Asperger’s in Adults: How Diagnosis Brings Relief

Do you have trouble making or keeping friends?

Do you lock up at social gatherings or struggle to engage in conversation?

You may be one of the 32,250 Americans born with Asperger’s syndrome each year.

Thanks to a growing understanding of the syndrome, psychiatrists and neuropsychologists are identifying Asperger’s in adults at a higher rate than prior years.

The good news is that with diagnosis and therapy, adult patients with Asperger’s syndrome can improve their quality of life.

How to Self-Identify Asperger’s in Adults?

Asperger’s in adults does not manifest itself in a fixed set of characteristics or traits.  Because Asperger’s syndrome falls on the autism spectrum, patients may exhibit different behaviors that suggest a diagnosis is appropriate.

A concerning behavior may exist in one Asperger’s patient, but may not be evident in another patient.

Asperger’s in adults can be spotted if a person exhibits one or more of the following behaviors:

• Inability to develop personal relationships
• Overwhelmed or uncomfortable feelings at social gatherings
• Difficulty operating in social and occupational settings
• Difficulty maintaining eye-to-eye contact
• Failure to engage in meaningful conversation with others. This includes an inability to ask or answer follow-up questions or share in the emotional feelings of others.

This is certainly not an all-inclusive list.  If a person demonstrates one of these behaviors it may be prudent to seek out the opinion of a psychiatrist or neuropsychologist.

Seeking an Asperger’s Diagnosis may be Beneficial

Some question whether it is worth the trouble to obtain a formal Asperger’s diagnosis. You may have a family and a meaningful career and are struggling to find the value in a diagnosis.

The truth is that you may be unaware of the challenges that friends, family, and colleagues have in maintaining a healthy relationship with you. Understanding more about Asperger’s in adults may help improve your relationships at home and at work.

Once you are aware of the condition that is hindering you socially and mentally, you can take advantage of the many support services available to those on the autism spectrum.

What Kind of Support is Available for Adults with Asperger’s

In addition to the therapies offered by medical professionals, there is a host of informal options available to support adults with Asperger’s.

For example, there are social communities and support groups available for those with autism, or Asperger’s specifically.  Nationwide groups like the Autism Society of America can help you find local support resources.  These groups allow you to share experiences and challenges in a safe and friendly environment.

Not only are these support groups great for those diagnosed with Asperger’s, but they are equally beneficial for family members.  These groups can teach loved ones how to cope with Asperger’s and react in constructive ways to uncommon behaviors.

There are even dogs trained specifically to respond to repetitive behaviors exhibited by those with Asperger’s or autism.

One area that those on the autism spectrum have difficulty with is dating.  The Special Bridge meets that need by providing a platform for those with disabilities to meet and foster friendships and romantic relationships.

If you have any questions about meeting people with Asperger’s, check out our site or drop a comment below.