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Getting Misinformation About Autism Spectrum Disorder

"We just discovered that our 8-year-old daughter has high functioning autism and ADHD! There is so much information on the Internet, and many suggestions seem to conflict with others. How do we know which path to take in raising our daughter given the challenges ahead?"

As a parent of a child with ASD [or High-Functioning Autism], you may often feel that you never get any clear answers, direction, or support. From the time that your child is diagnosed, you may be bombarded with information and ideas on what you should NOT do, what you SHOULD do, WHEN you should do it, and then be told that it is a BAD IDEA.

It is difficult to sort through this information and know if you are doing the right thing. This is why it's helpful to join a support group. Arm yourself with information and look to others to help you sort it out.

Support groups can provide a "shoulder to cry on" when the going gets rough -- both for you and your child. Unfortunately, many people don't want to join a support group because they feel that they're strong enough on their own, or they don't want to burden others with their problems, or they feel a sense of shame about the diagnosis and don't want anybody to know.

Support groups don't exist solely as a place to vent about your challenging circumstances; they offer a community of members who share a common interest, and whose members want to help each other out through the good times and the bad. Of course they are also a place to express anger and frustration, but they also are an environment to share the joys in life as well. 

Raising an child on the spectrum is both challenging AND rewarding! Having a group of people to turn to who have "been there -- and done that" when you need advice helps to reduce parental stress, and you may just discover a new best friend while you're there.
 

More resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum:
 

==> Videos for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD

 
COMMENTS:

•    Anonymous said... Adhd stim. meds were a miracle; stop punishing and give warnings and super encouragement for every single great thing as well as points and rewards; redirections and be proactive to avoid situations; schedules; sensory awareness on my part and just accept some things CAN be done differently!!! And read and read and read online, join support groups online and go on Facebook every day!!! You're not alone!!!
•    Anonymous said... Check on to biomed treatments thru TACA. Our daughter is doing great.
•    Anonymous said... Focus on your child's strengths. She probably is very honest and great with systems - maximise on these skills. Don't assume she understands the basics with social skills - teach her step by step how to make friends, ask for help, take turns, read facial gestures and body language. She will also likely be very literal - explain to her black humour and sarcasm. She will be great - just keep reminding her what wonderful skills she has been blessed with.
•    Anonymous said... I suggest lose the labels and do what it is you feel works best. I followed a label all through my son growing up and all this created was a bitter 16 yr old.
•    Anonymous said... I'm right with you on that one, our son is 8 and was dx in January with high functioning autism(Aspergers) and ADHD and it has been so hard! The resources are not out there! I am feeling very helpless! Please let me know if you find something, we are in Western New York!!
•    Anonymous said... mine has aspergers ADHD bipolar & oppositional defiant disorder- they told me they dont even know what to treat first
•    Anonymous said... My daughter is 11. HFA and anxiety with a rule out ADHD.
We are treating for anxiety because it has made it hard for her to sleep or relax. She has Occupational Therapy which has helped immensely a long with a wonderful therapist we now see bi-weekly. (Was weekly).
 
More comments:

Anonymous said...
It's hard. My 11 year old daughter has the same diagnosis and 3 years later I'm still struggling to find what worlds for her. Finding a good school which will work with you and adapt to her is paramount.
   
Anonymous said...
Yes agree with the above comment re schools. My son has same diagnosis and is 14. The first year was rough with lots of changes etc but this year they know him, he knows how the school runs and teachers and I email constantly to keep on top of school work/ any behavioral issues!

Anonymous said...
When our 7 yr old Aspie was diagnosed last year I just read as much as I could. Sue Larkey also has great practical ideas. Too much info can be overwhelming but look at it as a kit bag and u just take out the tools that work for her. It can be trial and error as they are all unique.
 
Unknown said...
I have been in role of father to my now 11 year old grandson. He was 4 when diagnosed with Asperger's and later with ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder. I was retired and dug into everything I could find. There are a lot of strong personal opinions out there about what works, often with the absolute belief that their approach is the only one that works. I recommend reading a few books by persons with Asperger's to get an appreciation for how differently they can see, hear, think and feel. Temple Grandin's latest book The Autistic Brain or others by her. John Elder Robison's website and book Be Different and his other books. Then note that there are some basic approaches such as ABA. This is touted as the gold standard but it is a behavior modification technique that doesn't resonate well with me so my daughter and I use RDI. And, I have found many other practical programs to address my grandson's specific issues like overexcitement, quick temper, etc. I'm probably out of space here but could obviously go on!

