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.
Any older aspies have a hard time finding a therapist that is understands not only Aspergers but some of the accumulated feelings over the years?
I'm not trying to whine, but I'm 52 and was diagnosed by a pscyhologist in a another state 3 hrs away. She is mostly cognitive behavioral and won't deal with some of the feelings (anger, sadness, rejection) that I've felt.
I am high functioning, work full-time but I have a lot of stress. I had a therapist for a year that although she said she understood Aspergers, she really didn't and just kept telling me it didn't matter that I had Aspergers, I'd done fine for years and just needed to be assertive.
Nobody in my small city deals with Adult Aspergers and the closest place appears to be about 6 hours away.
I have been trying to find a therapist and had an intake session with a psychologist who told me on the phone she didn't know about aspergers but was willing to learn.
When I briefly explained I had a bad experience with therapy before, she basically said it must have been my fault and she didn't know if she could work with me because I've had different therapists and doctors over the years (27 yrs to be exact) and didn't think I was workable. I am really tired of being misunderstood
Two long term friends that I've had who are therapists (that don't understand Aspergers) keep telling me to hang in there. One keeps telling me I need to go to AA or Alanon (I've been sober for 27 yrs) That is not what I need right now! Just venting....
I'm not trying to whine, but I'm 52 and was diagnosed by a pscyhologist in a another state 3 hrs away. She is mostly cognitive behavioral and won't deal with some of the feelings (anger, sadness, rejection) that I've felt.
I am high functioning, work full-time but I have a lot of stress. I had a therapist for a year that although she said she understood Aspergers, she really didn't and just kept telling me it didn't matter that I had Aspergers, I'd done fine for years and just needed to be assertive.
Nobody in my small city deals with Adult Aspergers and the closest place appears to be about 6 hours away.
I have been trying to find a therapist and had an intake session with a psychologist who told me on the phone she didn't know about aspergers but was willing to learn.
When I briefly explained I had a bad experience with therapy before, she basically said it must have been my fault and she didn't know if she could work with me because I've had different therapists and doctors over the years (27 yrs to be exact) and didn't think I was workable. I am really tired of being misunderstood
Two long term friends that I've had who are therapists (that don't understand Aspergers) keep telling me to hang in there. One keeps telling me I need to go to AA or Alanon (I've been sober for 27 yrs) That is not what I need right now! Just venting....
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I find myself going places in the car and not wanting to get out of the car. I come back home and I don't want to get out of the car. I think it's the only time I spend reflecting. Chronic tiredness from Long Covid plus the immunosupressing meds for my Crohn's is slowing me down but everything just seems a massive effort. I am dealing with the paperwork following my father's death but it's not...
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Wow, it's the middle of the week already!Today is our 11 year anniversary, so we're going out to a nice dinner. I'm losing a lot of sleep these days, hence a wonky schedule and uncomfortable feelings. But I know it will pass, eventually.I hope all of you have a peaceful day, and may good things come your way!
My late wife was actually an experienced Jungian therapist and I've come to the conclusion that there are alot of not very good therapists - whether experienced or not because they don't really have the empathy or are prepared to work on solutions which will work for the individual. Unlike Bipolar alot of the issues that people have are also found in the general population so really a good therapist should be able to work with that.
That's probably not much help but I guess it's a long way of saying "me too" and to also add "a good therapist should be able to do this"
Use it to interview new therapists, and keep trying until you find one with whom you can work.
I really think this could be helpful to you... I'm very interested in working with Adults who have Asperger's when I finish my degree. My husband has a mild version also... Hope this info is helpful...
Good Luck!
Denise
http://support.autism-society.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1164&sid=15586&pg=blog
One of the places listed may be able to direct you to something locally. When we were trying to get a second official diagnosis for my son who is an adult Aspie, Hope Haven (in Florida) was one of the places we had contacted. There is one in Iowa, so they may be one place to start for a referral to a treating therapist.
If you are working, and your employer has an Employee Assistance Program, or if you have psych coverage through your insurance, contact them. My EAP counselor helped me and did the initial diagnosis for my son. Just a thought...
Hugs...
Cliffskat, thank you for the autism society address....yes, there is a Hope Haven about 50 miles from where I live, but it's my understanding that the agency mostly deals with severely disabled children and adults, but I can check. There is a local chapter for Autism in my community, but again they deal mostly with children and the schools. I have not given up though, I greatly appreciate all of the support and info!