A nurse with Aspergers

Specialties Disabilities

Published

I am a student nurse due to get my BSN next May. Although this isn't something I would undertake immediately, I've been pondering whether my own experience with Aspergers could play a role in consulting parents or teens with the condition. I'm not interested in DD in general (I don't see Aspergers as a disorder, but rather a difference that can cause great challenges and also great rewards). It seems, from looking at forums where parents of AS parents talk about their concerns, that they have never met an adult with Aspergers. They also seem to have little context for the mind set of these kids, only looking at behaviors. Any thoughts on that?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi there - I definitely think you have a lot to offer to parents. Have you:

1. contacted your local NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)?

2. what about community support groups?

3. special ed coordinators in your area?

Take care - congrats on your education also.

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

You might want to contact developmental pediatricians in your area. I live in a large metropolitan area and we have a couple of them that specialize in Asperger's. Or if there's a large university in your area, there might be some options in their disability services programs.

You could also look into other counseling practices and see if there isn't a niche you could fill as a nurse. These are things you could start out doing a few hours a week in addition to a more traditional nursing position, until you build up some connections.

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TraumaRUs

Aspergers is not a mental illness, it is a pervasive developmental disorder.

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TraumaRUs

Aspergers is not a mental illness, it is a pervasive developmental disorder.

While I understand your comment, and it is currently being debated, Autism Spectrum Disorders are classified as Mental Health Disorders. And individuals, as well as families utilize a variety of specialties including occupational, physical, behavioral, educational, and family psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists. I only wish doctors knew more about how to help, but that is the reality at the moment.

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Specializes in pediatric nurse, school nurse.

Congratulations nursingstudent317, for successfully nearing graduation!! I'm glad you understand AS as a difference, not a mental illness, despite the DSM-IV categorization (which is now in the process of updates and revision!). My youngest son has AS, and I tell him that there is absolutely nothing "wrong" with him, and that his brain, when learning, simply takes a different thought route to get to an answer.My adult neighbor also has AS (successfull software engineer with a Master's degree!), and he is a WONDERFUL resource to get advice and guidance for my son. I think you as an AS RN would be a tremendous asset in a child development practice for patients with autism spectrum disorders - either in a children's hospital setting or a private psychiatric practice. Good luck!

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while i know this is a old thread on the board i''ld be intrested to hear from other nurses or people who are considering nursing with aspergers syndrome. i've been quailfied for over a year now.

tea and toast

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