Unknown said...
I co-parent my 11 year old grandson with my daughter. He was diagnosed with Asperger's when about 4, then ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder later. I was retired and immediately dug into everything I could find on Asperger's and anything related. It is very confusing since people seem to be very passionate about the approach they are using where biomedical, ABA, or whatever. I recommend reading books by persons with Asperger's to get insight into how differently they see, hear, think, feel and experience the world. Temple Grandin's latest book "The Autistic Brain" or others. John Elder Robison's "Be Different" or others plus his excellent website. Then take every approach to helping kids with a degree of skepticism and find what seems to work best for you, what seems most valuable and practical for you. I personally have a reservation about ABA as a behavior modification technique and RDI appealed to me. So my daughter and I have been using RDI. My also uses it some but gets to be more of a grandmother. I have found specific programs to help with facets of his challenges, such as over-excitement, quick temper, social skills, etc. I agree about finding the right school but you can't turn over responsibility remediation to others. I could go on but space must be limited here!

Unknown said...
Same here, 8 year old girl - high functioning autism and ADHD, throw in auditory processing disorder for good measure....I found elements of 123 magic helps but nothing worked like ADHD meds did....changed our lives. I am a single mum who works full time....I find breakfast and tea club's at school help tire her out as well....I hope you get the answers you need. I won't go by support groups but if it's your thing then give it a try
By

Parenting Kids with Both ADD and ASD

"My son was originally diagnosed with ADD (age 4), but now they say he has 'high functioning' autism and ADD (age 6). What is the main difference between these two conditions, and is it possible to have both?"

Most kids don’t receive a diagnosis of ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism (HFA), until after age 5 or 6 (around the time they start public school). Usually, they are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder as preschoolers. Part of the reason for this is that pediatricians routinely screen kids for ADD – but not for autism.

Another reason is that an HFA kid's social impairment becomes more evident once he or she starts school. Finally, pediatricians are reluctant to label a youngster as "autistic." It is okay - and even a badge of honor - to have a “hyperactive” youngster, but it is another thing entirely to have an “autistic” youngster.

Pediatricians make their diagnoses based on the kid's behaviors. Since kids with ADD and HFA share similar behaviors, the two can appear to overlap. However, there is a fundamental difference between these two disorders. HFA kids lack what pediatricians call "social reciprocity" or Theory of Mind. Theory of Mind is "the capacity to understand that other people have thoughts, feelings, motivations and desires that are different from our own."
Kids with ADD have a Theory of Mind and understand other people's motives and expectations. They also make appropriate eye contact and understand social cues, body language and hidden agendas in social interactions. HFA kids don’t!

Kids with ADD respond to behavioral modification. With HFA, the disorder is the behavior. Both kinds of kids can tantrum, talk too loud and too much, and have problems modulating their behaviors and making friends. Both are “social failures” to one degree or another – but for different reasons.

The youngster with ADD knows what to do – but forgets to do it. HFA kids don’t know what to do. They don’t understand that relationships are two-sided. If the youngster talks on and on in an un-modulated voice about his particular interest, he simply doesn’t understand that he is boring his friend and showing disinterest in his friend's side of the conversation. On the other hand, the youngster with ADD can’t control himself from dominating the conversation.

An HFA youngster can appear unfocused, forgetful and disorganized like a youngster with ADD, but there is a difference. The ADD youngster is easily distracted, whereas the HFA kid has no "filter." The child sees everything in his environment as equally important (e.g., his teacher's dangling earring is as important as what she writes on the blackboard).

The HFA child doesn’t understand that he doesn’t have to memorize the entire textbook for the next test. He doesn’t "get" such rules. Kids on the spectrum tend to get anxious and stuck about small things and can’t see the "big picture." On the other hand, kids with ADD are not detailed-oriented. The ADD youngster understands the rules – but lacks the self-control to follow them. The HFA child doesn’t understand the rules.
 
==> How to Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The unfocused ADD youngster is "nowhere," but the highly-focused HFA “fantasy" youngster is somewhere else. "Fantasy kids" retreat into a world of their own making, a world where everything goes the way they want it to. They play video games for hours or retreat into books and music. Their daydreaming and fantasizing resembles the behaviors of non-hyperactive kids with ADD.

