Arctic

Hi All, I am struggling with day to day life. I am doing a college course, which is stressing me out as I have to spend time in the presence of others. I am also doing a work placement as part of my course and it's awkward as hell - it makes me really anxious. I have a dual diagnosis of Asperger's and schizophrenia, so I have to deal with the hallucinations (auditory and visual) and other symptoms that the comorbid conditions cause, too. How do you all cope with work/education? How does your family react to your diagnosis? My parents and partner try to understand, but I feel that sometimes they do not realise how difficult things are for me and how my conditions affect my life. This leaves me feeling a little isolated. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Arctic

Hi 100acrewood, Glad you had a better day and managed to keep him occupied. Fingers crossed that after the ADOS he will be able to get the help he needs. It's great that the support worker recognises the good things you have done Any luck with CAMHS? If you ever need to talk, drop me a message Arctic

Hey 100acrewood, How is your son today? Did you manage to calm him down? I have found that I can't always remain calm when people talk to me when I am having an 'episode'. He must be frightened I often get the feeling that the TV is talking to me - does he get that too? Is he on any medication? I hope that when the ADOS and ADI are done that he will get the help he needs. Arctic

Hi all, I'm 25 and have been having visual and auditory hallucinations for the past 10 years. I hear whispers, random words, derogatory statements about me/other people, instructions (often to do something bad) and a running commentary on what I do. I see human figures/silhouettes, animals, fire and a grren face who is also responsible for some of the auditory hallucinations (he has a voice as well as a visual presence). The Asperger's make social situations difficult, but the voices and visions add to this and make social situations very uncomfortable and sometimes draining. It is interesting to read what you have all written, particularly 100acrewood's son. Childhood schizophrenia is rare, but not unheard of, so it could well be the case that your son has it, 100acrewood. Arctic

HI all, Does anyone else here have a dual diagnosis of Asperger's and schizophrenia (or a similar psychotic illness)? How do you manage with auditory and visual hallucinations? Also, how do you manage anxiety (which, for me, is a significant symptom caused equally by social situations and the nature of the things I see / voices I hear. Does anyone here have similar problems? Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks, Arctic