Expert: Paul Johnson - 3/28/2008

Question
Am 53 year old female and I have been diagnosed Asperger's w/mood disorder NOS (296.9), GAF 70.  No memory of most of childhood including immediate family interaction up to age 16 (never have--thought it was due to smoking pot in young adulthood); good possibility of incest (came out in dreams 1 year ago), and experience occasional psychogenic absence seizures which started when little (brothers said I went off to "cloud nine" and had to be called back). Should I seek help and would it take a counselor familiar with Asperger's to help, and how do you get help w/no insurance and tight income?

Answer
Hey Cindy,

Your question is difficult to answer.

You begin with your Asperger's diagnosis and your mood disorder diagnosis but you go on to talk about vague and quasi symptoms stemming from your family of origin.

I do not know what would cause you not to have memory of your childhood. Often a person will have little or no memory of there formative years are due to trauma expereinced at the time. I think your reference to being a victim of incest  speaks to this possibility.
The victimization is more than enough justification to seek adequate therapy services. I have had a few clients that has been victimized by incest; it is a serious situation requiring much attention.

Yes you should seek therapy if this is the case for you. Your status as Asperger's is secondary to understanding your pain. I do not think
having Asperger's Syndrome will impact your services for early childhood trauma.

You might consider seeing your therapist once a month untill your income can bear more frequent visits.