Adult son

[Becky]

#6951

I’m completely new to Autism but after doing much research I believe my son who is 29 has always shown symptoms. Although he was seen by various professionals during his childhood this was never picked up. He was oxygen deprived at birth and eventually diagnosed with ADHD.

I was wondering if I listed his symptoms here if any of you who are more experienced in this matter could comment on whether you feel I’m on the right track.

No control over bowel or bladder as a child. Impossible to toilet train. Only gained control in early teens.
Didn’t make friends easily and was a loner at school.
Kept himself separate from the rest of his family.
Violent temper. Impossible to discipline, even at boarding school.
Repetitive noises and movement of legs when seated.
OCD

As an adult he’s very anti-social and still displays OCD behavior and bad temper. Very impulsive. Overreacts to situations. No empathy or consideration for others or animals. I have thought that he shows traits of narcissism, but lately Im wondering if I’m on the wrong track.

I’ve moved to the same country as him nine months ago and started working with him to help him in his business. However I find that he reacts badly to the slightest thing. In my case, raising of eyebrows and later a sigh has led to him firing me and telling me he wants nothing more to do with me. He has completely cut me off. I just find this behavior bizarre and feel there’s definitely a problem. He has done this to other people in his employ and friends too.

Any advice would be so appreciated.
Thank you
Becky

[Becky]

#6964

I wrote the above post over a week ago but have received no replies. Is this forum still active? Would love some feedback if anyone reads this. Thanks.

[ghostdzog]

#6965

Hello Becky
not sure why no one has answered your message.
I guess that not many people belong to this forum? not sure.

I got an email so thought I would reply to help

I think that you could very well be on the right track regarding your son.
Although please keep in mind I am not a medical professional but someone also with autism (Asperger syndrome).

Many of the symptoms that you have listed can be associated with Autism.
The jumpy limbs is often associated with Autism. Periodic limb movement disorder.

Although in my experience the limb movement disorder can also be caused by too much dopamine which can in turn be caused by a high dose of venlafaxine.
Perhaps only people with the disposition are affected? Not sure, cant say.

What you mention as tantrums, if autism related would not necessarily be tantrums in the naughty sense but overstimulation and lack of control over cognitive function that prevents overstimulation. If your son has autism then the tantrum thing will not be controllable although there may be things that can be done to reduce the chances of overstimulation happening.

I think that your best bet would be to find a specialist, as to be brutally honest. General practitioners are usually absolutely useless when it comes to autism especially where the patients IQ is normal or higher than normal.

The problem with doctors is that many of them think they know everything but don’t.

The problem with autism is that it is a neurological condition and disability that is invisible. it can not be diagnosed by how someone looks.

The additional problem is that previously people associated being retarded with autism. Autism is not a retardation but a neurological diversity or impairment.

I recommend that you seek out a clinical psychologist who has a specialism in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder/Condition.
As a good experienced professional will be able to make a good assessment.

Hope this helps
the books by Tony Atwood are also useful for Asperger Syndrome.

[Becky]

#6973

Thank you so much for replying to my post.
I agree with you that a specialist would be the first step.
And I wouldn’t hesitate if my son were still a child.
Unfortunately he’s a man of almost 30 and an extremely stubborn and arrogant one too.
I can only hope that he’ll realise for himself and seek help. Then I can give him the support needed.

[Author]

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