Anger and depression are both issues more common in Aspergers Syndrome (High-Functioning Autism) than in the general population. Part of the problem stems from a conflict between longings for social contact and an inability to be social in ways that attract friendships and relationships. Even young Aspies seem to know that they are not the same as other kids, and this gets emphasized in the social era of adolescence. Many cases of depression, in fact, begin in adolescence. Anger, too, stems from feeling out of place and being angry at one’s circumstances in life.
Ideally, the focus should be on prevention and on helping younger children with Aspergers develop communication skills and develop a healthy self-esteem. These things can create the ability to develop relationships and friendships, lessening the chances of having issues with anger or depression.
Anger can also come in Aspergers sufferers when rituals can’t get accomplished or when their need for order or symmetry can’t be met. Frustration over what doesn’t usually bother others can lead to anger and violent outbursts. This kind of anger is best handled through cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on maintaining control in spite of the frustration of not having their needs met.
While it is better to teach communication skills and self-esteem to the younger Aspies, communication skills and friendship skills can be taught to Aspergers teenagers - and even adults - that can eliminate some of the social isolation they feel. This can avert - or reverse - depression and anger symptoms.
The truth is that some Aspergers individuals become so depressed that they may commit suicide. Other Aspies become angry enough that they get violent and hurt - or kill - others as a result. The challenge becomes recognizing these individuals before they do harm to self or others and getting them into therapy (or starting medications for depressions or obsessive compulsive symptoms) so that tragedy can be avoided.
12 comments:
Violent is an under statement, im 16 an was never taught any coping skills because it was discovered at a late stage. I would usually get more angry at myself and the last time it happened I ripped the top of a table of (that was screwed down) and have a fractured knuckle at the moment from punching a wall, and the fact that im 6.4 and quite strong does not help. I find if I force my self to talk to someone it helps. But it really gets to you when you hear the lads talking about how many birds (girls) they scored over the break and how loads of the lads are going out with people, that really gets you down on your self because you fell like a black sheep because you have never done any of these things. Those can and up as explosions of rage. But I find that if you just talk about what getting to you it makes it a better because other people will admit they have faults too.
I guess this all started when I found out I had Asperger’s Syndrome in my Senior year of high school. I know I shouldn’t use it as an excuse, but I can’t help it. I’ve been feeling so down since I’ve been out of high school. I’m 19 and I do attend a community college, but I have no desire to attend any longer. I’ve failed over half of my courses; I should be almost done with by now, but I’m just halfway done. I’m always on the computer, and I’m very experienced at web developing and gaming, but that doesn’t even make me happy no more. All I feel like doing is sleeping, waking up to eat and then sleeping again. I’ve tried getting jobs, but every job I get I NEVER hear back from them even after I call them, never been on an interview or anything. My case manager is depressing me more because I have no desire to complete goals they have set, etc. My personal mentor type person can’t help me, I have no desire, nothing I do makes me happy.
Dear Anonymous December 15, 2010,
I am a mom of an aspie boy with a lot of life challenges, just like you. Since you are searching for answers, I'm sure you know by now that you are not alone. What I want you to know, is not only are you not alone, but you are important and special, just for being you. Although you are going through a tough time right now and your future seems scary and miserable, you have the ability within you to be just as successful as anyone else…it will just be harder for you. You have to want it more. You have to try more. You have to get yourself out of that bed, get out there and make things happen for you, MORE. Is it fair that you have to work so much harder than everyone else? No, absolutely not. But, you have to be happy doing what you can do. Look for the good in things and be grateful for them. Remember that no matter how miserable you might be, you are probably luckier than someone else who doesn‘t have it as good. Someone who doesn’t have people around them to help. Someone who might not even be physically capable of the easiest things in life. Try helping others. Volunteer. Consider finding a local church where you feel comfortable. Get to know the people there and ask how you can get involved. You are important and there is a place in this world where you can find happiness. You won’t find it in bed. Get out there. I will be thinking & praying for you! Austin’s Mom.
I am an aspie and have the meltdowns from time to time but I have learned also do not bottle up feelings because it all comes out one tim or another and that having a friend or significant other REALLY helps.So let it all out to parents or just tell someone whether it be wife,mom,brother,therapist just someone and it will get better.
My son has Asperger's as well and his teacher is very frustrated and concerned with him. He feels that the other kids get preferential treatment and he gets angry when they pick on him and his teacher does not hear him out. He is 9 and in third grade. I do not know what to do. I told his teacher that his fixating on things and getting upset easily is part of the syndrome and she needs to realize he is not trying to be bad or misbehave. I feel really sad for everyone who struggles with Asperger's. They should have a support group or something. Other kids who are like him, get it. But most do not and now even the school seems to be uncompassionate. I am just glad I found this site.
To the anonymous writer who doesn't want to do anything but eat and sleep: You need to tell your doctor, right away, so s/he can evaluate you for possible depression. I have 2 children (one a teen, one an adult) for whom anitdepressants have been essential to help them not feel overwhelmed by their obstacles. Please tell someone what you told us.
To Misty: The single most helpful thing I did for my son was sign him up for social skills classes. I put it off because of the expense, but I kept looking around until I found a recommended group I could afford. My son is progressing in his social skills AND for the first time he has a friend who has invited him over for a Saturday more than once. Because both families know what it's like to have an Aspie, we are patient with each other's children when they act inappropriate. It has helped my son's overall mood enormously, and he is better able to handle the stress of school, because there is a bright spot in his life now.
Best,
Carol
To Misty, My son has Aspergers and ADHD. He has been on an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) through his school for 3years now.He is in 2nd grade. It has been great, we have set out a plan that helps with my son. Routine lists,social skills,break rooms, etc. This helps the teacher to follow the plan that you have set up for your son. This will help with everyone's frustration on how to handle things in the classroom setting. And your son may not feel as frustrated that the teacher is not listening.
My son is nearly 11, we have taken him to a few pediatricians and he has seen psycologist since he was 3. Not one has assessed him for anything. My son has recently become more agressive and is lashing out at anyone who looks at him the wrong way. He has lost his friends and hates going to school. He shows many signs of being aspergers and finally a Doctor has listened to me and is currenly sending him for assessment. We are feeling very desperate at the moment as he is so sad and very volotile. Does it get easier?
Hi Has anyone tried the Mark Hutten Ebook and online Parent course?
Yes ...I have. His program was a God-send!
tron, i am an aspie m/22 and i had the problems you had but i found a way to help learn control is you need to find a way to release it in a controlled manner something like martial arts or boxing. it is the best way to learn control over yourself and your mind more importantly.
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