Hi. I am the mom of four amazing kids. My oldest son is 17, and I am only just beginning to consider aspergers. He has suffered from social anxiety, depression, toileting issues until just the past year, and angry outbursts. He doesn't now, nor has he ever, seem to care about anyone but himself. My 15 year old daughter I'm certain is on the spectrum. She has a very high IQ, only talks about anime, doesn't comb her hair or keep herself neat. She follows every rule to the T and also suffers from depression from time to time. She eats only Red Baron cheese pizza or chicken strips. You can't hug her and she hoards things in her room. She is a gifted artist and very loving child. Reading about the different aspects of aspergers in regards to her is what made me think that could be the problem with my son, too, although they are opposites for sure.
I am on this forum today for the first time because after years I am feeling exhausted by all of this. Last night at Christmas my son wouldn't speak to anyone in the extended family and refused to have his picture taken. This morning in church I tried to fix a loose scraggly lock of my daughter's hair and she fumed at me. The two younger siblings are starting to mimic some of the behaviors of the older two, and I'm at a loss for what to do. I'm wondering if we need to get them assessed and how that might affect them at their ages. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
I am on this forum today for the first time because after years I am feeling exhausted by all of this. Last night at Christmas my son wouldn't speak to anyone in the extended family and refused to have his picture taken. This morning in church I tried to fix a loose scraggly lock of my daughter's hair and she fumed at me. The two younger siblings are starting to mimic some of the behaviors of the older two, and I'm at a loss for what to do. I'm wondering if we need to get them assessed and how that might affect them at their ages. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
From what you've written, it does seem very likely that they are indeed both on the spectrum. Does their father share any similar characteristics? There is quite a strong genetic link to autism. In terms of getting them assessed, I have to give my whole hearted recommendation to that idea. If it does turn out that they have autism, an accurate assessment could save them a LOT of unnecessary confusion and pain in the future. I got my diagnosis late (at 35) and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, because suddenly my whole life made sense! If you do choose to try for a diagnosis, I recommend choosing a psychiatrist that specialises in autism, 'general' psychiatrists can sometimes be a bit dismissive. I wish you the best of luck!