Obsessive-compulsive kids with autism live a world they create from rules and rituals. Like ADD kids, they appear preoccupied and distracted – but for different reasons. They appear distracted because they are always thinking about their "rules" (e.g., Did I tie my shoelaces right? Did I brush my teeth for 3 minutes?).

Some researchers estimate that 60% to 70% of HFA kids also have ADD, which is considered a common comorbidity of HFA. Other researchers say that the two disorders can’t exist together. Still others insist pediatricians have it all wrong - and that the two disorders are the same. The real problem is that there is no hard science. No one knows exactly how slight imperfections in brain structure and chemistry cause such problems.

For this reason, getting the right diagnosis for a youngster who exhibits behavior problems may take years of trial and error. Diagnosis is based on observation of behaviors that are similar for a myriad of disorders. The tragedy is that the youngster often doesn’t receive the correct medications, educational strategies, and behavioral modification techniques that could help him function on a higher level. He falls farther behind his peer group and loses ground when he could be getting appropriate treatments.

Psychiatry has made great strides in helping kids manage mental disorders, particularly moderate conditions, but the system of diagnosis is still years behind other branches of medicine. On an individual level, for many parents with children on the spectrum, the experience can be exhausting.  




 
==> Has your child been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder?  Then you will want to borrow from these parenting strategies that address this combination...

 
Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum:
 

==> Videos for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD
 
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COMMENTS:

•    Anonymous said... Add is part of asd. That's why so many kids are diagnosed w add before they get an actual diagnosis of high functioning or aspergers (my daughter was finally diagnosed w aspergers after about 3 years of an add diagnosis)
•    Anonymous said... ADD/ADHD and ASD are not the same. They are each mutually exclusive disorders, yet they can also be comorbid. I have two with ASD, yet neither of them have ADD/ADHD.
•    Anonymous said... I fought for my son to not have the ADD label because when I saw the test a lot of the questions they asked where his asd. My paediatrician said I had to take out the asd and answer the questions but it is not that black and white. I agree with Michelle if they can sit and concentrate they are not ADD.
•    Anonymous said... I personally believe that ADD/ADHD has been overdiagnosed for many years and now it seems that many PCP's/Pediatricians are diagnosing Asperger's without doing any Psychological testing leading to it now being overdiagnosed as well. These are not even Developmental Pediatricians who do not have the credentials and training to diagnose ASD.
•    Anonymous said... In kinder the school said my son was autistic. Since he was very verbal, I thought he was just ADHD. Now, I know he is aspergers and so much more of his sensory issues make sense now.
•    Anonymous said... My 11 yr old had adhd first and now aspergers
•    Anonymous said... My 4 (almost 5) year old dr says he is hyperactive disorder but does not have the attention defecit. His preschool is suspecting aspergers but his dr doesn't want to do any testing for that until after we start medicating him. He too will snap right to attention if the subject interest or benefits him.
•    Anonymous said... My son can concentrate but only to a certain point before he gets unfocused. It's hard for him. He was initially dx AHDD and later ASD with AHDD. AHDD came at age of 5 and ASD at age of 12 after multiple problems with school, bullying and behaviors which interfered with his school and life. He still takes meds for concentration and mood stabilizers for some of the mood swings. I have to say it has been a challenging road. But once you figure out what to do for them it gets a little easier. My son is now 17 and soon graduating high school. In some parts he acts his age and in others he acts like he is 12. I try to focus his attention on becoming an adult and college, but he needs a lot of hand holding. I do believe the two disorders exists amongst themselves. He is no longer hyper but surely very forgetful and unorganized.
•    Anonymous said... My son has a duel diagnosis of ADHD and Aspergers.
•    Anonymous said... My son has Asperger's and ADD diagnoses but I don't agree with the ADD. He is definitely able to concentrate for hours if it's something he likes to do and we have tried medicines in the past for attention problems and they made little to no difference for him.
•    Anonymous said... my son has been diagnosed as adhd at about 5. around 8 years old Aspergers was noted and he was officially diagnosed as having both.
•    Anonymous said... My son the same Maria. He has adhd and aspergers.
•    Anonymous said... My son was diagnosed with high functioning Aspergers when he was 4. This year, now he is five, they said he also has ADD. I was told ADD typically always comes with AS. I don't exactly know what my opinion on that is. Yes, my son has trouble consentrating and likes to move around a lot. And that is something I work with him on. I don't know if he really needs that extra label and I do know I am not going to medicate him just to do so.....listen to your intuition. Unfortunately, you will have to do the research as the medical field is highly uninformed (IMO).
•    Anonymous said... Personally I think they over diagnose add. But the 2 are very similar. Except those with add, cannot concentrate on anything, whereas those with Aspergers can concentrate on something they are interested in.
•    Anonymous said... Since our children are around the same age, mine will be six soon, and they have the same diagnosis, feel free to message me and we can talk more.
•    Anonymous said... The two are very different, very very different. The best person to ask is someone who specializes in this. Your child's doctor or specialist will be able to explain to you what the differences are in relation to your child. All aspergers/autism is different so it's impossible to guess what your child is like in that respect. It's possible to have both and my son has many friends who have both. ADD doesn't usually have social issues, sensory issues, and so many other typical ASD issues.
•    Anonymous said... Without sounding like I'm accusing anyone, because I'm not, I think many ASD kids get misdiagnosed with ADD because they are so hard to discipline that they can sometimes just be wild little things. ASD kids don't pay social penalties for anything so they lack a lot of self discipline that NT people learn very early. And traditional discipline doesn't always work. I know if I send my son to the corner he just makes up stories and reads them to the floor and he loves doing that.
•    Anonymous said… My son was diagnosed with ADHD at 7. Typical ADHD meds only made his problems worse, and it wasn't until I saw a checklist of Asperger traits that it clicked "that is him!" Now, at 10, he finally has an "accurate" diagnosis. Beth Ann, I understand where you're coming from. My son is very high functioning and can appear neurotypical in many settings. He even fools me sometimes, until something happens to remind me that no, I'm not dealing with a "typical" child here. That is THE hardest thing for me as his mom.
•    Anonymous said… My oldest wasn't dx'd till 3rd grade but he also has add. We just thought he was immature and a little eccentric as an only child. He hit all the normal milestones. We realized it was something more but bounced a lot of letters around. After some research by his psych and us we all agreed on aspergers. But what do I do with a kid who appears neurotypical and not the full blown vs of autism?
•    Anonymous said… After it took myself, 2 nurses and the doctor to pin my 3 year old son down for a strep test and him coming up with a bloody mouth would she finally have a consultation with me about aspergers. He has major sensory issues. at his last dental cleaning it took 5 of us to hold him down. after his diagnosis, he is in pt, ot and speech. it has only been a month but am starting to see a little improvement.

