ThomasL

Where are the best places in the world to have Asperger's or a similar disability and related problems such as depression, anxiety, etc.? Here in the US, the richest country in the history of the world, billionaires pay only 15% income tax, and pay millions of dollars in legal bribes to corrupt politicians to keep their taxes low and further cut already skimpy social services to the poor, elderly, and disabled (because they're so concerned about the national debt, you see). On the other hand, we have "homeless" people dying in the streets of every major city. I have to think many of these unfortunate people are suffering from Asperger's or similar disorders. I fear I may end up one of them. It's only family that's kept me from doing so this long, but now both parents are dead, and I'm wearing out my welcome with the last person who gives a damn about me. In the US it's extremely difficult to qualify for disability benefits (SSI or SSD), especially for people with Asperger's, and if you do, they pay next to nothing - $674/month in most states. Honestly... that's enough for food and a tent to live (and die) in. Plus, even if you qualify, they apparently keep wanting to take it away... always calling you in for re-evaluation every couple of years or so. At least this is my understanding. I hear it's even worse in Britain, but considerably better in Canada and some other countries. I would love to hear the specifics of Canada, and how it compares to the US system. Is it easier to qualify for disability benefits if you have Asperger's or a similar disorder? How much are the benefits? Do they vary by province? Which provinces provide the most support to people suffering from Asperger's? What about other countries? Sweden? Norway? Netherlands? Australia? New Zealand? How difficult is it to qualify, and how much are benefits per month? Also, which states in the US are best? I understand state and local social programs such as subsidized housing, medical care, etc. vary greatly depending on the state (and sometimes city?). I only have a hunch, but perhaps Massachusetts, Minnesota and Oregon are some of the best? Anyone know?

Thanks guys, for the replies and for the kind welcome. Do you know if these criteria primarily apply to children, and are not necessarily so apparent in adults with Asperger's? Also, are these same criteria necessary for similar conditions, such as HFA, PDD-NOS, etc.? Finally, is it possible (or even common) to have such symptoms and not be aware of them, even when trying to think of some? That would make sense to me, but I'm not entirely sure... The thing is, EVERY other criteria and characteristic seems to fit perfectly - I'm even an INTP, and an atheist/agnostic (not quite sure which), etc., which I'm delighted to see are common among people with Asperger's... finally a group of like-minded people! Actually, I'm pretty sure I have "special interests" (certain academic subject areas that I have a long-standing interest in); I'm just not so sure about the "nonfunctional routines or rituals". Would bruxism (the habitual, purposeless clenching and grinding of the teeth, esp. unconsciously and during sleep) qualify as a nonfunctional routine or ritual?

I'm almost positive I have Asperger's or a some similar disorder, but I'm confused about the following diagnostic criteria: Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: * encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity of focus * apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals I was hoping some of you would be kind enough to provide some clarification and/or examples (either from your own life or other people with AS, or just in general).