Worried Mother

[kazabc]

Sorry this may be the wrong forum but I need help and don't know where to turn next. I have been trying to learn how to help my Son since he began grade 2 at school. He is now 21 and I am no closer to helping him cope. The last 4 years have been the worst. He has had 2 drug induced psychotic episodes and has been in and out of mental wards several times. He is naturally empathic so Aspbergers doesn’t seem to fit. And I’m not sure about Autism either. Here is a list of his symptoms: Inability to learn, read or spell and very poor handwriting. I once thought him how to spell 5 words , he learnt them back wards and forward, half an hour later he forgot them. Inability to play sport, no hobbies or artistic ability. Inability to follow instructions, or remember important dates or schedules. Inability to plan or work out a sequence or order of what to do first. For instance, he had to put a wood bed with a slatted bass together, it also had a trundle that just said underneath the bed (it was a very basic design). He couldn’t work it out himself, he just lay the top on the base and said he liked it that way, but looked embarrassed because it wasn't right. It broke my heart. He does not like being around people who are arguing, who does right! he shuts himself away though. He is very empathetic and has good customer service skills and hospitality was a good job for him when he was able to work. Unfortunately he finds Marijuana an escape. He has found, it is the pills that made him psychotic. I don't know, does anyone have an answer for me. He presents as if like everyone else but people (work mates etc) soon treat him like he is stupid. Then he become depressed and feels embarrassed. Oh one more thing - he tends to collect small insignificant objects and likes to keep them on him in a bag.

[another-view]

Sounds like he needs to ditch the drugs.

[LoftyLottie]

I know a lad with Aspbergers who is naturally empathetic.

Have you discussed this with your GP. It sounds as if he needs assessing - although I can't quit eunderstand how he has got to this age without any assessments. All these things would have sent out warning signals at school. The reading/spelling thing, together with poor handwriting could well indicate dyslexia. Has he had no help with diagnosis and ungoing support from the hospitals he has been in?

He needs to get professional help, and the first port of call would be his GP.

[LoftyLottie]

You may have better luck posting your question in Body and Soul/Health and Fitness.

[kazabc]

thank you all for your answer. Lofty, he has had no help to date, they have put him in the to hard basket as most dyslexic people. I will try Body and Soul thank you.