General Chat

I chatted with an old friend yesterday and her son of 25 has just been diagnosed wtih Aspergers, never picked up when in school or college, and is now becoming reclusive and uncaring about himself. He has no friends. My friend can't find a way to get through to him about his future or even the present, he can't find work and is being pressurised by the Dole office or whatever it's called, and has never held down a full time job. My friend has no other children and has been a single parent for a long time now.
Is there anyone who is in a similar situation with an adult suffferer who can suggest ways of getting help - there seems to be very little available to sufferers who aren't of school age and my friend is very concerned about her son's future.

If anyone would pm me or add on here I can pass the info on to my friend or if they would be willing to talk with her it might help her through this difficult time. I will listen to her anytime but have no experience in this situation to be able to offer constructive help.

Thanks,

Lizx

www.autism.org.uk/

I know personally that they have help groups all over the uk, so should be able to help/advise her.

Just to confirm with Carol that I once contacted them and received their advice. They were able to suggest some reading matter which they were able to provide, given that the condition seems to be different for each person. Hope your friend receives some help. -jl

uuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmm Has he become like this since they were told?? sounds like hes depressed

Hi Liz,

I have an adult daughter who was diagnosed with AS 10 years ago at the age of 32. The symptoms you list are typical of the condition.

The link given by Carol is a very good one - it's for the National Autistic Society and they have all the expertise you could ask for.


I'm on a steering group with NHS and Social Services reps in our area and would advise your friend to contact her local Adult Services Manager to see what is being done to implement the Autism Strategy in her area.

Unfortunately, trying to get support does involve a lot of pressure to get people to listen and understand.

If your friend would like my email address, then just let me know.


Autism is such a flamin' complex thing at times.........

Good wishes to your friend. Cx.

It appears when they become legaly adult, unless they contact the various government departments themselves,dole etc their parents are told it is non of their buisiness.I Have a 28 years old grandson who was diagnosed when very young as soon as he reached 18 very little was done to help. His father tried and tried to explain he could not look after himself to no avail. He has left home and is dirty unkempt and preyed upon by his peer group, he can't manage his money, eats and eats and we are all at a loss as to how to help as the powers that be tell us to go away he is an adult. Elaine :-( :-( :-(

That is sad Elaine, Maybe you could get advice from the people suggested above.

Thanks to all of you who responded on here and by pm and text, I will talk to my friend and get her to read the above and put her in touch with those who have offered.

I think it's awful that it's so hard to access help for older people who are diagnosed, my friend had no idea while he was at school and college and it's only the last couple of years that the problem has become more obvious.

I shouldn't be surprised I suppose, re the lack of help, as I have found it so with my own ocd problems etc but it annoys me that these mental health problems aren't covered, yet there is masses of help for those who willingly get themselves into smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse.

Thanks again

Lizxx

Help must vary from area to area. We have no complaints about the help and support given to our adult autistic nephew.

He lives in a sheltered flat in a block with three others with special needs of some kind and they each have their own designated social workers who keep an eye out for them plus they are visted daily by carers who help them with day to day household chores and take them food shopping.

They are given help to find employent and our nephew has a part time job in a school kitchen. They are taken out for social activities but are also welcomed by the regulars at the local pub.

We did have to stamp our feet a lot to get the help he needed but we're very happy with how things are now and, more importantly, so is he.

Gwynne

Thanks Gwynne and others who have replied - my friend has read this thread and the responses and I will be putting her in touch with those who pm'd me etc asap.

I think you are right Gwynne, it is a postcode lottery regarding what help is available, and as with many things, a lot of footstamping and pushiness is necessary to get the help that should be more easily available.

Thanks again folks, will keep you posted on progress if my friend agrees

Lizxx