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.
I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Leslie. I am 29, married to a atypical guy, we have one son ( 1 and a half years old) and currently expecting our second child in Aug. I had a severe speech impediment when I was little and did intensive speech therapy for 8 years. My parents worked with me outside of speech therapy when I was home. It drove me nuts (They would make me repeat a word till I said it right, or make me writing and practice my spellling words till I could get them right all the time) then but I understand now how much it helped me overcome those challenges.. I was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder in high school and then as an adult (after college) diagnosed with Aspergers. I went to college and ironically majored in social work and Psychology. I began working in 2009 . I worked at a substance abuse inpatient treatment program as a counselor and my co-workers all noticed my behaviors and recommended I get screened for Aspergers. Once I was diagnosed all my behaviors made much more since to me but my family and my husband just do not understand or except the diagnosis.
I tried Irlen Lenses which worked wonderfully but I choose the wrong type of frame and light could get through. Plus I did not go with getting a prescription in my Irlen glasses as back then I wore contacts. My husband who paid for the lenses think they are a scam since I can manage without them. But, the lenses really helped my reading comphrension and headaches. I still struggle with anxiety and treat with alternative methods like essential oils and herbs. I long for a weighted blanket to help me sleep. Again my husband thinks they are a waste of money.
I have an elderly Uncle who we suspect is on the Autism Spectrum and my husband's nephew is now diagnosed with Autism. However, the mother only uses what intervention he gets at school. She does nothing to complement his services at home which makes me really sad. (As I know from experience the difference early intervention can make). He only gets speech therapy once a week and has zero structure outside of school. She does not make him do chores even when she tells him to put something up she does it for him.
I hope by joining this group I can learn more about what care givers face in getting services for child and learn more about how to better support caregivers.
I am currently going to grad school to obtain my degree in master's of community mental health counseling and eventually would love to work with Autistic/ on the spectrum individuals and their caregivers.
I tried Irlen Lenses which worked wonderfully but I choose the wrong type of frame and light could get through. Plus I did not go with getting a prescription in my Irlen glasses as back then I wore contacts. My husband who paid for the lenses think they are a scam since I can manage without them. But, the lenses really helped my reading comphrension and headaches. I still struggle with anxiety and treat with alternative methods like essential oils and herbs. I long for a weighted blanket to help me sleep. Again my husband thinks they are a waste of money.
I have an elderly Uncle who we suspect is on the Autism Spectrum and my husband's nephew is now diagnosed with Autism. However, the mother only uses what intervention he gets at school. She does nothing to complement his services at home which makes me really sad. (As I know from experience the difference early intervention can make). He only gets speech therapy once a week and has zero structure outside of school. She does not make him do chores even when she tells him to put something up she does it for him.
I hope by joining this group I can learn more about what care givers face in getting services for child and learn more about how to better support caregivers.
I am currently going to grad school to obtain my degree in master's of community mental health counseling and eventually would love to work with Autistic/ on the spectrum individuals and their caregivers.
When it comes to the aspergers, I've grown out of a lot of the issues. I still have some of the sensory problems. I can't go in loud, noisy or busy stores. I have really bad social skills. The doctor said I am at the social level of a preschooler and I'm 24 for crying out loud. How embarrassing. I just feel bad for my husband, who is 51. He doesn't need to deal with this. He knows everything about me, he knew how I was when we got married 2 years ago, but now I'm labeled. So I guess it doesn't really change anything, I just need to get a job.
I know this really has nothing to do with what you were just talking about in your blog thingy, but I also have word vomit as my best friend describes it.
I am 35 and was diagnosed with Asperger's when I was 12. Everyone says I have 'Brains to burn' but can't get a job for love nor money. At the moment I'm still a Carer for my Grandmother; who will be 90 at the end of April; and feel that finding work is just too much hassle. When I did have normal jobs I didn't last long in them because I felt uncomfortable and didn't look after myself properly.
I am hoping to get a House of my own through a Mental Health Charity. Also, I am in need of better luck in life. (I just feel some are born lucky)
I can understand not feeling comfortable at a work place. Think I only did ok because people knew what I had before I did. However, I did not last at my last job. It was impossible to navigate the workplace politics and no one understood Autism or Aspergers. The kicker was that I was surrounded by psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social worker....Only a neuro psychologist they had got it and that was because she has it. Depending on where you are located they do have resources for adults on the spectrum. I hope your luck turns around and soon.