HELP!

Post Reply New Topic

Hi! I'm new to this site...I really need anyone's advice on this issue. I am not an Aussie nor do I have any autistic related disorder but I believe my boyfriend is what is considered a high functioning Austic person. Why do I think this? Well, we have been together for one year and I have noticed wierd behavior especially during social funtions like parties, gigs. WE are both musicians (I am a singer/songwriter and he is a drummer and I must say a damn good one!) But, I have witnessed these things like he gets blown out when there is a change in plans or an emergency situation where I need his help to like help me when my car overheated. Well, he gets very upset and doesn't want to deal with it at all!! ! Or, he needs so much focus to drive or read... I mean if I talk around him he gets highly irritated. When we meet people he repeats himself over and over again and does odd things like when shaking hands he gets real close to the person...He is taking thyroid medication and blames his behavior on the fact that there are side effects and I can agree on that but several months ago we wen to his home town and one of his friends from high school (and he is in his early forties) said he was "socially inept" or "kinda wierd with people". He is a loner, prefers more time alone and we see each other on weekends and he complains that is too frequent some times. Are these symptoms of a person who is autistic? It is stressing me out and I can't take it anymore although I do love him. I suggested I would to with him for counseling and he said he would go but I'm not sure.

Any help is appreciated....I am exhausted!! !!
Blu Lady

Hi BluLady - welcome to WP!

Well, a lot of what you describe sounds like traits of a person on the autistic spectrum. You should be aware that if he is on the spectrum, he probably isn't likely to change his behavior anytime soon.

Is he open to the possibility that he might have Asperger's Syndrome, or some other autistic spectrum disorder? If he is, the two of you might want to start reading up on the subject - Tony Attwood's "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" is probably the best place to start.

Either way, I think your best course of action is to be accepting & understanding.

Welcome to WP!

Hi BluLady and Welcome.

He could just have social anxiety,although the traits certainly overlap with Asperger's.
I'd second Zeichner's suggestion of a Tony Attwood book being a good place to start.That's how I learned about all the background to my own similar traits.

To WrongPlanet!! !

Welcome, Blu Lady, to the Wrong Planet community.