Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
Its been a long laborious four months. My mom was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in early June and she died 93 days after diagnosis. I had moved in with my mom and my 50 year old 'special needs' brother - whom my mom protected his entire life...thinking she was doing him a favor. Pete was diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy when he was two or even younger. He had brain surgery...and I was told all my life that he was "SLOW" but highly functioning. Peter takes trips to Australia, Europe and all over the US if he feels the urge. Usually with groups of people - so his interactions are so - so. As long as he converses what he wants to say to another, then he basically lets you speak after he is through...but he doesn't engage in the conversation...if that makes sense. He has always been a counter - right now he is counting every single catalog that comes in the mail and daily tally's it...the other day he was doing his change and taking it to the bank. You see he does interact with others, it's just in his own bubble of sorts. Well with mom gone, he is very disturbed that the pattern of his life is being altered and well it has to be - a component is missing. And not to take up too much time...I have been in-touch with the state of AZ and they are sending me docs to fill out to just have him eligible for benefits and counseling from someone who can understand his plight. My husband and I do not want him placed in any homes, we just want to be able to attend to his medical needs, and his social needs and his behavioral needs. And since he was born in 1961 they didn't do a lot of diagnosing of autism with people who were 'brain damaged' you see brain damaged was their label. So I am dealing with someone who never says thank you - who is mad at me all the time because he thinks I am changing his life...not the other way around...and I am perplexed and mystified. I am hopeful we will get a 'diiagnosis' and then I won't take it so personally...but I love my brother and I am grieving the loss of my mom, and have been uprooted to care for Pete...help me understand if anyone else is familiar with this kind of late diagnosis???
The dx of Autism didn't exist in the 60's, Dr's knew about it here in the states but they couldn't use it as a official dx.
I hope that you get your brother the help he needs to make both your and his life better.
Have you checked into independent living? Truthfully he doesn't sound like he needs a lot of help other than I would assume that your mom paid the bills and shopped so he may not know how to do those things. There are programs that allow for their living on their own and then having somebody work with them to see if they can handle their own finances.
Hugs and prayers going out to you ^j^