Expert: James Michael Roan - 7/21/2008

Question
Hello
I do hope that you don't mind me contacting you. I am an adult with a 17 year old son who is currently being assessed for an ASD and am now wondering if all of my difficulties could also be related to an autism spectrum disorder?
I was very late to speak and my mother had to teach me. I did not like mixing with other children and this remains so to the present day. I prefer my own company. I feel anxious if I have to meet up with other people for too long. It is slightly better for me if I see just one person at a time. My parents thought it very strange when I was in my teens because I did not want to go out. I stayed in my room most of the time. I did not want a boyfriend until I was 24.
My empathy for others is strange, because I am either very empathetic or have none at all. I have a lot of sensory issues, mostly to do with touch and sound. Sound has always caused a lot of problems mostly with the hoover. It makes me feel very anxious, also traffic on the roads. It consumes the whole of me. I don't like being touched or held unless in great emotional pain. This has made it very difficult for me in my relationship with my partner. He understandably finds it very hard and cannot why I feel this way. I have tried to explain. My mother says I have always been self absorbed. When I was working in an office I found it almost impossible to follow a list of complex instructions. I get mixed up very easily. I find it very hard to concentrate for a specific length of time, for instance I am not able to concentrate on watching a film. I go off into a daydream very easily. This happens extremely often - a great many times a day. Please can you very kindly let me know if I have enough difficulties to ask my doctor if I can be tested for ASD?
I know that receptive language can also play an important part in diagnosis, but as far as I know, I don't think I have problems understanding language.Sometimes I can be very blunt and hurt people's feelings, but this is unintentional. Other times, I am very understanding - almost too much so.

It would be most helpful if you are able to offer your ideas. I am very grateful.
Thank you.

Kind regards,
Miranda

Answer
Hi Miranda;

I do not diagnose over the internet, however, your description of yourself sounds like you may have Asperger's syndrome (AS). Many adults with AS tell me they are quite relieved to receive the diagnosis of AS understanding that their difficulties are not their fault in any way. Dr. Tony Attwood ( http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/ )is an excellent source of information and research validated therapies for problems associated with AS. You will need to find a psychologist experienced in diagnosing adult women suspected of having AS, because they are very difficult to detect. Let me know if I can help further. Good luck.

Kind regards,
James