
Is It Necessary To Disclose The Diagnosis Of Patient's Asperger's Syndrome To His Children?

Question: My husband of 32 years has been recently diagnosed with aspergers. I'm wondering whether disclosing this to our grown, married children will be of value or not. they have maintained a healthy relationship with him all these years and I feel protective of that.
Brief Answer:
Asperger is not usually diagnosed in adulthood
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXX,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
A diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome is difficult to make in adulthood and requires detailed childhood history and social interaction status. The symptoms are usually less social interaction with impairment in non verbal communications, though mental development and verbalization is normal.
At this age, other diagnosis of decreased social interaction like depression, metabolic disorders, degenerative brain diseases and intracranial space occupying lesions have to be ruled out.
Hardest part is to discuss the diagnosis with children.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Asperger is not usually diagnosed in adulthood
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXX,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
A diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome is difficult to make in adulthood and requires detailed childhood history and social interaction status. The symptoms are usually less social interaction with impairment in non verbal communications, though mental development and verbalization is normal.
At this age, other diagnosis of decreased social interaction like depression, metabolic disorders, degenerative brain diseases and intracranial space occupying lesions have to be ruled out.
Hardest part is to discuss the diagnosis with children.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj

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