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Autism/ASD 16 yr old obsessed with gas websites
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Question
I've got a 16 year old son. He was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome when he was a child. He's not quite high-functioning, but not at the lowest end of the scale; somewhere midway we'd say.
Over the past 3 weeks or so he's become obsessed with gas and utility provider websites, notably British Gas and United Utilities.
My husband [his father] caught him masturbating whilst looking at the British Gas website; he said although that's normal for teenagers, looking at British Gas whilst doing it isn't.
We also found a fair few utility provider brochures hidden under his bed [other lads his age would usually have X-rated mags etc.]
Admittedly, our 16 year old son doesn't know much on using computers other than turning them on or off; he's only really a beginner.
His entire web history consisted of nothing more than looking at utility providers websites and Sky News websites. He doesn't know how to use social networking sites, let alone find "naughty" websites.
We're concerned about this; it's new to him, and it's worrying us.
Is this interest one that we should be concerned about, and if so, how can we help him?
Hi Maria,
This is so "far out" it's not easy to believe. I going to take you seriously and give you a straight answer.
I'd be concerned if it were my son. I do not know how to help you. I suggest you consult a psychiatrist who specializes in autism.
Answers by Expert:
Catherine Ridenour
Expertise
I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.
Experience
I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.
We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.
Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.
Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.
NOTE:
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