AboutPaul Johnson Expertise All questions regarding late diagnosis (Adults with Asperger's Or othe ASD's). Spirituality and ASD, Relationships, How our minds work,
Adolescent development with AS and Self Definition as an Autistic culture.
Experience Diagnosed with AS at age of 47, countless expereinces related to AS.
Journalist and highly self reflective. Two degrees in Psychology.
Conducting two Adult with Asperger's groups. Writer and lecturer in the area.
Organizations Toastmasters
Autism Society of Minnesota
Loft center for writers
Publications Double Dutch in the Nile Garden-Collection of poetry book 1996
Numerous articles
The Love Book-Unpublished
No Woman No Cry book regarding cultural aspects of grief-Unpublished
Education/Credentials High school diploma-Abraham Lincoln Brooklyn New York
Undergraduate City College of New York B.A. PSYCHOLOGY
Graduate school University of Minnesota M.A. Counseling Psychology
Awards and Honors Volunteer of the years-Mayors Award New York City 1980
Unsung hero in community-Minneapolis 2000
Community service award 2006.
Question My son Joshua is 18 in December from the age of 3 was diagnosed as having speech difficulties and began speech therapy, as he got older he was diagnosed as suffering from receptive language and expressive language difficulties.Joshua is very quiet and shy he very rarely expresses emotions such as anger,moodiness,he doesnt cry ,however he loves comedy slap stick etc, he still has problems with his speech in so much that if asked a question if he can get away with the answer"i dont know" no matter how much we encourage this is all we will get so he doesnt have the embarass,ment of explaining i am sure of it .i think because of his years of speech issues he gets embarassed trying to explain to people so "doesnt" explain, Joshua is a very young 17 year old , his social skills with his college piers are lacking he sits on his own in the canteen to eat his lunch , he doesnt seem bothered as he waits for his piers to invite him to join them but i dont "know" if it does bother him due to his lack of concern.He plays rugby however is not the aggressive type we encouraged him to play as thought it would help his socialskills and the lads at the club are great they encourage him to join in and he does but from the sidelines, when i hear of their antics from the night before the girls they have met the goings on at college,i weep inside as Joshua is mentally so much younger and i dont know what to do to help.There are subjects that he does take an interest in and on these subjects he does enjoy talking about them .He attends college on a motor mechanics course however we have just been told he cannot continue as the next level will be too difficult for him so we are looking at other options.my daughter works with autistic children and she has on many occassions likened some of Joshuas issues with those she sees daily, Joshua likes a routine and will "not break any rules" he will not be late for school or college etc.does not play up sometimes i wish he would ! he is a lovely lad with not a bad bone in him he just goes along with the flow doesnt complain etc . i am so concerned i dont know what to do or where to go for answers..i would appreciate some guidance on what i can do to help please
Answer Hey Tracy
Thank you for your important question. I find it ironic that you see it a problem that your teenager does not break rules, wants to achieve and is always prompt. I do understand his rigidity is a big problem and he is likely using it in lieu of social skills and the ability to know what to say in the situations he find himself in.
I say listen to your daughter as these and the desire to follow a routine are symptoms of individuals on the Autism Spectrum of Disorders. I think it would be worth your while to have him seen by an adult NeuroPsychologist that is knowledgeable of Autism and have a complete examination. I think a pediatrician would wish to view him as a kid. And not understand what it is like to be an adult with these pervasive issues. Joshua does not need to be told he will outgrow these behaviors.