Post your comment below…
By

Asperger's Syndrome: Social and Emotional Difficulties

Hyperactivity—

There has recently been considerable interest and research into the possible connection between autism spectrum disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This interest includes both the similarities in symptoms as well as genetics. Hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity can be present in a number of childhood onset disorders, including ADHD as well as autism spectrum disorders. Kids with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often considered as having some characteristics indicative of Aspergers. Although they are two distinct disorders, they are not mutually exclusive and a youngster could have both conditions.

One nine year old boy with Aspergers, Jake, displayed severe symptoms of hyperactivity. He could barely contain himself when in his therapist's office, preferring to remove all the books from her bookshelf and trying to race down the hallways.

Another possibility is that of misdiagnosis. Some kids originally diagnosed with ADHD have later been re-diagnosed with a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum.

Perhaps the central feature of Aspergers is the unusual profile of social and emotional behavior... with ADHD, the kids tend to know how to play and want to play, but do so badly... kids with ADD have a diverse range of linguistic skills and interests, while there is a distinct language and interests profile for those with Aspergers. Their interests tend to be idiosyncratic and solitary, in contrast to those kids with ADD whose interests are more likely to be conventional for kids of that age. Kids with both conditions prefer and respond well to routines and predictability, can experience sensory sensitivity and have problems with motor coordination... Both conditions can be associated with impulsivity but this feature tends to be less of an issue with Aspergers... The youngster with ADD has a propensity to have problems with organization skills... With Aspergers, the profile includes unusual aspects of organizational skills such as unconventional means of solving problems and inflexibility.

Obsessive-Compulsive Traits—

Inflexibility regarding routines and rituals is a very common characteristic of people with autism and Aspergers. In Leo Kanner's writings about autism in 1943, he referred to the youngster with autism as having an "obsessive insistence on sameness".

