20 Year Old Son Aspergers

[jeejay]

I am almost certain my 20 year old son has Asperger's. He has almost all the symptoms. It will most likely be difficult for him to find the kind of employment where he will be able to make an adequate living and also receive health care benefits. Can you suggest our first move to get him diagnosed and then what course we can take to find out what resources may be available to him in the way of health care and employment opportunities. He is attending community college, but he is having some difficulties in his classes and in finding out what his niche may be.

Thank you


This discussion is related to Could my 25 year old have asperger's syndrome.

[jeejay]

Hi Sally. We live in Michigan, US. Yes, I have spoken to my son about this and he is going to be fine with this information about himself. I think it will ultimately be a positive thing in his life that he knows about Asperger's and what resources and people this knowledge may open him up to. I am thankful that he has been able to move through mainstream schooling and now college due to his admirable effort and attitude. Right now his biggest obstacle is finding out a major that is right for him. After a year of college, he is now going to change his major. He has been to doctor's all his life and his diagnosis have been "clumsy", "ADD" and "essential tremor". The only one of those three I agree with is 'Essential Tremor". It will be good, I think, if he can understand why he has had such difficulties socially. Through the years, he has told me that he is comfortable with himself and accepts that he thinks differently and looks at the world differently than most. He has conquered life's obstacles remarkably I think. I will pass on your schooling suggestions to him.

[Sally44]

Can you let us know what country you are in?
Autism and Aspergers is much better understood nowadays, and even without a diagnosis, or whilst you are in the process of getting one, your son should be able to access supports through his college.
He may need help or supports in organising his work or planning projects.  He may need extra time for exams.  If he finds it hard to listen to lectures and write at the same time he can have a scribe make notes for him, or he can use a recording machine to record the lectures on tape (I think you need the lecturers permission to do this first).
However Aspergers particularly affects him should be addressed within the learning environment.  
What particularly is he having difficulties with at college?
Is your son aware that he may have Aspergers and is he okay with that?