Posted by Racer on March 22, 2008, at 0:35:14
In reply to I just got a second opionion from a great doctor., posted by your#1fan on March 22, 2008, at 0:10:38
I do know something about Asperger's Syndrome, as it happens. And that's why I have to correct something you wrote:
> oh god, what happens if i continue to grow retared?
>Autism and mental retardation are two very different things. They sometimes coexist, but they are still two separate and distinct disorders. Many people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders have rather impressive intellects. Autistic difficulties manifest largely in social interactions, and certain sensory quirks.
I hope you won't get too caught up in this new diagnosis. Asperger's is a developmental disorder -- meaning, it is a disorder which is apparent during development. By adulthood, most Aspies have developed compensations that allow them to function effectively enough in society. If it helps you to think that your background is explained by this diagnosis, that's good. I hope you won't allow it to influence your choices for the future, because it certainly does not have to.
After discussing my childhood behaviors, my therapist made a retrospective diagnosis of Asperger's, too, based on just how very eccentric -- that's the polite description -- my behavior was. Because I'm middle aged, it isn't a current diagnosis -- because I am not developing, I have developed. Let me ask you this: do you think I am retarded?
I get calls for information about eating disorders, and a woman called me about her daughter recently. She was crying, and asking, "What caused this? Did I cause this?" Heartbreaking. I'm going to repeat the advice I gave her to you -- what caused it isn't nearly as important as what you do about it.
So, what are you going to do about it?
Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:819349
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080316/msgs/819351.html