Diagnosing "on the spectrum" in adults??

This may be long...sorry in advance, but I'm not sure where to turn and hoping someone here has experience and can help.

I think my brother may be on the spectrum, like Aspergers OR maybe PDD-NOS? He's 26 years old. He was labeled speech delayed with learning disabilities when he was in school. He's OBVIOUSLY got some emotional issues and I personally think he was mis-diagnosed. My parents didn't do their research as we were growing up and labeled him "difficult" or "he's got some issues". To them (immigrant Italians) I think to allow him to be labeled as anything "substantial" was just something they couldn't admit to. My mom regrets all the time that she didn't do more for him. She just didn't know what to do at the time. There wasn't as much research back then, it wasn't well known, etc. I see signs of different things, and I'm not sure WHAT it is..but I think he may be on the spectrum.

Anyway- he's 26. He graduated high school, he even has his associates degree. He works retail part-time. He's not stupid ...just off. Socially- he has no skills. He can't interact with people his own age- never did, always better with adults who can understand something is off. He obsesses about things: like reading celebrity news, googling random things about celebrities/television/movies, etc. He is constantly washing his hands, won't touch things, hand sanitizing. He will come into my house and start orgazning things, refilling my water pitcher, watering plants, just certain little quirks. He takes everything people say so literally, doesn't understand colloquialisms. He has a hard time solving problems.

There are other things that are off about him too...I could write a book..but I won't. Here's the thing...he is finally admitting he knows something is not right with him. He's denied it all these years, fought to be treated the same (refused therapy, resources to help him in school, etc.) He's agreed to go see a therapist and to go for testing to see if he can be diagnosed and if there is help out there for him. He wants to get a better job, learn how to be independent, etc.

I hope that I painted an accurate picture of him...so that someone can point me in the right direction.

Any one know where I can start? An agency? A therpist? He lives in Queens.

I really appreciate any help and thank you if you read this whole thing!!

Re: Diagnosing "on the spectrum" in adults??

i think its great you care so much .....my hubby who is a social worker and he said aside from speaking to his gp for referrals to call your local hospitals/univerities mental health centers. they are usally a great resource to get your started!!!

Re: Diagnosing "on the spectrum" in adults??

I think he should see a psychiatrist for an assessment. You could go off of his insurance company's list of providers. Hope you get some answers.

Re: Diagnosing "on the spectrum" in adults??

I would think he'd need to see a Psychologist not a Physiatrist. Kids are diagnosed by either a Psychologist or a Developmental specialist. I would think because of the concerns insurance would cover it but of course I'd check into that because all plans are different. Wishing your brother well
( I have 2 sons on the spectrum so please feel free to pm me if you ever have questions)

Re: Diagnosing "on the spectrum" in adults??

I wanted to qualify my prior post. Ideally, with the possible autism spectrum and mental health concerns, a comprehensive evaluation would be best- with a psychiatrist and/or psychologist with specific training and experience in autism. A general psych or psychiatrist would not necessarily have this background, though it's not a bad place to start, as they would hopefully refer to a more appropriate specialist.

If it were my brother, I would bring him directly to a place like the Cody Center at stony brook for an assessment. They have psychs and psychiatrists there who are experts in diagnosing autism in both kids and adults. I feel like a developmental pediatrician would not be able to help, as your brother is an adult.

Re: Diagnosing "on the spectrum" in adults??

I'm almost in tears reading your post because you care so much about him.

I have no advice but hopefully he will get the help he needs.

Re: Diagnosing "on the spectrum" in adults??

It's amazing how much you care for him. he needs to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation.

In my total layperson's opinion, it sounds like your hunch is in the right direction with the Asperger Syndrome. He'll only get help once he's disagnosed. How does he feel about it?