Asperger's disorder??????

Question

My five year old has been diagnosed with ADHD, Pica, Obsesive compulsive disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Personal Boundary issues, and has some motor skill problems. All of which are parts of what seems to be consistant with what I have read in books to be characteristics of a child with Asperger's disorder..... But can't get a Doctor to take a closer look... I've even asked the doctor to look into Aspergers to see if it is a possibility... no luck.... I've even ran into a few problems of the phycologist not wanting to take a serious look because they want to blame me for his problems because I refuse to put him in public school system, I homeschool him because the public school system did more harm than good. Any suggestion to get a diagnosis or on how to treat his problems the same way they treat an Asperger kid? I've heard the earlier the entervension, the more good it will do. I need advice because I know that it is Aspergers and not just all these other things...

Answer 1

http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Asperger_Syndrome.htm

Click on State and Local NAMI's and talk to yours.

Part of the problem you're encountering is that not much is really understood or known about Asperger's. It can be difficult to diagnose. Ask about getting him to take an MMPI - the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Multiphasic_Personality_Inventory

Answer 2

Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically exhibit social awkwardness and an all-absorbing interest in specific topics. Doctors group Asperger's syndrome with other conditions that are called autistic spectrum disorders or pervasive developmental disorders. These disorders all involve problems with social skills and communication. Asperger's syndrome is generally thought to be at the milder end of this spectrum. Now, I myself am diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. Out of all the problems I have, I would say its mostly social issues. NOt being able to pick up on body language, knowing what to talk about, and I can't really look a person in the eye for more than 2 seconds. For me, it really gets in the way, of attempting to have friends. I hope this answers your question.

Answer 3

My heart goes out to you. I have a cousin who was originally diagnosed with all kinds of stuff but his diagnosis was eventually changes to aspergers. It may be hard but you need to fight with the school or with your doctor to get him checked for asperers. Your child should have the right to special ed services even if you chose not to send him to public schools because you play taxs that support public school. I know that for sure. You need to be pushy and dont give up until you get you way. There is an intervention program I strongly recommened it is called Applied behavioral Analysis. Depending on were you live you may be able to recieve funding for these thing. If he has sensory problems Sensory integration may also help.
Because he is so young there is hope. I can not say you child will ever be typical but if he getts good intervention now he will be better off in the future. You must be frusterated but you need to keep fighting.
I wish you the best! There is hope.

Answer 4

I am so sorry...I have heard what a nightmare it is trying to get a correct diagnosis for children with autism and Aspergers. I found a website with Dr.s who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Asperger's. It is broken down by state, so hopefully there is a specialist in your area. Good Luck and trust your gut...you know your child best and you can be his best advocate.

Answer 5

First of all, you absolutely *Must* get a second, third and forth opinion, because the last thing you want is to have your child wrongly diagnosed. Try every doctor in your area and if that doesn't work, look online for specialty doctors. E-mail doctors and hospitals until you can get someone to really evaluate him. Other than that, I just wish you lots of luck.

Answer 6

Don't home school him. If he has Asperger's and is still very young, he needs to be in an enviroment where he can be socialised. If you don't like public school, try private school. A friend of mine had been diagnosed with Asperger's and the public school system is not a place for children with disorders or high intelligence. If you can afford it, definitely try and look for a private school that can suit his needs, but without treating him like he is 'special' or retarded. My friend used to scream, cry and needed to be held down and child services was even called on his mother, who is a child psychologist herself, because he was so loud, but what seems like torture at a young age worked out for the better. He doesn't remember and no one would even guess he was diagnosed autistic. He has plenty of friends, has finished university and works for the police!

Try and find another qualified psychologist. One who specialises in autism spectrum disorders would be best. Another doctor would also be a good idea. Don't fall for white coat syndrome.

Answer 7

Online Asperger Syndrome
Information & Support

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/

Answer 8

I am now going to say to you something that I heard a few years ago that is now relevant. I heard of a boy who asked a lot of questions about the world. This disturbed his mother and she then took him to the doctor. The doctor said to her that he knew someone's child who was physically disabled and could not talk. He then said perhaps you should count yourself lucky you have a healthy son that can talk. And that was that.

Answer 9

Have you asked your doctor to refer the two of you two a paediatrician?

Also - try calling the children's hospitals near you - some of them may have a developmental program you can enrol your child in and they often will help with some form of diagnosis if there is some sort of syndromal or other identifiable constellation of signs and symptoms.

Answer 10

I would research all that I could and I would find a doctor who is willing to take interest and do some testing. You need a second opinion and sounds like your doctor does not care enough to help you. Good Luck!!