While many people with autism spectrum disorder display inflexibility and rigidity, sometimes the symptoms are extreme and may warrant an additional diagnosis of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is conceivable that some higher-functioning autistic people's quasi-obsessive behaviors reflect true symptoms of a co-existing OCD. There was a woman with Aspergers who needed to check her doors and stove many times a day. Also, there was a man with Aspergers who needed to wash his hands very frequently because he feared contamination by germs. In these two examples, the extreme nature of the symptomatology and the fact that the people involved were troubled by their rituals support the diagnosis of OCD.

A commonly asked question is how to make a distinction between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the unusual preoccupations of many people with Aspergers. In general, people with OCD realize their behavior is odd and are upset by their inability to control their symptoms. The special interests of people with Aspergers are different from a compulsive disorder in that the individual really enjoys their interest and does not try to resist it. As Janice, an adult with Aspergers said, "It's fun!"

There is considerable controversy in the field about whether people with autism or Aspergers who have milder ADHD or OCD symptoms should be diagnosed with multiple disorders. In other words, does the individual have Aspergers with hyperactive traits or is it preferable to diagnose him with Aspergers as well as ADHD? Does he have Aspergers with obsessive-compulsive characteristics or Aspergers plus OCD? Some clinicians feel that autism spectrum disorder, including Aspergers, is a broad category encompassing a wide variety of symptoms, with some people displaying more of some symptoms than others. On the other hand, other clinicians worry that many symptoms which respond well to psychopharmacological treatment may go untreated if not specifically diagnosed.

Anxiety—

Anxiety appears to be extremely common among people with autism and Aspergers. As one might expect, there are certain situations that typically lead to anxiety in this population. These situations include such things as changes in routine, interference with rituals, things not happening in the expected way, failing at tasks, and sensory overload.

Interestingly, for some people on the spectrum, it is the "little" things which seem to cause the most distress, while more major changes may be experienced with less disruption. Brandon, the boy who became overwhelmed with a change in television programming, looked forward with eager anticipation as his family prepared to move to a new house and, in fact, did quite well before, during and after the move.

If anxiety builds up to a critical level in any child, a temper tantrum may be the end result. Unfortunately, for a youngster on the spectrum, a temper tantrum may be an overwhelming and prolonged event. Furthermore, the techniques often used with typically developing kids may not work and may even prolong the difficulty. Trying to talk the youngster through the experience or reasoning with him is usually not effective. In addition, after the temper tantrum has subsided, trying to process with the youngster what happened and why may even contribute to the return of anxiety as well as the temper tantrum. Brenda Smith-Myles has referred to this phenomenon as "recycling".

Clearly, it is preferable to be proactive in preventing temper tantrums whenever possible, rather than trying to stop them once they have begun. In a proactive approach, thought is given beforehand to the kinds of things likely to provoke a temper tantrum in any particular child and either trying to avoid them or preparing for them. For example, for an individual greatly upset by change, one approach is to try to keep things as consistent and predictable as possible. When changes are unavoidable, if they are known in advance, it is often helpful to prepare the child for this fact. Another approach is to teach the child in a gradual, but systematic way, techniques for dealing with the changes and disruptions in life.

In addition to trying to prevent temper tantrums whenever possible, it is useful to have a plan in place to deal with them should they occur. This approach has more likelihood of success if utilized early in the temper tantrum; circumventing a temper tantrum is usually much easier than trying to stop one in full swing. The plan needs to be tailor made to the child; what works for one individual may be quite different from what works for another. It is often useful for teachers to speak to parents about what approaches are helpful in dealing with their kids. Undoubtedly, they have had many opportunities to try out different techniques! For some kids, removing them from the scene and providing them with "settling" activities may be useful. For example, Fred was often helped by being led to a quiet place where he could look at his calendars and yearbooks. For some kids, touch, especially firm pressure, can be a useful technique. On the other hand, for kids who are sensory defensive, touch can be too overwhelming. The following example illustrates one approach to containing a temper tantrum.

Mike had been eagerly looking forward to going on the Swan Boats in Boston. One day, his parent planned an outing in which they rode the subway into town, an experience Mike loved, and then went on to the boats. Unfortunately, just as they were about to board, the skies opened up in a downpour and the attendant announced the Swan Boats were closing. Mike began a full-fledged temper tantrum, complete with screaming, name-calling and flailing. His parent somehow managed to usher him into the subway station and onto the train, where, naturally, everyone else was also congregating because of the weather! Although the train was extremely crowded, the other passengers gave Mike and his parent a wide berth. She sat him down on a seat and knelt before him, placing her face very close to his and cupping his face in her hands. In a soothing voice, she told him repeatedly to look at her and reassured him that he was okay. His sobbing and flailing soon ceased.

