New To Aspergers, need some advise

[skiingrob]

Hi there,

A quick little background. I am a case manager (social worker) who assists senior citizens with entitlements and insures quality of life. I was just given a case for a male senior citizen with aspergers. I have never worked with anyone with this illness before and none of my coworks have either. This is the first forum I found that looks like it may be able to help me in my understanding. The client does not have the intellectual issues that I have read about (he has a doctorate in History) but does have some of the social issues. Sorry, but I must limit the amount of information I give out for safety’s sake (HIPAA regulations.) Based on this information, is there anything I should know, or is there anything that you think I have misunderstood. Any and all feedback would be helpful. Thank you

[Stephen]

Hi Skiingrob,

Yes Skiingrob, from your short post there are things you have already misunderstood.

1). Asperger's Syndrome is NOT an illness or desease. We do not require any treatment for our Asperger's. We are NORMAL but DIFFERENT.

2). "The client does not have the intellectual issues that I have read about (he has a doctorate in History)". I'm totally lost with this statement of yours as most Asperger's have well above 'normal' intellegent IQ levels. I am not surprised the gentlemen has a doctorate. Our problem is our extremely low level of EQ.

The first thing I can see from your post is that you'll need to change your whole attitude and approach towards your client, otherwise he is likely to become extremely frustrated and angry with you at the way you treat him as you are exibiting the typical Neuro Typical lack of respect, acceptance and understanding of our differences.

Please do not fall into the typical Neuro Typical trap of the preception that the Neuro Typical way is the only correct way of thinking, acting and behaving. An Asperger will often think, behave and act differently to the so called Neuro Typical social "norm". If your client does not act Neuro Typically he DOES NOT require help of treatment.

If your client goes into melt-down, this is because he has become over stressed at your Neuro Typical behaviour. All he requires is for you Neuro Typicals to back-off and show him acceptance and understanding.

[skiingrob]

There are several different ways of thought that I found in my research on the internet, which is why I came to this message board. I wanted to find out the correct parts and weed out the incorrect. Part of my nature is to treat everyone the same, or normal. That is why I came here to learn about the different actions of this person and the correct way in which they should be interpreted. I do not usually work with people in his situation, but there is no one else, so it has fallen on me to learn about his situation and to try my best to understand it. I do not know anything about this Neoro Typical behavior you speak of, but I will be researching it shortly. I would never demean someone because I had been on the receiving end of a miss diagnosed illness (ADHD) for most of my youth, and I would never push misconceived ideas on someone else. I am just trying to correctly understand this persons diagnoses, what it means, and insight into his way of though. I am not in there to assist with his Aspersers diagnosis, but it is part of him and I must correctly understand it in order to have a successful working relationship. Any further insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Stephen]

Neuro Typical - Is what we Aspergers call so called "Normal" thinking people.

Please remember Asperger's Syndrome is NOT an illness. Any time we act differently from NT's, doesn't mean we're wrong and require help to change the way we behave in order to become more like an NT.


2 books I recommend are:

Asperger's Syndrome (A guide for Parents and professionals) by Tony Attwood. ISBN-13: 978 1 85302 577 8 (Tony Attwood's guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification and care of both children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome. The book provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating. The book covers all aspects of the syndrome from language to social behaviour and motor clumsiness, concluding with a chapter based on the questions most frequently asked by those who come into contact with individuals with this syndrome. This guide brings together the most relevant and useful information on Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger's Answer Book: The Top 300 Questions Parents Ask by Susan Ashley. ISBN-13:978-1402208072 (Written in an easy-to-read Q&A format, The Asperger's Answer Book helps parents understand and accept their child's Asperger and develop a plan for success.) It also says that it's a reference book to be refered to time and time again. - This book is written by an American - Please do not be put of by this, I do not like how in America they Call Aspergers a Disorder and often an illness. It is an excellent book, just as useful for adults.