Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 8/2/2010

Question
Hello, my name is Jade, I'm 18 years old and I'm having trouble with making friends, and I'm continually struggling with repeititve stereotyped behaviors.

I've been 'rocking' ever since I was four years old and I still do it,various times throughout the day I've tried stopping but I can't, it's clearly a compulsive problem.

I've considered the fact that it may be caused by a learning disability, or severe ADD, or a disorder called Sensory Intergretion Disorder or something of that nature.

I have all of these problems ADD/specific learning disability/ and sensory difficulties.
So, instead of having say 1 2 3 4 5 and 6? Would it make sense to put 2 and 2 togather and come up with four? Maybe I don't have ALL of these difficulties, just an autism disorder?

I fill the criteria for Asperger's and I also have some symptoms of autism from when I was little seeing a social skills therapist, she mentioned on my progress report that I had troubles with maintaining eye contact, iniating a conversation and troubles with greeting.I do have troubles with empathy and I hate to admit it but when it comes to friends, they kind of normally take a back seat, they're just people who I talk to to pass the time. I figure that's why I have trouble with friends, particulary with my girlfriends because they're always calling on the phone and I just, can't talk on the phone all of the time.


I do admit eye contact is less than pleasant, just uncomfortable.

And I just can't seem to get inside peoples heads, it's like normal people are connected on a  more higher level and I'm forever stuck on the level below it never reaching the top.

But I probably don't have high functioning autism because I can get most jokes, most body language, and sarcastic remarks. And I'm just clumsy, I didn't have motor delays when I was a baby.

Should I even bother seeing a specialist?

I have a neurologist I see for TS, you think she is able to make a diagnosis or at least a referall?

Answer
Hi Jade

As you mentioned, you do fit the criteria for ASD or Aspergers, but what does that matter? I would just concentrate on the areas that you are having difficulty in and work on them. I think the biggest issue for you at this point is the social skills issues. Please ask your neurologist for a referral to a speech pathologist in your area that works with adults on the spectrum.

In addition, Jade, you should seek out groups that have social activities for people with LD or ASD. You will find it a whole lot more comfortable to be with people who also have similar characteristics. This way, no one will judge you and you will be more comfortable. But that doesn't mean you should only associated with others on the spectrum. Absolutely not! You definitely need the social skills for work and school.

Keep in touch and let me know what you decide.