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Trinidad Autism: Asperger's Syndrome - Page 2

Name: Michael

Comments: hi, but if you an adult and as Asperger syndrome...where do you get help,since most people don't have the understand I need?

Syndrome Aspergers Autism Trinidad

Name: Devon

Comments: I'm unsure if this is the appropriate forum but I've decided to ask anyway as there are so few forums on this topic with respect to Trinidad and Tobago.

I'm curious about any doctors/institutions that specialize in or address the concerns of adults who suspect they have Asperger's syndrome. Specifically any doctors who can disprove or prove my suspicions. Mental illness and depression do run in my family.

I have recently discovered it and through some generalized questions I suspect that I may have it to some degree.

Any information is appreciated. Even if it's the point away from the wrong direction.

Trinidad Autism: Asperger's Syndrome Caribbean / Tobago & Trinidad

Devon, any professional psychologist should be able to test you and determine if you have Aspergers. The usual procedure for adults abroad, is to use the Autism Spectrum Quotient Test (AQ), basically it's a test of 50 questions that will help the psychologist to make a diagnosis. When you contact psychologists, you should ask them if they can perform this test on you and if they don't know what you are talking about, well you know they're not the right professional.

Keep in mind that in high functioning autism (And in my experience with one of my kids) it seems like doctors have a problem in making a diagnosis when the child or adult have few signs of autism or it's not visibly apparent.

Page 2 Syndrome Aspergers Autism Trinidad

Name: Devon

Comments: Thank you LDS_forever for your reply.

The AQ test was actually what I was referring too. After performing the quiz I was skeptical but I'd rather be proven wrong than right in this case.

The quiz is run by an autism research institute in Sweden. [..] It targets, in particular, adults. It's 150 questions though.

Syndrome Aspergers Autism Trinidad

Devon, I believe doctors also have other ways to diagnose Aspergers in adults. Does it affect your every day life? What event/events prompted you to take the test? I am of the belief that there are a lot of people out there with Aspergers/HFA who are undiagnosed.

Trinidad Autism: Asperger's Syndrome

Comments:

I've never considered myself anti-social or a bigot but it's the impression people seem to get. I abhor physical contact, the feeling of someone's body heat on my skin makes me squirm. This just makes people think I am cold.

The only persons I feel remotely comfortable showing affection to are my maternal aunt, sister and maternal grandmother (in that order), not even my own mother and father.

I try but it just comes out as aggression toward my mother, which just makes me feel guilty after the anger dies and I realize what I've done.

She damaged her back and asked that I take her to the doctor, I had been rewiring my PC at the time and it just irritated me so much. I ended up driving too fast. I think I made it worst. She made me drive back home and she drove herself. My sister came into my room a little later saying my aunt told her something is wrong with my mother. She was saying she doesn't want to live anymore.

I have never felt like a more horrid person.

With a single action, I hurt 3 people.

I wanted to die. Just get this all over with.

My dad, I think he knows I'm 'not all here' so he's patient. With my dad we can at least bond over a documentary or similar common ground.

I start work soon, this is the 4th job I've had in 4 years. I don't expect a good experience and I am fearful of gaining a bad reputation.

Trips to places terrify me. I intentionally try to select areas that are out of the way and most people would avoid. Driving has become a constant battle against my impulsions to run over every bad driver I come across (ironic?).

I'm not social, although I try sometimes it just turns into a disaster, especially with the opposite sex I'm not particularly interested in sex or love anymore and I think I give off the wrong impression.

Over the last 6 years I'd prefer to play MMO's or prob just hang out with my sister in my room or the one friend I do have.

If I go out I feel like people are constantly staring or that someone will attack me. I have to come up with escape routes or find something in the environment that I can use as a weapon in a hurry.

This had affected my education greatly, over the last six years I've started 3 different programs, I even managed to keep a decent 2.8 GPA in one but as soon as I start I get bored and I can't stand being in a classroom.

I get looks for asking questions. I get looks for answering questions. I get looks because I sit by myself. I hate people who look at me.

One lecturer out rightly told me- do not bother to learn it, just do this or that to pass the test. This just irritated me to the point where I felt like physically hurting him or people I saw him with.

This is also the case with my current educational pursuit. I feel like wanting to learn has become a novelty, it is very frustrating.

This is not normal. Not from what I observe other people doing.

My best answer to this is my entire life, most recently my highs and lows are more intense. I do SI for contentment but it just makes me feel sick when I realize what I've become. I can't even look at myself in the mirror, if I see a photo of myself it angers me.

The only thing keeping me here is the promise made to my sister and the that I refuse to leave my grandmother to grieve another grandchild. She took care of all of us, they are the only family I know. I don't want to hurt them intentionally.

I'm not even looking for a normal life anymore. I just want to understand why I'm like this. At least that answer will make things bearable. I apologize for this lengthy comment.

Trinidad Autism Asperger's Syndrome - Page 2

Hi Devon, please do not apologize. "Talking" about it is therapeutic in a way. I have three young children with autism (high functioning) so I live under constant and chronic stress. Life is hard.

Based on what you wrote, there are many possibilities (not just autism although it does sound like it). However, the most important thing right now is for you to get the proper help and get diagnosed. Once you are diagnosed, it will be a little easier for you to search online for tips and things you need to cope, including medication (if needed).

Did you search for any psychologist who can help you?

Trinidad Autism Asperger's Syndrome Trinidad & Tobago / Caribbean - Page 2

This situation is absolutely disheartening. We have many children with High Functioning Autism who need programmes that could them succeed in life.