Depression—

Like anxiety, depression is quite common in people with Aspergers. Many people develop problems with low self-esteem and depression during adolescence. It is at this time that many become acutely aware of their differences from their peers. Unfortunately, this is also the time in life when fitting in becomes so critical.

Some people with Aspergers develop affective disorders, which include true clinical depression and bipolar disorder. There is some data to suggest the incidence of these disorders in Aspergers is higher than in the general population. When these disorders do occur, there may be changes in the individual’s predominant mood or in his view of himself and the world. Vegetative symptoms, e.g., changes in sleep, eating, and activity level, may also occur. Of critical importance is the fact that some people with Aspergers and autism display an increase in “autistic” behaviors, for example, stereotyped motor mannerisms, self-injurious behaviors, or aggressiveness, when they become depressed. This fact seems to contribute to the problem of mental illness not being accurately diagnosed in this population, because clinicians sometimes attribute the increased “autistic” symptoms to the autism or Aspergers, rather than to the affective illness. Affective disorders are also more difficult to diagnose in this population because many people with autism spectrum disorders have difficulty communicating their feelings, both in words and in facial expressions. As a general rule of thumb, a significant change from the individual’s baseline level of functioning should raise questions about the possibility of an additional diagnosis.

In "Emotional Disturbance and Mental Retardation: Diagnostic Overshadowing", Steven Reiss, Grant W. Levitan and Joseph Szyszko of the University of Illinois conducted an important study outlining difficulties similar to those described above. They conducted two experiments showing that people with mental retardation were less likely than controls to be diagnosed with emotional disturbances. They coined the term diagnostic overshadowing, meaning that the emotional problems seemed less significant, or were overshadowed in importance, by the presence of mental retardation. Although this study did not include people with autism or Aspergers, it seems highly likely that similar results would occur. The following example illustrates this point.

Tony, an 8 year old with high functioning autism, was a gentle, rather easy-going youngster and was included in a Montessori classroom. During the fall of 3rd grade, he seemed to become more and more depressed, with increasingly frequent episodes of weeping with no apparent precipitant. His condition continued to deteriorate throughout the fall and by Christmas he required psychiatric hospitalization. By this time, he was weeping almost constantly, had become assaultive, and was trying to escape from his family’s home, which was situated near a major highway. In addition, he kept repeating bizarre demands, such as insisting the names of the days of the week be changed to those of the names of the kids in his class. After discharge from the hospital, he went to a residential school, where the psychiatrist viewed his symptoms as indicative of his autism. It was not until sometime later that another psychiatrist correctly concluded that Tony carried the additional diagnosis of bipolar illness.


By

Aspergers Plus ADHD

Question

My daughter is 9 and has ADHD and Asperger's. She takes Methylphenidate twice a day so that she may focus at school, but when the second dose wears off she becomes uncontrollable. She is loud & completely disobedient. I have a 6 year old son also and am a single mother. I am at my wits end. I feel like I have tried everything and nothing works. She talks back to me always. There is not one time that I ask her to do something that she doesn't argue back. Please help me :o)

Answer

It sounds like she does fine until her meds wear-off. We’ll start there…

Have you tried sustained release forms of ADHD medication, or one of the long acting stimulants?

Sustained release forms of these medications have the benefit that the medication is often still working after school, as your youngster is trying to do his homework. The sustained release pills must be swallowed whole (except for Adderall XR).The long acting stimulants generally have the duration of 8-12 hours and can be used just once a day. They are especially useful for kids who are unable or unwilling to take a dose at school.

At least 80% of kids will respond to one of the ADHD stimulants, so if 1 or 2 medications don't work or have unwanted side effects, then a third might be tried. It can help if you are aware of the different medications that are available. Stimulants are considered to be first line treatments, and antidepressants are second line treatments and might be considered if 2 or 3 stimulant medications don't work for your youngster.

Here is a list of long acting stimulants to explore with your youngster’s doctor:

• Adderall XR— Adderall XR is approved for use in kids over the age of six years, although regular Adderall can be used in younger kids from 3-5 years of age. Adderall XR is a sustained release form of Adderall, a popular stimulant which contains dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is available as a 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, and 30mg capsule, and unlike many of the other sustained release products, the capsule can be opened and sprinkled onto applesauce if your youngster can't swallow a pill.

