Expert: James Michael Roan - 9/29/2008

Question
Hi my name is Rachel I am 17 yrs old and i was diagnosed with aspergers
syndrome.. but i have another problem too and need your advice.. Well Sometimes
i act like a baby cus it helps me feel better no one knows i do this and when i
act like a baby i have my baby blanket with me and i suck my thumb..And I also
have a bedwetting problem that i haven't gotten over with yet so i have to wear
pull up diapers and i like to wear them cus they make me feel like a baby and
safe too. But i also go see a therapist a male one and i always want to act like
a baby in front of him and done so only a teeny bit not very noticeable but i
always get a very strong urge to act like a baby infront of him . And i want to
know if i should do it or not? He doesn't know about me wantings to be a baby
again. Should i tell him that? Would it be okay to act like a baby infront of
him. Well i am scared to do this..:(( But i alway feel better when i'm a baby
and safe.

Is this normal with people like me who have aspergers syndrome? My mom says i
act immature alot but she doesnt know about me wanting to be a litttle baby..

Welll byee

Answer
Hi Rachel;

This sounds like "regression." Regression is a coping process. If what we are doing today does not help us cope, and thus relieve anxiety, then we fall back, in increments, to what helped us before. It is a normal human trait and not specific to Asperger's syndrome. I would first discuss this with your therapist before indulging in the behavior so he is not taken off guard. Explain it to him as you have with me. He will thoroughly understand. Anxiety and stress are very difficult to live with.

Kind regards,
James