Originally Posted by
Patchwork
Most likely many of my mental health issues are caused by the fact that I went undiagnosed as AS for so long.
Oh yeah, that was definitely the cause of mine. Since I got my diagnosis (in May, I think), I've been so much happier people have commented on it frequently, and not engaged in any self-destructive behaviour, nor wanted to.
Originally Posted by
Patchwork
I agree that my case perhaps is not typical of many peoples experiences of the mental health profession and autism, but it certainly highlights the fact that the mental health profession is changing, and that simply passing a person with AS or another ASD from one system to another may not be enough to deal with all of their problems.
I think overall the mental health profession needs a better understanding of autism and related problems, and if there are to be two separate systems, they need better communication, and perhaps to be more closely linked. Although I understand your point that ASD's and autism are absolutely not mental health problems, wether people with these problems are given the right support has a huge impact on their mental wellbeing.
I really hope the system is changing, as I don't want anyone else to have their problems worsened by an environment that exacerbates them instead of helping the person.
Yes, I agree. There should be a link. But for now, I support separate services, at least until MH gets its act together a little with regard autism/Asperger's and learns to spot it! I am all for integration and cooperation between the two, though. I think it could benefit a lot of people. My Mum's a counsellor/psychotherapist and has written to the psychiatrist involved in mis-diagnosing me, along with all the services involved, and hopefully things might change things in my region at least. I also think schools need a signficant amount of further training on the topic..