can aspergers syndrome and adhd occur together?

Question

my 12yr old son has just been diagnosed with adhd and aspergers I have yet to see the full report but i have never heard of these two conditions occuring together.has anyone any expeirience of this and how will it effect the support given in school. At the moment he recieves no one to one support and his biggest problems are social inadeqecies within the peer qroup and an inability to get work down on paper orally he has been described as having outstanding knowledge

Answer 1

They frequently go hand in hand. In several students I have taught the dual diagnosis has been a blessing in disguise - they were able to receive more services. Frequently, in my experience, children with asperger's are medicated with ADHD medications anyway. They can use social stories and peer buddies to help with social skills. Rehearsing how to handle situations in advance is VERY beneficial. Usually I use a "If someone does/says ___ what would you do/say?" I think if these children have social scripts practiced in their heads, they can handle those interactions easier. I have a self contained class of children with Autism and this has worked with both verbal and nonverbal students that are labeled "high functioning". It sounds like a "typical" processing problem of taking knowledge and getting it onto paper. I have used tape recorders, speech to text software, peer recorders, and oral answers to help students succeed. Try some things at home to see what work best for him and then have it added to his IEP as a modification. I would talk to the IEP team and ask for a list of possible modifications BEFORE they write the IEP. This way you can see what possible adaptations and modifications are typical for your district. PLEASE remember if it is not in the IEP the school and teachers are NOT legally responsible to do it, even if it is common sense!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yes, they can definately occur together...

You may have to consult a slew of professionals. First consult your Child Study Team... see what funding is available- you may need a lawyer (good investment; it is your child). There are social skills groups out there designed for children with special needs, and especially aspergers. You probably want to consult a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for behavioral issues... or if there is one in your school, make sure they are a BCBA. Additionally, see a psychiatrist for medication. Medication is not a bad thing...and is definately a good thing for ADHD. Also, someone who can address emotional needs/anger down the line might be appropriate (like a psychologist).

Unfortunately, many people who are unqualified make decisions for your child, so you will need to fight for everything you get. Ask questions, ask for certifications, ask why they are making certain recommendations... don't just assume they know what they are talking about.

As for the placement of your child or a 1:1, go through your school district, but get assistance for funding and proper decision-making based on many professional input. Also, ask for recommendations from others...

Answer 4

I have just recently read a book called " The ADHD Autism connection. The theory explores the parallel features in terms of social impairment.
The book also ask the question that because of the consequential likeness between ADHD and Asperger’s syndrome and "lack" of researched evidence that distinguish the two disorders, Is ADHD and Asperger's a form of the disorder?

Answer 5

Yes, they absolutely can occur together. Think of each diagnosis as a circle and sometimes the circles overlap each other. You have components of obsessive-compulsive disorder in some children with autism. The support he is given in school will directly relate to how well you can advocate for him and be a part of that IEP team. You need to write goals that are measurable by data collection and not subjective terms like "appropriate." One mom told me one of the school's goals was that the child would greet adults appropriately. Okay. How does a regularly developed 10-year-old do to greet staff appropriately? Are they required, when they see an adult, to say, "Hello Mrs. Smith" everytime they see the person? Stupid goal. It is subjective and not measurable. Your district, per IDEA, is responsible for 100% of their education and HAVE TO provide whatever is necessary to meet the IEP goals. What you do at home is none of their business. Regardless of the fact I have a home program for my son with autism, they are still required to do their jobs. Are you familiar with applied behavioral analysis? You should do a search for the ABLLS (The assessment of basic language and learning skills). It's criterion-referenced testing and if you ask the school to administer this, they could say no, but if they do, then ask for an IEE for a board-certified behavioral analyst. Many times behavioral issues in children with autism are because their environment is not structured properly. With a properly administered ABA program, many behaviors disappear. Your BCBA (or BCABA) would administered this test to them. From there, they can also recommend what goals would be appropriate for the IEP. Then, if it is necessary to use ABA, you can demand that the school provide the training necessary for your teachers, paras, aides, etc., to provide this setting in your child's classroom. Just know this: 1) The district is not your friend as much as they claim to be doing everything in the "best interest" of the child. 2) You need to know the law. The law is your friend. 3) Don't let the district intimidate you. If your son needs 1:1 support, you'll have a hard time with that. Remember, the IEP drives EVERYTHING. If you make goals surrounding social goals as well as helping with getting his work down on paper, then they have to provide modifications to reach those goals.
A great source for all things related to special education (and 504 stuff) is http://www.wrightslaw.com
Good luck!

Answer 6

This is very common. If your son's school is completing the report than you are already in the special education process and your child SHOULD receive special education services, which will allow him to receive more support in school. First, the school does the testing to determine eligibility for special education. Then, if the student is eligible an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed. If an outside agency is completing the report, then make sure to give the school a copy so that they can begin the special education process.

Answer 7

Yes it can. Aspergers can bring on alot of things with it. I have ADHD and Aspergers, unfortunately your child may also have other things with it that haven't been diagnosed. Here are a list of things I have along with aspergers: ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and narcisstic personality disorder. I hate to break it to you, but your kid may have a hard road ahead of him. I'm 21 years old, have all of that crap brought on by aspergers, I barely got through high school. I have social problems, don't get along with most people, am obsessed with my looks (but don't worry about that because that usually goes with females like me), people think I'm self-centered, I don't have a job yet because I'm too ill right now to work, and am told I'm suffering from an eating disorder. I don't get along with people because I'm very competetive and kinda bitchy at times, I have little in common with other females my age and NOTHING in common with males my age, most of my interests revolve around me. My interests include looking good, fashion, makeup, singing, shopping. So far, I haven't got too much going for me except I take my singing classes and do pretty well, I have good fashion sense, and that and I'm told that I look like a model, so I will be getting my pictures taken soon and entering them in online beauty pageants. But as far as education and work go I have pratically nothing. I might be getting technical training for a job later. Asperger really sucks at age 21 for me: no friends outside of the chat rooms and forums, no job, no boyfriend (because I can't relate to guys). But I guess it could be worse, at least your son and I don't have severe autism. Guess you need to watch and see what happens to him and how he grows up because this is just MY experience with aspergers.

Answer 8

Yes, they often go together. You need to speak to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at your son's school to discuss how his needs can best be met - this may or may not be with one to one support, it may be that other outside agencies will be involved. Whatever happens, his Individual Education Plan must reflect a structured scheme to help focus support where it will be most effective. If he has a Statement of Needs then any support detailed will be statutory, ie. the school/LEA must provide it. Good luck, these problems can be overcome/coped with with the right support.

Answer 9

It is common. Your son needs to be provided for in the Special Ed. dept. of his school. Call his guidance councelor to begin this process. Check out the Council for Exceptional Children for more info. Good luck!

Answer 10

My son has the same and OCD as well. It can be managed with CBT. See the school nurse and ask for help she will get it for you, ask her to call in a educational mental health nurse.
We did and they have been fab. Also ask where your son is in relation to the SEN code of practise at school. You can ask (it is your right and they have to do it) to have him statemented then you and he will get lots more help and you can claim disability allowance to help you. You might also get a link family who help you out when things get tough.
Good luck you are not alone xx