Expert: Paul Johnson - 12/18/2010

Question
Hello,
Im 19 years of age and I have a question about PDD-NOS. Both my brother and father have forms of autism. My father is more high-functioning. My behavior is very similar to that of my fathers. I dont maintain eye-contact, I have a lot of trouble making my thoughts into verbal sentences, or explaining myself. I am do not understand other's emotions and have no concept of time. I am good at math. Socially, I have become more active after I graduated from high school. I have two close-friends and I generally only hang around people who I see on a regular basis. Ive always been a good student, shy and become fixated on different areas of interest. Also, I associate taste with certain feelings or emotions, for instance, some thoughts have a sweet property. Sweet as in when something tastes sweet. I like to be alone, but I also like to socialize sometimes or go out to parties. Im very sensitive to sound and flinch easily. I am detached emotionally. Im also an artist. I have never been to a doctor that specializes in autism or been diagnosed. Neither has my father. But I do believe I have some form of PDD-NOS. What do you think?

Thank you,
-Janet

Answer
Hey Janet,

Thank you for your interesting and challenging question.

You have correctly alluded to the genetic aspect of Autism. We generally seek out diagnosis when other members of our families have Autism. I sought out a diagnosis for my teenage son once I was diagnosed.

You mentioned that your father has Autism. You mentioned that your brother was also on the Autism spectrum. It would only be natural for you to think You too might be affected as well.
Your question refers to the PDD part of the spectrum but I can honestly tell you by your description that you would definitely fit into my adult with Asperger's group. The key phrase to me is that you state that you have always been a good student. Individuals with PDD are below average intellectually. I would imagine you to have Asperger's Syndrome.

It is time for you to seek out a diagnosis. I would recommend you check out a Psychologist that specializes in Autism.