Expert: Paul Johnson - 11/13/2008

Question
I have an 18yr old son that I now believe has Aspergers.
He was diagnosed at a young age with Oppositional Defiant
Disorder but after reading up on Aspergers recently, I strongly believe he has Aspergers. From what I read, the outlook for this doesn't look good and I'd like to try to get him some help. I'm wondering if there are any therapists in the Minneapolis, Mn area that are good at treating adults with Aspergers.

Answer
Hey Jane,

Thank you for your important question. It is not surprising that your son was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder. There are countless individuals on the Autism Spectrum of Disorders that were originally diagnosed with other disorders such as ODD. For a child that is constantly misunderstood and referred to in ways that he does not understand, there often is an underlying resentment that is built. When this occurs the child feels defiant, and angry.

It is important to talk with individuals who have expereinces with Asperger's Syndrome. Seek out people who have been diagnosed with AS and have learned to live with it "successfully". Just as important are the caregivers that are in their lives. Discover the methods they have been able to find support and encouragement.

It is true that not only we do not know the cause of Asperger's Syndrome, we do not understant what a standard cure would be either.
Thus the over riding important thing to strive for in Asperger's is  coping mechanism. Youth and adults need to find ways to cope with being differently able. And truly if I am to be honest and speak without prejudice, it is the majority of people that we are surrounded by that misunderstand us and our needs, that cause us our greatest pain. Having to cope with being misunderstood on a daily basis and acting in ways that are variant from normal, is what we struggle with the most.

Towards this end there have been an increase in support groups all over. One such group for adults is a group dedicated to the positive aspects of Asperger's. It meets at the Hamline library on Minnehaha ave. one block west of Snelling ave north. Saint Paul. It convenes at 7pm tonight. I am the group leader and it is quiet, private and have good people there with Aspergers. You are invited.

I am a trained Psychotherapist and I have AS. I have successfully treated people with Asperger's Syndrome. I have a dozen Aspie client on my current case load of all ages. My main office is at down town Minneapolis. Contact me at my e-mail address if you would like to set up an assessment or an informational discussion regarding your son's treatment.

Trust me with the proper understanding of AS and of himself the out look is VERY GOOD. I am hopeful about what people on the spectrum have to offer but information is key.

I apologize about the long answer but I feel strongly about this subject regarding the outlook of our lives.

Paul
PLJohnson46@yahoo.com