• Concerta— Concerta is a sustained release form of methyphenidate (Ritalin). It is available as a 18mg, 36mg and 54mg tablet and is designed to work for 12 hours. Teens can take two 36mg tablets to get to a dose of 72mg. Like Adderall XR, it is only approved for kids over the age of six years.

• Daytrana— Daytrana is a methyphenidate or Ritalin patch. The patch is available in 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg dosages, which are worn for about nine hours at a time on a youngster's hip. The medication in your youngster's system then continues to work for a few more hours once you take the patch off, although you may have to figure how the patch works best for your youngster. One benefit of the Ritalin patch, in addition to working well for kids who don't like to take medicine, is that it gives you a lot of flexibility. For example, on some days your youngster could just wear the Daytrana patch for a few hours and on other days he could wear it a little longer if he has extra homework (as long it doesn't interfere with bedtime).

• Focalin XR— An extended release form of Focalin, with the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate hydrocholoride, which is also found in methylphenidate (Ritalin). It is available in an 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, and 20mg capsule.

• Metadate CD— This is also a long acting form of methylphenidate (Ritalin).

• Ritalin LA— This is is a new long acting form of methylphenidate (Ritalin). It is available in 10, 20, 30, and 40mg capsules. Unlike the other long acting forms of methylphenidate, the Ritalin LA capsules can be opened and sprinkled on something if your youngster can't swallow them whole.

• Vyvanse— The latest medication to get approval to treat ADHD is Vyvanse, a long acting stimulant that is similar to Adderall. In fact, its main ingredient is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a derivative of one of the ingredients in Adderall. Initially available in 30mg, 50mg, and 70mg capsules, newer 20mg, 40mg, and 60mg capsules should be available soon.

Side effects of stimulants can include a decreased appetite, headaches, stomachaches, trouble getting to sleep, jitteriness, and social withdrawal, and can usually be managed by adjusting the dosage or when the medication is given. Other side effects may occur in kids on too high a dosage or those that are overly sensitive to stimulants and might cause them to be over-focused on the medication or appear dull or overly restricted. Some moms and dads are resistant to using a stimulant because they don't want their youngster to be a 'zombie,' but it is important to remember that these are unwanted side effects and can usually be treated by lowering the dosage of medication or changing to a different medication.

Here are several points to keep in mind with regard to medication for Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism:

• Anti-Depressants May Be Needed— While many kids with Aspergers present with hyperactivity, there is a tendency for teenagers to suffer from depression. There are various reasons why depression may be so common. For example, teens with Aspergers generally want to fit in socially. They can become depressed when they fail to fit into society's molds or norms or can't grasp the importance of its rules. Depression may also hit as they deal with anxiety and obsessive behaviors.

• Consider non-Medical Therapies— There are several therapies that are proven to be effective in treating and improving behaviors in children with Aspergers. Behavioral therapies help the child learn to cope with obsessive tendencies, deal with tantrums, cope with anxiety or control angry outbursts. Social skills classes help them to understand more of the back-and-forth nature of communication. Speech therapy can help them understand different uses of language. Occupational therapy improves the clumsiness or lack of co-ordination problems.

• Diet and Vitamin Treatments Improve Symptoms— Nutritional deficiencies and mal-absorption problems are common in Aspergers children. Many parents report success with a restricted diet or adding vitamin supplements. Other parents report success with the gluten and casein-free diet or a low-sugar, low-yeast diet. It is best to get a blood or stool test to check for any food intolerances or vitamin deficiencies. Consult a nutritional therapist if you want to go this route. After testing, some common vitamins that Aspergers children often use include: B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, Vitamin C and cod liver oil supplements.

• Medications for Anti-Anxiety or ADD/ADHD are Useful— Anxiety and stress are usually elevated in Aspergers children and teens. They often require medications to cope with the anxiety. Children with Aspergers also struggle with concentration, hyperactivity, focus and attention. Medicines to target ADD or ADHD have proven useful for Aspergers. There can be side effects with new behaviors showing up, however, so any medication use needs to be closely monitored.

• There Is Not Just One Medication— While many of the symptoms of Aspergers can be treated with a variety of medications, there is not one magic pill for the syndrome. Aspergers children and teens often lack proper social skills, have obsessive tendencies and can be clumsy or awkward. Some medications can be used to improve specific behaviors associated with Aspergers, such as anxiety, hyperactivity or attention deficit.

