Family Member has AS - What Next?

[davis909]

Recently found out that one of my siblings in their twenties has AS. This has come as somewhat of a shock as well as a relief. I was skeptical at first, but I have accepted that this is going to take understand and work on everyone's part. My question is, what can I do, and what should I do first? My sibling is more than capable of interacting on a basic level; has a (bad) job, a few friends, and has had romantic partners, but lacks the ability to do what is necessary to live on their own; find a better job, seek higher career learning, the ability to go socialize on their own, ect.

I realize getting them into therapy and and, if necessary, on medication is probably the first step. What next?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ste11aeres]

The first step is to learn everything you can about Aspergers, and to learn most of it from people who themselves have it. You're starting off well by coming to this site. Books by Tony Atwood, are good. There is also a really good series of Youtube videos by a guy named Linus who uses the Youtube name InjuredMinds.

Is the family member a man or woman?

 

[oscar2012]

i agree with Stellaeres the knowledge you will get is from your family member

 

[wyverary]

Besides from what Ste11aeres suggested (learning about it), there is no one particular answer. Is their living at home causing any problems? How in tune are they to their own condition; what is their own take on it? Do they, and the rest of their family, have any particular goal in mind (employment, school, increased functioning/coping skills)?

I am assuming that, since this is a sibling, you already know them quite well. Reading up on autism spectrum disorders can perhaps help you understand this sibling better--"why they do what they do," you could say. Do you think learning of their diagnosis has shed light on aspects of their behavior that may have eluded you previously?