I think the
public have a terrible habit of stereotyping disability issues as a whole in
Ireland but I think this is particularly true for conditions on the autistic
spectrum. There is a habit of presuming people with autism are non-verbal, have
low Iqs and will never live independently and that those on the Aspergers
Syndrome end of the autistic spectrum are genuises, people who change the world
and people who are like walking calculators.
Those of who
know a little bit about autism realise that this is far from the truth – that
every case on the autistic spectrum is unique and personal – there are people
with autism who live very full lives and equally there are people with
Aspergers Syndrome who struggle to even hold down a regular 9-5 job. It is with
this view that I am delighted to be guestblogging here today, many people
presume those with Aspergers Syndrome are automatically excellent academically
however that truth is that around 75% of those diagnosed with the condition
will have learning disabilities as well, with clear evidence in place to
suggest that a person with either Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD, Dyslexia,
Dycalculia or Dyspraxia at an increase chance of having another condition on
the spectrum. For example, I myself am a person with Aspergers who also has
dyspraxia and strong traits of ADHD.
On that basis I
think a very important thing we must keep in mind when discussing diagnosis is
that when someone has autism or has Aspergers or has a condition like dyslexia
that the investigation does not stop there but rather additional investigation
is sought to ensure any other condition which may be present in an individual
is diagnosed officially also to ensure that the needs of the person concerned
can be met. DSM-V, the new manual of mental health conditions, which takes
effect in May has put all conditions (including Aspergers Syndrome and ADHD) on
the autistic spectrum under one diagnosis type, A.S.D (Autistic Spectrum
Disorder), on the very argument that more accurate, recognisable and definitive
diagnosis is required – the new diagnosis form will also include 3 “levels” of
Autism and allow doctors to attach labels to the diagnosis so for example
“Aspergers-Like A.S.D”. There have been major questions raised about the new
system but I hope that if it is to be implemented we will see the more robust
diagnosis system in operation that is talked about.
Too often people
with Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD or another condition on the autistic spectrum are
in schools and in need of education learning support but not receiving the
correct supprot because conditions like dyslexia or dyspraxia have not been
identified after the official diagnosis of an autism related condition is in
place. This is regretable because so much can be done to help peopel overcome
such conditions.
On AspergersAdvice.org we are all about discussion and I would be keen to hear you own views on dual-diagnosis and your experiences of where conditions like dyslexia and dyspraxia cross-over. We have a forum for our members to share such experiences and start their own discussions and I really do hope that many of you will consider coming along and checking us out. We are also user-led our agenda is set by those who use the site, as too many disability services are created without the user in mind, and so I would also welcome any articles or issues you guys would like to raise on our site and you can get in touch with us on aspergersadvice.org. While our website is currently “garage-style” we are currently registering as a charity and look forward to unveiling a new look website in the coming months.
Adam Harris is Founder of
AspergersAdvice.org, an online information and social hub for those affected by
Aspergers Syndrome (the site is currently expanding to cater for the whole
autistic spectrum. To find out more about AspergersAdvice.org see:
Website: AspergersAdvice.org
Twitter: Twitter.com/AspergersAdvice
Facebook: Facebook.com/pages/AspergersAdvice/322092317822597
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