Dianajeantx
Active Member
I am the mother of a 6 yr old boy that is exhibiting some characteristics of aspergers. I want to make sure I am not imagining a diagnosis when there may be something else to attribute it too so here it goes. My son has been diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety with Depressive Features and ODD. He has been diagnosed with these by his pediatricians for over a year now so when the psychologist diagnosed him I wasn't shocked. What did surprise me is he only spent 20 minutes with my son before giving his results. The school district is testing him and I have expressed my concerns for aspergers. Here are his characteristics that have me thinking aspergers:
The things Elijah has issues with:
Touch- no one can touch him, pulls away from kids and me
Strangers, eye contact, gets better the more he knows them
Loud noises, covers ears and moves to farthest point in room to get away
Hates Writing, loves computers
Certain textures-food (mushy makes him gag), green foods he wont eat, wont try new foods, sheets to rough
Needs to know in advance of change and what change will take place, cant cope well with surprises in routine
Needs to have same routine, down to minute with the same route and locations of destination
Needs place to destress (anxiety, over stimulation), has moved out of line to get away from people
Needs daily rewards and visual cues (schedule, behavior, legos)
Issue with little girl trying to make friends-chased her around room, kids touch him too much or perceived cutting in line causes total meltdown-kicking, running away, hitting- seems like he blacks out, doesn't recognize people
Prefers cold baths, warm water is hot to him
Wants me to hold him during times of social anxiety otherwise no real affection unless he wants it
Parallel play, doesn't socialize with kids unless its his siblings, relates to adults very well
Failing all classes, will let teacher know a day in advance if he will do and finish school work-seems like mental preparation
Hair pulling-extreme focus on pulling hair on arms, legs, hands
Hears and absorbs information though he is doing other things.
Slight rocking on heels when standing, minor motor mannerisms in hands-wringing, finger play, repetitive movements, holding hands exactly the same way
Interrupts when he has something to say, won't stop until he says his thoughts, then walks away
I have that gut feeling the psychologist missed something. Anxiety can explain some things but not the reluctance to even look at strangers and super sensitivity to noises like flushing toilets. ADHD can explain the restlessness and attention issues and the ODD the refusal to do work but it is not a "just because I can refuse" it is more like a " I need the time to prepare for this activity" or not in schedule activity. I'm a little lost and actually nervous about the second psychologists results. She had stated that executive functions seem to be lacking and I have read that aspergers have issues with EF. The first psychologist said he had below average intelligence according to a written test but he doesn't like to do anything resembling written work. He may not have put in his all. The second psychologist who has observed him several times says he seems bored with the current first grade curriculum. He has asked why he has to do things more than once if he knows it already. I need some guidance as to what I should be asking for as far as testing and does any of the current diagnosis explain these characteristics? I may be too close to see the forest for the tress.
Diana
The things Elijah has issues with:
Touch- no one can touch him, pulls away from kids and me
Strangers, eye contact, gets better the more he knows them
Loud noises, covers ears and moves to farthest point in room to get away
Hates Writing, loves computers
Certain textures-food (mushy makes him gag), green foods he wont eat, wont try new foods, sheets to rough
Needs to know in advance of change and what change will take place, cant cope well with surprises in routine
Needs to have same routine, down to minute with the same route and locations of destination
Needs place to destress (anxiety, over stimulation), has moved out of line to get away from people
Needs daily rewards and visual cues (schedule, behavior, legos)
Issue with little girl trying to make friends-chased her around room, kids touch him too much or perceived cutting in line causes total meltdown-kicking, running away, hitting- seems like he blacks out, doesn't recognize people
Prefers cold baths, warm water is hot to him
Wants me to hold him during times of social anxiety otherwise no real affection unless he wants it
Parallel play, doesn't socialize with kids unless its his siblings, relates to adults very well
Failing all classes, will let teacher know a day in advance if he will do and finish school work-seems like mental preparation
Hair pulling-extreme focus on pulling hair on arms, legs, hands
Hears and absorbs information though he is doing other things.
Slight rocking on heels when standing, minor motor mannerisms in hands-wringing, finger play, repetitive movements, holding hands exactly the same way
Interrupts when he has something to say, won't stop until he says his thoughts, then walks away
I have that gut feeling the psychologist missed something. Anxiety can explain some things but not the reluctance to even look at strangers and super sensitivity to noises like flushing toilets. ADHD can explain the restlessness and attention issues and the ODD the refusal to do work but it is not a "just because I can refuse" it is more like a " I need the time to prepare for this activity" or not in schedule activity. I'm a little lost and actually nervous about the second psychologists results. She had stated that executive functions seem to be lacking and I have read that aspergers have issues with EF. The first psychologist said he had below average intelligence according to a written test but he doesn't like to do anything resembling written work. He may not have put in his all. The second psychologist who has observed him several times says he seems bored with the current first grade curriculum. He has asked why he has to do things more than once if he knows it already. I need some guidance as to what I should be asking for as far as testing and does any of the current diagnosis explain these characteristics? I may be too close to see the forest for the tress.
Diana