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Question
Why does my 41-year old low-functioning autistic-diagnosed son not eat periodically? He is on medications (depokote, 6000 mg/day and dilantin, 360 mg/day) for seizure control. These medications do not show that loss of appetite is a side effect. He is otherwise given a 'healthy' status from his Primary Care Physician. He, however, at periods of time for 1-2 months will refuse to eat. This happens once/twice a year for a number of years. What are your thoughts?
Hey Sebii-Ra,
Thank you for your important question.
Autism is about internal processing that usually are passionate and with us for a period of time. As such your son goes into phases where he withdraws and in his world of influence that means what he eats since he controls not much else. It is his way to have influence over his environment. He does not see it as self harmful. If his doctor views him as healthy, I do not think it is a problem.
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Answers by Expert:
Paul 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The Love Book-Unpublished
No Woman No Cry book regarding cultural aspects of grief-Unpublished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.
Past/Present Clients
Many
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