most young adults with this syndrome suffer from very low self-esteem and depression. Counseling is an awesome start! Also... I wish these kids had friends because they are so lonely and isolated. My son has very few to no friends. I tried utilizing our states Vocation Rehabilitation services to help my son get a job so he has something to do with his time. I try to connect with my son by watching stand-up comedy together, going to music concerts with him, (I've been to Slip Kot 3 times, and I'm 52 lol) I hug him a lot!! We went to counseling together and it helped me to understand what he is going through. I suggest trying to get him outside more, even just to go to the park with you and toss a frisbee with your dog. If he doesn't have a dog... an animal like a dog can be a huge help. There are horse therapy clinics that specialize in teens with depression, trauma, and conditions like Aspergers Syndrome. The best advice I can give you is, to be honest with him. Tell him how much you worry about him and that you need him to open up and let you in, and let you help him.