Posted by Sara T on June 19, 2000, at 10:12:30
In reply to Re: Asperger's and ADD - Sara, posted by Janice on June 19, 2000, at 0:10:30
> Hi Sara,
>
> My career's consistency has been kind of sketchy due to all my mental health problems, but I started out in fashion, then worked some in advertising and am currently working in graphics. I did a paper on the green revolution in architecture--I loved that class.
> Design would be great field for someone with your education.
>
> I couldn't have Asperger's. God couldn't be that cruel. I already have bipolar, ADHD, trichotillomania and have had a few other disorders in the past. I'm not at all literal or factual. It probably doesn't come across on the bulletin board, but in real life, I love to laugh at everything--especially myself. I am generally very well socially skilled -- except when there is too much structure and I can't be natural or the stimuli is too much. Yes, it is interesting how it shades into normal ranges.
>
> If I sound defensive it could be because I probably am. Whenever I read about any disorders (they can be physical or mental) I always am thoroughly convinced I have whatever I'm reading. Right now, just thinking about Asperger's, I can feel my ridiculous heart beating in my throat. If I was doing my own diagnosing, I'd have been dead years ago.
>
> What is very interesting is the connection between Asperger's and ADHD. You pointed that out to me Sara. I was previously unaware of it even though my uncle has AS and his sisters have ADHD. And you have ADD and your son has AS. Do you remember when the ADD diagnosis was first becoming popular, and only little aggressive boys who were bouncing off the walls got a diagnosis? Do you think that perhaps they haven't recognized a female version of AS, or perhaps that it is a type of ADD?
>
> Glenn Gloud was a great man. I wish he didn't die so young. I wonder if all those eggs killed him? I used to work right by where he lived.
>
> Take care, JaniceJanice,
Although the ratio of boys to girls manifesting AS and other forms of PDD's is higher for the boys, girls do have AS just as well. They may show it differently because, females are inherently more socially adept than males. They may not have the social problems or aggressive acting out that boys do early on, and therefore the social deficits don't become so obvious until later. Same story with ADD, many females are more likely to get passed over because they aren't hyperactive. Have you read Sari Solden's ADD AND WOMEN ? But with AS, the deficits are more glaring.
I am the inattentive, mildly ADD type. My husband fit the AS profile more (he's a university professor) but on the Shadow Syndrome side. My five year old daughter, I suspect may have some learning problems and ADD, and she has some shadings of her brother's behavior. She is very anxious and today I am taking her to an Anxiety and Phobia Clinic to have her assessed.
We should be a post family for psychopharmaceuticals!
Ciao!
Sara T.
poster:Sara T
thread:37075
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000619/msgs/37792.html