[DSPScott]

Originally Posted by hartbroken

I suffer from schizoaffective, and we all know this is a chronic suffering, filled with torment and confusion a lot of the time.

I came down with kidney problems from diabetes which was triggered by the meds I take for schizoaffective. All of a sudden people are worried about me, because they can identify with the kidney disease. But when it comes to the constant mental disorder I've dealt with all along, there's been little compassion, or desire to learn more about the disease so they can have empathy for what I always go thru.

So why do people gravitate towards one and not the other?

First - I'm sorry that, that is the case. I have Bi-Polar, Depression & ADHD and while none of these nearly approaches the difficulties you face, people aren't terribly interested in me either, but I've managed to have a very successful career so I'm guessing they downplay the difficulties that have come with it.
I do have a question that perhaps you can help me with. I was hoping to ask a professional, but so far I can't see how to post to them.
After 30 years as an Eng/Eng Manager, I've switched careers to CNA/DSP and work in a group home for mentally disabled adults. With my background, I'm very serious about procedures and hopefully really helping my clients. I have a38 yr old schizoaffective that goes 230 and well over 6' tall. I think he intimidates a lot of the other DSP's. 2 of his behaviors that have very negatively impacted his ability to maintain employment (5 jobs < 2 mo), is 1. He tells people he is going to be the king and screams "King!" at various times, 2. He will interrupt people with what is obviously fake, very loud laughter for extended periods of time. There isn't a consistent approach to this by the other staff. I tell him I don't believe he will be the king and that he should be focused on being successful at his current job and ignore the laughter altogether. He doesn't like this, but has not become violent at least yet. Some DSP's will say, "well, I'm going to be the queen" or "really?" I'm trying to figure out the best response to these two behaviors that will help him. He doesn't really see either as an issue, at least not when he is in the group home setting. They are listed as unacceptable for when he is in public. I guess I don't see them as acceptable at all, but that may be from a lack of experience & education, which I"m trying to remedy as best I can by studying. What would you suggest?