The Aspergers-ADHD Overlap
Has your child been misdiagnosed? You might be surprised!
More resources for parents of children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's:
==> How To Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums In Children With High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's
==> Parenting System that Significantly Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism
==> Launching Adult Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance
==> Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management to Children and Teens with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism
==> Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Comprehensive Handbook
==> Unraveling The Mystery Behind Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: Audio Book
==> Highly Effective Research-Based Parenting Strategies for Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism
Comments
Yes! That's exactly what happened with my son. He was diagnosed as A.D.H.D. when he was 9 years old. We had him on 10mg of Metadate CD for six weeks and while he was able to have tunnel vision and "focus on his schoolwork" according to his teachers, he had all of the adverse side effects of that drug and continued to fail his classes. He was taken off of the drug and was evaluated and found to have Dyslexia. However, I still believed there was still something other than the Dyslexia causing his problems. So now we're waiting for him to be evaluated by an Educational Director who thinks he has High Functioning Autism better known as Aspergers. I'm dealing with mixed feelings about what the results are going to say.
Thank-you so much for this video.
We have started using Ritalin to control some of the volcanic behaviour etc... We are currently taking 5mg twice a day. It is taking the edge of things, this is true. I've also tried over the last 3mths a Gluten and Diary Free Diet which also helped take the edge of things. But being a picky eater is not an easy task and with even more limited options However, since taking the Ritalin Ethan is not eating much at all. I am at the point of considering to revert back to a normal diet just to give him more variety of food in the hope that he will eat something.
I hate to admit I am a very outgoing person that enjoy's being out and about in life experiencing the wonderful things and showing my kids new places etc... however we don't go out anymore it's embarassing and hard to manage Ethan and some of the issues. I/my family want to share the good things and places in life with my kids but at this stage it's all on hold, as is my returning to work due to Ethan's response the last time I tried.
I am purely seeking for guidance and assistance. I have been reading a lot over the past couple of weeks but have no idea what is a reliable source of information to start with. I have some key questions to seek answers for at this time.
Stimulants have been reported to have a range of adverse psychiatric effects on kids taking them for ADHD. In studies, 9% of children receiving the extended release form of Adderall have mood swings. Here’s how you can work with your doctor to decide whether your granddaughter is having mood swings and aggression because of psychostimulant use.
The first thing to assess is whether she might be abusing the stimulant. Stimulants are among the safest of all psychiatric medications when used as prescribed. But they are also prone to abuse, and in high doses they frequently produce all sorts of sinister side effects, including frank psychosis.
The next question to ask is whether there is a relationship in time between the psychostimulant and the symptoms.:
Suppose a child had always been emotionally stable and compliant -- and now, one week after starting a stimulant, she is screaming one moment, laughing the next and getting into fistfights at school. This would be strongly suggestive that the stimulant is to blame. If the stimulants are stopped and the child returns to normal, that would clinch the case.
Suppose a child had been on a stimulant for five years -- and now, at age 13, was beginning to show mood swings and aggressive behavior. Let's say you stop the medication, but the emotional problems and aggression continue. This would suggest that the stimulant is not to blame.
There are other reasons why kids develop mood swings and aggression. Normal kids can react this way to bad family situations or other very stressful situations. Kids who are on a dangerous track toward adult criminal behavior also frequently show violent aggression and can have unpredictable moods.
In any event, go back to her doctor and insist that he take another look at what’s going on.
Mark
I myself have ADD and some LD. I've been told, or at least my parents were told this, as a child, that I would not go far in life due to my supposed IQ. However, due to my ADD, it ranged greatly. They just only focused on the smaller picture rather then the big picture. I believe that people with ADD/ADHD have to learn things in order to understand things unlike others who grasp the knowledge naturally without all the game playing with the mind to comprehend it. My IQ has actually changed over the years...been tested twice that I remember that proves this and the second testing shocked the one completing the test. Her theory was that I did not know or understand the questions given to me during the first test because I had yet to learn those topics knowing my struggles with ADD...was in special ed classes until 7th grade (year I was tested the first time). Since then, I moved along into private school with tutoring from both my parents which helped tremendously. I learned things I never dreamed of learning. Granted, it took a lot of pushing me to do things, taking stimulants, and being constantly reminded that I may not be the brightest, but I am not stupid. I also had to play a lot of tricks with my mind to remember things. Thanks to the love and support of my family, I made it through to high school. I went to college as well. I had my good days and bad. I went to two colleges before I finally saw the light. It was in community college that I completed my AA and received a medical transcription certificate. I eventually went back to finish a more high energy program...the medical assistant program...along with passing the registered MA exam on my own! So, I am living proof that you can do almost anything if you set your mind to it. I followed my parents footsteps in a way. My dad is a doctor and mom is a retired RN. Granted, you do have to know your limits. Me becoming a doctor is not realistic...becoming a nurse is a possibility, but still not sure if realistic...becoming an MA is realistic and I did it! Now, I am married to an IT computer guy...newlyweds:) I feel very accomplished and am told daily I should be proud of myself. Even my MA teacher who kind of knew my story told me that...and, guess what? I am proud of myself. Not every day is a perfect day due to my ADD and impulsivity that goes along with my particular ADD, but I thank God daily for all He has given me in life. I always try to remind myself that things could be worse :) I just laugh it off now and my husband messes with my mind and teases me in a fun-loving way :)