You are here:

Autism/Autism/Asperger testing for adult

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/2/2007


Question
I am in search for assessment for an adult who may have Asperger's.  He has never been diagnosed with Autism or Asperger's but went through Special Ed in school and now is having a lot of difficulty in his work life.  I am a relative and trying to help the family find affordable appropriate help.  The family is located in Fresno, California.  The son is now in his 30's.  He had a delay in language development, had particular trouble with people's names.  He is fascinated by science.  He went through a vocational training program and they said they couldn't place him in a job.  He tends to work slowly because he has to get everything a certain way and can't move on until he completes whatever he has set his mind to.

Answer
Hi Beth,

It can be difficult to get an assessment once someone leaves school. However, California has a pretty good mental health system.

I recommend you contact a county mental health department and ask them for a referral. The key word "affordable" may get in the way, here. I would emphasize to them that he cannot hold a job and that he needs help in applying for SSI.

Also, do a web search with "autism" and "Fresno." There is likely more than one autism support group nearby. Contact them and ask where to find the help he needs.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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:

Please note that I have no control over the "sponsored links" at the bottom of this page. I do not endorse these web sites or their products or opinions. Use your own best judgment in evaluating any claim made. As with all things, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.