Thanks ww. I'll check out that show.
i think either type of doc could get the ball rolling, but i have no idea how you could get him to go with. have you ever watched the show on A&E called Intervention? families will confront loved ones who are having problems w/ addiction...maybe you and your immediate family could talk with him. yes, it might hurt him, but you're just trying to help him...not sure.
He'll be visiting soon for a week or two but he may well resist. Not sure where to have that done, private psychiatrist or psychologist? Just to engage him in such a conversation would be nearly impossible.
Will he visit a doctor to have an evaluation done? I didn't even think of Aspergers.
Thanks wickedw'r. I appreciate you commenting. And you're right that he's ~always been extremely shy and anxious socially. In HS, he had lots of acquaintances and rarely he has had a close friend for a time. I guess I wonder if this is just a young guy with social anxiety or if there is an organic problem related to his brightness, something like Asperger's.
i've talked to therapists who say that major life events can cause depression...ie graduation from college, marriage, birth. it sounds like your son has always been anxious in social situations though. also, the fact that he is not finding a full-time job after graduating might be really hurting his self esteem. have you told him you are concerned about him? that might help get the ball rolling and get him back to a therapist. does he have friends that he hangs around with?
there are so many things that could be bothering him...this really does sound like depression; it sounds a lot like what i was going through after finishing college. i would voice your concerns with him, in a calm, no-pressure discussion. i don't care what anyone says...therapy DOES help; you just need to right therapist.