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Depression and possible Autism/Aspergers

Bigbro

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

  • My understanding, for what it is worth, is that many people on the autistic spectrum experience ambiguous sexual identity, including not being able to place themselves in any category.

    It is also my impression that some people who identify gay find it doesn't follow in the way gay neurotypicals would expect to behave, which leaves the AS person just as much the outsider, or possibly not the way they supposed.

    However there is little if any written material on the subject, no research, no points of reliable reference. And even where it dramatically affects people's lives I dobt if it will receive much attention, which is a shame.

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  • My understanding, for what it is worth, is that many people on the autistic spectrum experience ambiguous sexual identity, including not being able to place themselves in any category.

    It is also my impression that some people who identify gay find it doesn't follow in the way gay neurotypicals would expect to behave, which leaves the AS person just as much the outsider, or possibly not the way they supposed.

    However there is little if any written material on the subject, no research, no points of reliable reference. And even where it dramatically affects people's lives I dobt if it will receive much attention, which is a shame.

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