More adults learning they’ve got Asperger’s syndrome
The Autism News | English
HOUSTON (KTRK) — Asperger’s syndrome is a mild form of autism. Most people never think of it in connection with adults. But a growing number of adults are finding that they may not be rude or odd — they may have Asperger’s. We look into the phenomenon and how patients are reacting to it.
Paula Ong knew she was different. She’s smart but she couldn’t keep a job.
“I’m on my 13th job,” Ong said.
She had trouble getting along, and people thought she was odd.
“They think I’m being rude, they think I’m being too direct, they think I’m being cold,” Ong said.
At 36, Ong was diagnosed with Asperger’s, a developmental disorder, which is a mild form of autism. People have difficulty with social skills and communicating.
“They’re wondering, ‘What’s different about me? I know there’s something,’” said Dr. Kathleen Loveland, director of the UTHealth Adult Asperger’s Clinic.
Now a growing number of adults like Ong are being diagnosed with Asperger’s in their 40′s, 50′s even 60′s.
Doctors say that many adults who are finally diagnosed with Asperger’s are actually relieved. They have a name for their idiosyncrasies and they understand why they are different.
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