Autism/PDD              Reply to this Comment

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As a parent with a son with Autism I am unhappy to see this disorder listed with severe mental health illnesses and drug problems. I do not think your center is an appropriate place for someone with this type of need. Too often over zealous therapists think they can help someone with experimental therapies. After 20 plus years, I learned that compassion and patience are all that is required. Please do some research and do not mislead an already confused public regarding this disorder.

depression              Reply to this Comment

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It sucks

Asperger/Autism              Reply to this Comment

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If you think it is more accurately descriptive, perhaps we should use the "Umbrella" model that one of my college professors used when I was studying to be a special education teacher. There are many different people all under the umbrella of Persuasive Developmental disorders. No two of us show our "Autism" or Asperger's in the same way. We have similarities and we have differences. Yet for the purposes of discussion and for getting help we have to have a "label". So call Autism and Asperger's "sister" conditions or two conditions under the same umbrella. Whatever works for you and allows you to explain to others how the two conditions are similar yet different.

Autism/Mental Illness              Reply to this Comment

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I think this forum IS an appropriate place for discussions of the Autism spectrum. Undiagnosed Asperger's or autism can lead to mental health issues. Many years of therapy did not "cure" my "emotional imbalance" and stop me from making social mistakes. I endured over 40 years of my parents, siblings and acquaintances asking "What the heck is wrong with you? Don't you know how to behave in social situations?" When my two sons were diagnosed with Autism (older son) and Asperger's (younger son) I finally got my answer. If my family had understood, they would have carefully and methodically taught me social skills instead of being embarassed to be seen with me in public. My sons are being treated for depression and low self esteem due to not understanding what the world wants from them. They could easily have gotten into substance abuse to make themselves feel better. One is now in a psychiatric hospital dealing with anger management issues.

AS and drug abuse              Reply to this Comment

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Lauralyn is correct. Although many drug treatment centers rarely admit people w/AS, it makes sense to some extent that someone would use drugs, esp. sedatives or narcotics, to self-treat or medicate symptoms of Aspergers. I often wonder if that is why I became addicted to heroin and other opiates for many years. Recently diagnosed w/Aspergers by a psychologist who directs a Methadone Clinic. It seems to provide an answer to many previously-unanswered questions. Matt