Dear nkamom-ga,
Thank you for using Google Answers. I have gathered a number of
references and web links for you to follow in order to help the young
man come to terms with his condition and his possible alcohol abuse.
UNDERSTANDING ASPERGERS
The website of the Autistic Society lays out a succinct definition of
Asperger's Syndrome. Among the points:
"Asperger's Syndrome is part of a continuum of disorders known as
Autistic Spectrum Disorders and like Autism is a lifelong condition.
...
"Asperger's Syndrome is a congenital neurobiological condition. AS is
characterised by severe and sustained impairment in social
interaction, development of restricted and repetitive patterns of
behaviour, interests and activities....
"Most Asperger difficulties centre around social competencies. ...
"The transition to adulthood can be very difficult as Asperger
individuals have not completed the required developmental tasks or
moved beyond early stages in language or social skills. ...
"People with Asperger's are often identified as eccentric, quirky or
weird. They are usually interested in making friends but do not know
how. Although aware of their differences they are unsure how to
address them; they can suffer isolation, resulting in depression and
despair.
"The up side is that people with AS may have incredible rote memories
and their obsessive interests may lead to great achievements, eg
Albert Einstein was believed to have Asperger's Syndrome."
Encyclopedia of Autism
http://www.autisticsociety.org/encyclopedia.html
Prof. Mary Muscari, quoting an article in the journal, Advanced
Psychiatric Treatment, states:
"AS may be accompanied by comorbid conditions such as depression,
anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and alcoholism, as well as relationship
difficulties...."
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/531750
Although it is a neurobiological disorder, Asperger's does not condemn
people to lives of isolation and misery. This year a feature film
called "Mozart and the Whale" will be released. It is based on the
experiences of Jerry Newport and his wife Mary Meinel, a married
couple each of whom has Asperger's Syndrome. The title is from their
book of the same name, published by Simon and Schuster and due out in
June,2006. Jerry will be a featured speaker at the "14th Annual Best
in the Northwest Autism Conference" sponsored by the he Autism Society
of Washington.
http://www.autismsocietyofwa.org/2006conf.html
An essay by Jerry Newport, written after he was interviewed on the CBS
TV show, "Sixty Minutes" in 1996, concerns Asperger's and
relationships with the opposite sex. It can be found at:
Why Can't We Marry them All Off"
http://www.maapservices.org/MAAP_Sub_Find_It_-_Publications_Jerry_Newport_Article.htm
And there is a profile of him and his work at:
Autism Today
http://www.autismtoday.com/experts/experts_bio.asp?exp_id=42&name=Jerry%20Newport&lname=Newport
Jean-Paul Bovee and Stephen Shore look at adult issues and
perspectives on Asperger's in an essay found at the web site below.
They state:
"People are adults for far longer than they are children, whether one
is on the spectrum or not. It is an area that tends to get overlooked
by media information and by the advertising within the autism spectrum
field. But, the issues are long-term and includes employment, housing,
relationships (of all kinds), geriatrics, and all of the things that
adults have to deal with. These are issues that have to be discussed."
http://www.maapservices.org/MAAP_Sub_Find_It_-_Publications_Bovee_and_Shore_Article.htm
A "golden" web site with links to many kinds of questions regarding
autism, Asperger's and pervasive developmental disorders (these are
called the autism spectrum)
The Source MAAP (More advanced individuals with Autism, Asperger's
and Pervasive Developmental Disorder)
http://www.maapservices.org/MAAP_Sub_Find_It_-_About_Autism_Aspergers.htm
SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ASPERGER'S
Support groups in Ohio seem to be geared for parents of children with
Asperger's. However, it may be worth a try to email the contact people
to see if they have information on adult programs for people with AS.
While I did not find any organizations in Columbus, following the
links might be worthwhile.
A Different World
Mansfield, Ohio
Sondra Williams
Meets the fourth Monday of each month.
Family Resource Center
Bellbrook, Ohio
Laura Kinney
937/848-5837
Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America
Contact Us
Phone: 330/543-3955
ASPEM Support Groups
http://www.aspennj.org/SupportOtherStates.html#SUPPORTOH
Also in Ohio, the I found the following AS organizations:
Dayton Asperger's Resource Network (DARN)
Contact: Audrey Schilb
937.433.4505
"DARN is a support group for families, educators, medical
professionals, and other community members who are involved with
improving the lives of individuals who have or suspect that they have
a autism spectrum disorders. We have once a month support group
meetings with occasional speakers. In addition to our web site, we
offer email support to those who have questions and concerns in
between meetings. We have a newly formed Young Adults Social Group and
a Family Night Out (a purely social event).'
http://darngroup.tripod.com/
Lawrence County Asperger's Syndrome & Autism Group
http://mypeoplepc.com/members/daddygraham/lcasagroup/
Asperger's/PDD Parent Information, Education, & Information Support
Email: crosswick@aol.com
Greater Cleveland Asperger's Support
(440) 846-9845
Autistic Spectrum Kids (A.S.K.)
Email: askaboutautism@yahoo.com
Asperger Foundation International
http://www.aspfi.org/links.htm
There are Aspberger's support groups outside of Ohio which may be
helpful as well. For example, the Asperger Foundation of New England
has adult programs (which, as you have seen, are fewer than children's
programs). It may be worthwhile following the links to the various
chapters where you can find phone numbers.
Asperger's Foundation of New England
http://aane.autistics.org/adults.html
The group founded by Jerry Newport, mentioned above, is
California-based. It is called AGUA, Adult Gathering, United and
Autistic.
For more information about the group, contact Ken Brewer
(Kbrewer377@aol.com) or Derrick Hall (323/980-8552).
Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support (OASIS) is an excellent
support page. It has papers and articles, support groups, message
boards, and online support. It is definitely worth a visit.
OASIS
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
Regarding the alcoholism of the person you are concerned with, it may
be rewarding for him to become involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. It
is not necessary for a person to have social interaction to attend and
benefit from their meetings. The number to call for information in
Columbus is 614) 253-8501
Information from the national website is here:
Is AA For You
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/en_is_aa_for_you.cfm
I wish you luck in gathering information that may be helpful for the
young man with Asperger's. I am optimistic that any couple of the
leads I have listed under SUPPORT GROUPS will bring a number of
resources to bear on the matter.
Google search strategy
Search terms: asperger adult Ohio site:.org
http://www.autismsocietyofwa.org/2006conf.html
Search terms: aspergers support Ohio site:.org
://www.google.com/search?q=aspergers+support+Ohio+site%3A.org&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official
Search terms: asperger education adult Ohio
://www.google.com/search?q=asperger+education+adult+Ohio+&hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&start=40&sa=N
All the best,
alanna-ga |
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