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Autism/does my teen have aspergers?

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Expert: - 8/30/2008


Question
Hi My name is Lucy and I have a 16 yr old daughter named Michelle and she does not like to talk much and she does not have friends other than her sister. She prefers not to be around kids her age. She acts normal. But she also crys easily and wets herself sometimes and gets angry easily and when she is hyper she jumps up and down and sings silly. I'm not sure but could she have aspergers syndrome? When she talks to people she is nervous. As far as recognizing emotions she seems to be able to tell when I'm mad. But I am not sure what it means when it comes to aspergers syndrome and not recognizing emotions.?? And do all people with aspergers syndrome can't recognize emotions or just have a little bit trouble? She has trouble taking jokes. But she is aslo very childish at times where she will want to wear pull ups again. Especially when I tuck her in at night she will mention them to me. Does this go with aspergers syndrome sometimes? And she likes to cuddle with her blankie. I am very concerned about my daughter becus she seems very depressed. Should I get her help?

Answer
Hi Lucy,

This may be kind of complicated. I don't think it is Asperger's but only an mental health professional could make that diagnosis.

I do think she is very emotionally immature. Wetting oneself at 16 is not normal. Wanting a diaper is also not normal. Most 16 year olds do not want to be "tucked in" because they are interested in being independent adults.

I do recommend she get an evaluation from a psychiatrist. She may, indeed, be depressed but there is something else going on, as well.

Yes, get her help as soon as possible.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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