Why do doctors decide not to diagnose a child with Aspberger's Syndrome simply because he is over the age of 3

Question

The child is 11 years old and was taken to the doctor when he was in the third grade. The mother is an educator and recognized the symptoms, but the doctor says no. He just has tendencies. Without the doctors go ahead, there can be no 504 plan or IEP. I am the counselor at the school and trying to help. What do I do?

The mother notices the signs when he was a toddler but father would not hear of anything being wrong. Dad sees major problems now and wants something done about it.

He has all the symptoms of Aspberger's, but the doctor said because he was not in school around other children until he started kindergarden, he can not say he has the disorder. He is having severe problems at school and mother is taking him to a psychologist now to work with him on anger management issues. He wants to hurt others because they make fun of him.

Answer 1

I am a psychologist and most of the time, Asperger's is diagnosed AFTER the age of three, so I don't see why the age of the child is standing in the way of the diagnosis. Contrary to the above poster, there CAN BE and often are signs as toddlers. However, it is true that technically speaking, children with Aspergers do not have clinically significant language delay as toddlers... or any significant cognitive delay...

From your question, it sounds as if the doctor is the one making the decision to NOT diagnose the child. What kind of doctor is it, and what kind of training does he or she have? Asperger's can be a very difficult disorder to recognize, and perhaps you need a second opinion. Get testing from a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional with experience in this area.

In addition, one difference between testing by a psychiatrist, pediatrician and neurologist (who are all medical doctors) - vs. a psychologist is that some psychologists will observe your child at school rather than just seeing him in the office. Many times, Asperger's children can appear "typical" around adults. This is why it is very important to observe the child around groups of peers.

Answer 2

• During the first three years of life, there can be no clinically significant delay in cognitive development such as curiosity about the existing environment or the acquisition of age appropriate learning skills, self-help skills, or adaptive behaviors (other than social interaction);

You could assume it is Aspberger's, but that would be changing the definition of what Aspberger's is, like calling an orange an apple because you can't understand why an apple can't have a thick peel, a spherical shape, and an orange color.

They are correct. It is not Aspberger's. That does not mean there isn't something wrong, but this is the wrong approach.

This is the danger of a society that draws such distinct lines in reality where no such lines exist.

In addition, depending on the state, you CAN submit (along with the parents) a request for a 504 plan or IEP. Start gathering as much evidence as you can (report cards, tests, etc.) and use as much testimony and evidence from the parents as possible. Enlist the teachers, past and present, as well.

Good luck to you, the parents, and the child.

Answer 3

Find out when the mother FIRST recognized the symptoms. Most of the time, symptoms are present very early vs. late onset. Doctors probably hesitate to make a final diagnosis because it will stick with the child for life. I would get a referral to a Child Behavioral Specialist who is specifically trained in any type of issue along this line. Even if it isn't Aspberger's the behavioral specialist can help pinpoint the problem. And keep getting second, third, fourth...(etc.) opinions until someone gives her an answer! Some doctors can be overly cautious or downright lazy. You really have to "take charge" of your health care these days! Good luck!

Answer 4

I don't think so, but the spectrum in diagnosis is so complicated, it takes a professional to identify the classification, and sometimes they miss the mark. My grandson wasn't speaking until he turned almost 5. He was classified as Autistic, but he didn't fit all the criteria for that, either. Asperger's generally develop good language skills, you're right...I guess you'll have to wait and see what the official diagnosis is.

Answer 5

1. Under Section 504, he only has to be *PERCEIVED* as or *TREATED AS THOUGH* having the disability. There does not have to be an actual diagnosis. Whoever thinks this doesn't know the law or is lying to you.

2. The child needs to be administered a neuropsychological evaluation at which time and by whom a diagnosis CAN be made.

Answer 6

I am also a parent fo a child with Asperger's syndrome. I was also sitting in the same situtation as your parent. My husband wouldn't hear of anything being wrong with his son other than he was just a boy. Leave it alone. I continued to watch my son and when it started affecting him in school we stated taking him to doctors. It took us taking him to 7 different doctors until we finally got one of them to listen. I had to print off tests from the internet that I would take while observing my son. I took all this information into the doctor with reports from all of his teachers through the years. It took me some time to get it but it was well worth it. He was finally diagnosed with Moderate to Severe Asperger's Syndrome when he was 8 years old. I am not sure if you are familiar with the Oasis web site. If you do a search on yahoo for aspergers syndrome and find the site with oasis in the title you should check that site out. It is a great resourse for yourself, the parent, and even the 11year old. He can talk to other children his age who are going through the same thing he is and that will understand. Best of luck to all of you and I hope all works out well. Keep trying there is a doctor out there that will listen to you. they are just that scientist. Not god

Answer 7

obviously you and the mother are medically trained and better qualified than the doctor to diagnose this illness.
You can always go to another doctor until you get one to give you the diagnosis you want.
The best thing to do is get a second opinion or even three or four, then if it really is what you believe it is then the child will get the help they need.
Frankly though, i had a school counselor tell me my son was ADHD.. and after taking him to several doctors on her advice and them telling me i was right and the school was wrong, i cautioned her about getting involved in a medical situation she was not trained to diagnose.
I know you are trying to help, but sometimes you need to see that maybe the doctor is right.

Answer 8

Typically these children are also diagnosed ADHD. Get mother to provide diagnosis for this, then you can write your 505 plan.