Autism and Adults
You are probably aware that there are a large number of guides and books written for parents of kids with autism and Asperger’s; they cover almost every possible topic. There might be a few written for teenagers and young adults. But where does that leave the older generation? Those who came of age many years before Asperger’s was even an official diagnosis in the psych manuals? The ones that grew up knowing something was different about them and being shunned for it—but having no idea what and why.
You might have survived most of your life on coping skills you developed and honed yourself but by the time you get to middle age, you’re probably getting pretty tired of it. You want to stop struggling so much. You want to be able to make friends without so much effort. You want to be able to hold down a job, date, and feel good about your life.
But no matter how much you try, you keep failing; it seems like no one will even give you the time of day. Everyone thinks you’re weird; no girl or guy will return your phone calls when you ask for a date; your boss keeps giving you the pink slip, no matter what the job.
Or perhaps you have an adult child who will never be able to hold down a job. Who needs constant care. What will happen to him or here when you are gone? What resources are available? How can I plan for their long-term care?
This section is for you.
We will be listing many articles for adults on the autism spectrum. Hopefully, these articles will help adults with autism and those who love them.
I enjoy and appreciate the information, anything to help my son and my own understanding of what life is like for Nicholas. It also helps me educate my son's teacher and EA which this process is ongoing and at times very frustrating.
My name is Matt Turner from Australia. I have a 6 y.o. with autism (fairly mild). I found your work insightful and helpful - my wife is a doctor and spent many hours wading through medical texts to no avail. Our son Finley Turner is a very bright, friendly, healthy, unconditionally loved boy who can lose it sometimes. The guide helped us understand what to do and it helps him as much as us. Thanks for the work and I have recommended you to other parents in similar situations.
I found your articles to be extremely helpful...I applaud you for sharing your story and helping others who are going through similar situations. Thank you for sharing your story.
I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency, and thoroughness of the topics. I think this is a valuable tool. I think this was a valuable tool for me because as a parent we all need a kick in the butt and stay on task, constantly fighting, updating and communicating with caregivers, teachers and finding tools for our children. Keep it up!
I definitely found your information helpful. My grandson was just diagnosed this summer. He is very smart and sweet. We will continue to be an advocate for him thanks to your information. I am including a picture of him. 
"Hi my son of 3 and a half years was diagnosed today, I had concerns so prior to his appointment I researched it and joined your newsletter. The information was so helpful and very supportive it was almost like having a counselor as I opened each email I felt like some one really understood my situation so thanks you so much for that, it's a very hard thing to accept and you do feel alone but with the letters I was given inspiration and hope that not everything was going to be doom and gloom it was and still is a lifeline.
"I have found the newsletters very valuable. I have forwarded them to teachers who work with Matthias when they apply."
I have been reading your Newsletter for a while now. Find attached a picture of my family. Joel is the little boy in glasses. Thanks for putting a smile on me. My knowledge and support is increasing. I feel more positive towards helping my son than ever.
I am Ben's grandmother and see him every single day. He is a joy. What your info does is help us to understand the melt downs that quite frankly we have always put down to the meds that he takes. We have proved your theory of a strict regime for Ben. Each letter adds to our knowledge. Keep it up dear friend. We learn from you every day and will I am sure continue to learn. God Bless you.
4. March 2012 at 7:23 pm
Please see “No justice for severely-autistic adult in california” to see what can happen to our adult autistic children when they get older, and we can no longer take care of them and are forced to seek out of home placement, because we aren’t offered the right kinds of in home helps.
11. January 2012 at 6:49 pm
How do you talk to your adult child about Aspergers? They have been different and have been seeking treatment since childhood. The diagnosis didn’t exist when they were a child. They accept something is wrong. They have OCD, severe anxiety, sensory integration problems, don’t get along well with others, can’t take care of themselves. They were long ago diagnosed with psychiatric disorders but being labeled with an autism spectrum disorder is too much to take. Autism holds too much stigma.