Does the diagnosis of DAMP in an 11 year old boy place them on the Autistic Spectrum, by U.K. standards.?

Question

I have an 11 year old son, who at the age of six was diagnosed as having ADHD, with the addition that it was of the inatentive type. Around a year ago an assessment was carried out to see if his diagnosis would be more correct as an ASD, this was considered not to be the case. He will next September be moving to secondary school, and I am therefore trying within the limited facilities of where I live (Pembrokeshire) to find a facility that will best serve his needs. The local comprehensive has no special unit, but around 30 minutes drive away, Pembroke school has an Autistic unit, and a Special Learning Group. If my son's current dianosis, of DAMP is considered as an ASD by UK definition, I will try for a place in that unit, otherwise I will push for a place in the Special Learning Group. Things are a little desperate as I have only been notified that my sons diagnosis has been changed to DAMP by his primary school today! and I know so little about this!! it's been sprung on us today!

apologies to the third poster, I didn't make it clear, the school didn't change the diagnosis, apparently they were informed that was his diagnosis some time ago, for some reason I wasn't!!

Thanks Happy, my son attends mainstream junior school, although he is part of a very small group, termed a nurture group every morning, he only attends mainstream classes for the afternoon session. Thanks to everyone offering my family advice! you're all fantastic people!!

Answer 1

I would push for a place in the Special Learning group by the sound of it DAMP is not an ASD, going by the national autistic society's website. You may find his ability is above that of the children in the Autistic Unit, and you would be selling your son short if you placed him in there, (I don't think the authorities would allow it anyway.) Good luck anyway, I'd be happy that he's not been diagnosed as autistic.

Answer 2

It isn't really a different diagnosis as DAMP is a combination of ADHD and Developmental Coordination Disorder. All it means is that he has coordination problems in addition to ADHD. ADHD is generally considered to be an autistic spectrum disorder, so I presume that DAMP is too. I don't know why you were told he does not have an ASD, perhaps they meant that ADHD was a more appropriate label than an unspecified ASD. Obviously, without knowing your son I cannot say for sure, but I would guess that he would do better in the Autistic unit.The staff will have specialist training and they should implement systems specifically designed for children with attention problems. The specialist autistic settings I have worked in do take ADHD students.

In response to the previous poster, children in a ASD unit tend to work on their own, at their own level so you don't need to worry too much about the abilities of the other children.

Answer 3

Hi
Has anyone ever looked into Asperger Syndrome, this is often misdiagnosed with ADHD - inattentive type. Asperger's can have a little of everything and only get a dx for one of the disabilities that manifests itself as more problematic to the school environment. My daughter was given, NVLD, Dyslexia, ADD, Bi polar and she actually has Asperger Syndrome, which is part of the Autistic disorder family. People with Asperger's are of average to above average intelligence (some very gifted) and do not belong in an environment of special education for Autistic children. I say this with full understanding and experience of the problems that can happen when a child is incorrectly placed in the special education environment for Autistic children. There is no justifiable reason why any child with a disability can not be given an appropriate education within the normal school system. We have many Autistic children at our school that vary in ability and all are happy and productive members of the school community. Please don't jump the gun and place your child in an environment that may be harm full if he is not Autistic, (don't get me wrong these schools are great for Autistic children) find out what the disability really is before making any major decisions. Get an independent Psychological assessment done and find out what really is the problem, contact your local health provider and get the names of Psychologists in your area.
Janice

Answer 4

First of all you need to clarify just what is your sons true diagnosis before he moves to secondary school. You don't mention whether he is very able or less able and how he copes in school. There are theories at the moment that ADHD and DAMP are all part of the autistic spectum so don't rule out the possibility of sending him to a special unit for autistic children. You should also get in touch with your local education authority and ask them for help and information as to which will be the best placement for your son. Also get in touch with your local Parent Partnership service as they will be very able to help you make an informed decision and usually they have dealt with similar cases before and will have experience in these matters. It is not going to be easy to make a decision as to where to send your son but you must find out about all the options that are available to you before he goes through transition. I wish you good luck with this and hope you find the right placement for your son.

Answer 5

Does your boy have an educational statement ?

This is vital that he has this so his educational needs are met

He has special needs and placing him in an environment where he will not be catered for will only lead to further problems for him

You must get in touch with your local education authority asap as to me it sounds like he has no statement

With a statement he will be assessed by numerous people to see where he needs extra help

Go into your sons school and speak to the senco and raise your concerns with him or her and ask if they could start the ball rolling for an educational statement ,, this proccess can take up to 12 weeks so it is vital you do this now and do not be put off..

Some schools are hesistant about doing this as it is a very complicated process

Speak to the special needs dept at the local educational authority and seek their advice they are very good

also try looking at this site http://www.oaasis.co.uk/

they helped me with my son and to be honest i could not be where i am today if it was not for them..

I am not too sure what damp means but oaasis have a list of the most common learning disabilties so you may find it on there

also who made the diagnois ? i know this may sound odd but this is important too

Does your son see specialists such as camhs . .you get refered to them via your gp?

please e mail if i can be of anymore use

Answer 6

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Answer 7

The school cannot change your son's diagnosis. He should be seen by a clinical psychologist and you should have been given a full verbal and written explanation.

Kick up stink and get one.

Answer 8

Please could you email me privately I have a son (6) who is ADHD, impulsive, dyslexic and education in Derby is a mine field please help