Ideas for article on autism/Asperger's in adulthood

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Jen2779
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20 Dec 2013, 11:10 am

I'm writing an article about autism/Asperger's in adulthood. I would love to hear your thoughts about what's important for people to know on this topic. What do you think people should know about adults with autism/Asperger's that they don't already know, or might have misconceptions about? What aspects of autism in adulthood do you think haven't been covered enough in the media, or haven't been covered as well as they could be? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!



Marky9
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20 Dec 2013, 11:40 am

- First, developmentally there are three distinct age ranges that, unfortunately, in English are commonly referred to collectively as "adulthood". These are often called 1) young adulthood, 2) mid-adulthood, 3) late adulthood. Each of these three has unique characteristics that are sadly usually disregarded in favor of the casual convenience of the single rubric "adulthood". I believe there is important new ground to be covered by raising discussions to this higher level of knowledge.

- In mid-adulthood, if symptoms are perceived as being less pronounced than in the usual clinical description of Asperger's, it may simply be because a mid-adult is applying years of training. It does not mean that the disorder has lessened with age.

- Following on the preceding, in later adulthood the cognitive overhead of rigorously and continuously applying said training becomes increasingly costly and difficult to maintain, and so some re-emergence of typical symptoms may be observed in late adulthood. This is sometimes referred to as "burnout".


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AardvarkGoodSwimmer
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20 Dec 2013, 1:04 pm

One way of looking at the Asperger's-Autism Spectrum is that it is first and foremost sensory issues. This is looking at the spectrum from the inside. Focusing on communication issues is looking at the spectrum from the outside.

And I like people. And I like doing constructive activities such as work, school, activism, volunteer work. I just need more alone time and more downtime than the average person. And this should not be viewed as a major crime.



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20 Dec 2013, 7:26 pm

The biggest misperception not only about adults but for all ages is the idea that it is a geek syndrome or just about social awkwardness. It is a PERVASIVE development disorder/difference involving, sensory issues, executive function, black and white thinking, special interests as well as the social issues. It is also a spectrum in the true sense of the word. Unlike people who have let's say Multiple Scleroses you can't see we have it or the issues we face just by by looking at us. Because it is not visible people assume we are lazy or using it as an excuse.

1. Harder to diagnose because the adult has learned to cope to some degree and the traits had to be there in early childhood. Parents are dead or do not remember. Poor record keeping, lost records.

2. Many adults are still undiagnosed or get diagnosed extremely late because the knowledge was lacking and in the case of Aspergers the condition was unknown when the adults were children. Also less is known about how it presents itself in adults and paucity of services and help for adults

3. Relationships and employment problems and lack of employment and relationships in an ever increasing social and multitasking world.


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DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.