Depression and possible Autism/Aspergers

Hello, I'm new here but I've been researching and learning from this site and community for quite some time now and have come to the conclusion that my brother could be somewhere on the spectrum.

He's 31 and has always been a fairly lonely guy and never had many friends. Since reading these forums I have noticed he has a number of traits. Now, I could be completely wrong about this but it might be something worth exploring.

The problem is that he is currently suffering with quite severe depression. This all came to a head a few years ago when he came out and told us he's gay. I'm also gay and came out when I was about 18 but my mother didn't react well to the news so he's kept it to himself for about 10 years. I can't imagine what that's done to him and I feel so sorry for him.

He's being treated for the depression and has counselling but my question to you guys is whether the depression should be dealt with before bringing up the possibility of him being on the spectrum. On one hand, if he is on the spectrum, it may help him to understand how he's feeling. On the other, it could confuse things and make things worse.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts, ideas and suggestions on this and if you have any questions, please do ask.

Thanks for reading.

Parents

Hope over 12 years ago

I am a ***, and think that people with Aspergers who are also gay, are just as good at working out their sexuality as neurotypical people, so I don't understand what Longman means by being coufused - can Longman please clarify?
It might be the case that more people with Aspergers identify as Gay, but research needs to be done.
Certainly, more support for gay people on the spectrum is urgently needed.
Many people are confused by their sexuality, not just people with Aspergers, but I accept that having Aspergers can severely complicate matters. This is partly because friendship and relationship difficulties prevent one from being able to explore their sexuality. However, many neurotypicals are also single well into their later years, but readily identify as straight, not just gay.
I first knew that I was a *** (possibly bisexual, but definitely not straight) when I was 11 years old. My parents are fine with it; they just want me to be happy.
I live near Brighton, but am put off by the noise and crowds.

Reply

Hope over 12 years ago

I am a ***, and think that people with Aspergers who are also gay, are just as good at working out their sexuality as neurotypical people, so I don't understand what Longman means by being coufused - can Longman please clarify?
It might be the case that more people with Aspergers identify as Gay, but research needs to be done.
Certainly, more support for gay people on the spectrum is urgently needed.
Many people are confused by their sexuality, not just people with Aspergers, but I accept that having Aspergers can severely complicate matters. This is partly because friendship and relationship difficulties prevent one from being able to explore their sexuality. However, many neurotypicals are also single well into their later years, but readily identify as straight, not just gay.
I first knew that I was a *** (possibly bisexual, but definitely not straight) when I was 11 years old. My parents are fine with it; they just want me to be happy.
I live near Brighton, but am put off by the noise and crowds.

Children

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