Will (properly treated) aspergers intensify, or diminish with age ?

My grandson is 7 yrs and my daughter is having him evaluated for autism / aspergers. We have a family history of mental illness that went untreated / misdiagnosed, and ended in (2) suicides - My father and my older brother (the child's great-grandfather and great-uncle, respectively).

I am hoping to hear that my grandson will have a great chance of living a happy, successful life if he recieves proper attention and treatment now, but I'm worried. I was very close to my brother, and although I didn't understand his conditions, I watched him struggle his whole lifetime. He seemed to dramatically deteriorate in his last years and he took his life at 54. My father killed himself at age 47. (I'm 54 by the way, and living a very happy and fulfilled life).
Is it inevitable that mental illness will end tragically, or do some sufferers life long enough to die of natural causes????

[skepticalpeach]

Nothing is inevitable when it comes to mental illnesses. I think it's important not to underestimate what a person with autism/aspergers can accomplish.

I gotta be honest with you, 7 is kind of old to be seeking an autism dx. Why wasn't this addressed earlier? Early intervention is key to helping a child live a good life. On the other hand people diagnosed with autism are placed on a spectrum. Which means that they may be high functioning and only show a few symptoms. I can't say how your grandson will live out his life without knowing his symptoms. If he does get a diagnosis and receives help his chances of avoiding depression, and thus suicide, are much higher. I am so sorry to hear that this has plagued your family! No matter what I would get him a therapist to help him figure out life. Clearly your daughter is worried about him for some reason and therapy can only help him.

[marycyr]

We've been working with his school and medical doctor for many years; he's always displayed some mild signs of aspergers (he will figit and 'growl' under his breath when agitated, he will burst out in appropriately in quiet moments, and he's always be 'mechanical' in his play),but my daughter's resources (the pediatrician he's seen since birth, and his school - he's a Montessori student who's done quite well, makes friends, acheives academically, he shows affection easily and will relate to others in emotional terms)... they didn't feel he really warranted a closer until just this last few weeks. I think everyone has been hesitant to label him as he's not a dramatic case. The psychiatrist he saw last week assured my daughter that it appears he's very mildly affected / and very high functioning and would most likely benefit from behavioral modification therapy and play therapy, but doesn't look like medications are warranted. I'm trying to maintain the most positive outlook possible, and I always convey that to my daughter/son-in-law, but privately I'm quite worried; I've just seen too many family members struggle for a lifetime, only to end it tragically!!!  I'm hopeful we'll get on top of this and he's gonna thrive and be a happy, successful boy.
thanks for your input- it's very helpful to talk about it!

[Etiean]

"Treated?" You speak as if it was some sort of disease. I certianly don't see mine as a disease.

Maybe its you who needs the treatment.

[marycyr]

Wow. Came to this site for help and insight..did expect to be lambasted for it. Good bye