Very worried about my brother - *updated 30th May...*

MrsTinks

I disagree with Sparky I'm afraid - I think there is something going on - be it aspergers or mild autism I can't say, I have no experience with mental health issues in any form like that. Just going on what you have explained (which is all anyone on here can do ) then I would say it sounds like there is something going on... Autism doesn't have to be a negative thing, and sometimes being very intelligent can be a burden rather than a blessing. I don't see a major issue with him living in a tent (other than obvious trespass issues with the landowner) if that is what he wants to do but I would have thought he'd actually do quite well in a commune type setting - maybe it's worth you two looking at possible communes and taking him to one to see what he thinks? He doesn't sound work shy per say and would probably be more than happy chopping wood, working the communal gardens and being a benefit to the group - just as long as no-one tried to stick him in an office (Not that I blame him!)
The 50 people thing is obviously a concern - I think it's either seriously exagerated or signs of paranoia... either of which are concerning to be honest. Have you explained to him how much you both worry about this and how much stress it causes you thinking he's not safe? Maybe if you explain this he would consider moving his site somewhere so if they are genuine then he could at least be away from them?

Swan_2

my first thought too was Aspergers or mild Autism (I have an adult son who's recently been diagnosed, so some of your brother's behaviour sounds very familiar)

not sure if anyone's mentioned this already, I may have missed an earlier post ...
I'm wondering, is it possible he has one of those conditions (which are not mental illnesses) but is also actually suffering from some sort of mental illness? ... it's the 50 people after him that's making me wonder that, not the living in the tent

sorry I've no practical advice, what a worry for you, I hope you find some sort of resolution & peace of mind soon

jenhug

Barneysmom wrote: »

I'm just wondering if he has Asperger's, not being rude you see, it's just his analysis seems extreme? I'm not explaining very well am I

Is there any way of getting him seen by a doctor, though I imagine it would be very difficult.

I was thinking the same! I have a child with Asperger syndrome, and some of the things you say make sense.

asperger

i have a son with Aspergers and i run an aspergers information website and i dont think he has aspergers. people with aspergers have the condition from birth. I think you need to take your brother to the doctors and have a talk to them.

Paparika

A lot of people have already said this and it really does sound like your brother has either had a breakdown or has a mental health issue.

Neither are embarrassing or anything stupid like that

ofc i am not an expert in this field, but i was a medical secretary to a psychiatric consultant, and this sounds so familiar to a range of mental health issues.

The difficult bit will be getting him to a gp and finding out by a professional if this is what he is suffering from.

Make sure that he knows his family love him, and support him.

asperger

you could contact your local The Health and Social Care Change Agent Team also known as "CAT". as they might be able to help you

PasturesNew

freakyogre wrote: »

...

Long shot, but I read this all the way through to the end because so much of what you were saying "registered" with me. Look into Aspergers, I can see a number of traits on there that would tick boxes on the scale.

Ah .. now I've read more, others have said it.

I have Aspergers and a lot of the way he's thinking/doing things and interacting with others reflects the things I'd do or the way I'd think.

asperger

PasturesNew wrote: »

Long shot, but I read this all the way through to the end because so much of what you were saying "registered" with me. Look into Aspergers, I can see a number of traits on there that would tick boxes on the scale.

Ah .. now I've read more, others have said it.

I have Aspergers and a lot of the way he's thinking/doing things and interacting with others reflects the things I'd do or the way I'd think.

how long ago did you find out you had aspergers? and did you get much information on it?

seven-day-weekend

I too thought Aspergers Syndrome, although with my experience of my own AS son he has learned to cope better as he has got older, but this guy may have mental health problems too.
http://www.nas.org.uk/asperger

PasturesNew

asperger wrote: »

how long ago did you find out you had aspergers? and did you get much information on it?

A year ago - and your question isn't succinct enough for me to know what the right answer is. So I can't answer that.