Autism

[manutdstott]

Is my younger brother autistic

[5029]

we can't answer that cos we don't know him!

What makes you think he could be?

[mikewith]

If you're seriously looking for advice this has to be a question for medical professionals who have been able to study your brother properly. How ever much additional information you might offer in a forum such as this, we'd still be guessing. The list of characteristic behavior usually associated with autism, or Asperger's Syndrome, as well as an introduction to the kind of treatment and support available, is all listed at sites like http://www.autism-resources.com/autism.faq.html but don't let a website answer your questions about this condition!

I really hope this wasn't a joke question. This is not the place to attempt 'humour' about a medical condition!

[manutdstott]

thanx mikewith, yes it was serious question my younger brother has serous behaviour problems & learning difficulties, my mum is convinced he has autism. as are other people. by the medics wont say it is or diagnose him with it, i understand it cost lots of money. cheers for the usefull websites any other advice or usrfull info might be helpfull & appreciated by my mum. thanx. manutdstott

[coemgen]

I don't understand what you mean when you say that the medics won't diagnose him as it costs a lot of money. My son has Asperger's syndrome, his learning difficulties were picked up at 3 and he attended a child development clinic. He couldn't talk until he was 4. His paediatrician referred him to a clinical psychiatrist who after several sessions with my son on his own and an assessment using my information of his behaviour, diagnosed him as having Asperger's syndrome. There was never any problem in getting him the help he needed. I would seriously consider changing your doctor. You don't say how old he is, but it is crucial for your brother's sake that this is either confirmed or denied.

[MargeB]

just to add my tuppence worth, I think that autism has become so famous that pre-diagnosis, lots of people attribute it to various disorders willy nilly. Quite like 'schizophrenia' or 'paranoia'. While autistic spectrum disorders are MUCH more common than people thought 10 years ago, it could be other things, autism itself is very specific, not just 'bad behaviour'. The health services WILL help, and early intervention is in everyone's interests.