My Aspergers Child: Preventing Meltdowns and Tantrums in Aspergers Children


COMMENTS:

•    Anonymous said... I feel your pain.... I have 3 with ASD and complex behavior challenges including ADHD. Maybe there is a different dose that is more time released ? I am about to go the med route for my daughter. She is so difficult and has been since she was 1.5... She is six now. Ugh it's so draining!!!
•    Anonymous said... I'm familiar w this. Repeat every request and or argue for every little thing.
•    Anonymous said... We have three rules for our family. Each one has a clear consequence. By making these clear then following through discipline is simplified enough that we can spend most our energy on positive interactions with our son. Two years on this approach and he's got himself so much under control that he and his therapist weaned him off all meds. In his case he would take all the emotional power we would give him, so we just had to take the emotions out of correction and give him very clear expectations and hold him calmly to them. Then, we did all we could to let him know we adore and enjoy him just the way he is. In the end my belief is that the work is Gods inside our kids hearts, so prayer is the best thing you can do for your kids, but schedule, routine, clear expectations, calm correction, and happy parents are things that can benefit every family.
 
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Sensory-Stimulation for Hyperactive Kids on the Autism Spectrum

"I need some strategies to help my daughter calm down. She has autism (high functioning) and ADHD and is wound tighter than a ten cent top most of the day. If I had her energy, I could probably fly to the moon and back by just flapping my arms."

Many children with ASD level 1 or High-Functioning Autism who are also hyperactive benefit from sensory stimulation. Providing a sensory room or area can be very effective. Be as creative as you can when providing sensory stimulation for your child.

There are many things you can purchase, but you can also make many things within your home. What you use should in part be determined by what your child enjoys or is seeking.

Some ideas are: 
  • A mini trampoline can provide physical exercise and sensory input.
  • Create a touch board, and attach a variety of materials, from sand paper, to carpet. 
  • Fill a tub with sand, navy beans, or other similar item that they can play in. 
  • Find different scents of potpourri that they can use for deep breathing. 
  • Foot massagers are great for waking up the feet.
  • Hang a swing from your ceiling, if it is reinforced. 
  • Have music playing that your child enjoys - this can be calming music or vigorous music. 
  • String blinking Christmas lights around the room. 
  • Use a hammock for the child to lay in and receive deep pressure.
  • Use a variety of lotions for both scent and touch.
  • Use a vibrating massager for deep touch.
  • Use play dough for touch activities.




The purpose of this room is to waken your child's senses and also calm her down. It is most effective to create a schedule of when your daughter will be provided free time in this room. It is probably not best to give her free access to her sensory area, as their will be other things that she needs to participate in. Also, use this area at transition times to provide a smooth transition from one activity to the next.


Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum:
 

==> Videos for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD
 
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Here's what other parents have had to say:

  • Anonymous said... A gluten free, dairy free diet changed my sons behavior so much!!! Also, no corn syrup or red dye 40. He has Aspergers with ADHD too.

• Anonymous said... Does she take any supplements? Whole foods has excellent supplements specifically for children with ADHD

• Anonymous said... Hi! I have a son who is 11 with ADHD and Aspergers. He's in constant motion, can't take stimulants to calm down, and I often find him spinning in place or somersaulting around just because he has no idea what to do with his energy! Sometimes a change in diet can help, but with most kids (not all) that's not the only solution. Studies in Europe have loosely linked food dyes with increased hyperactivity in kids with ADHD, so that's one possibility. There are some reports that omega-3 fish oil helps too. Weighted vests and heavy muscle-work can also help fatigue the body and slow down the kids, at least for a while. We were told to use the weighted vest (or some other weight/compression, like being sandwiched between two bean bag chairs) for 20 minutes, two or three times a day. For my son, running (using the Wii) or riding his bike outside for just ten minutes will help slow him down. Swimming every day, or every other day, seems to provide more long-lasting effects, over a couple of days. When all seems lost in a day, and he's really hyper and melting down, taking a bath or a shower does it for my son. One of the keys is to figure out what, exactly, calms your daughter down. My son is 11 so he can verbalize that warmth, water, and darkness (a hoodie over his head) calm his brain down. It's not a sure fix and somedays are better than others, but I'm grateful that we have this much! Good luck with your daughter and feel free to message me if you want to chat further.

• Anonymous said... How old is she? She sounds exactly like my daughter was a couple of years ago from toddlerhood. She's now nearly 14 and much calmer, although a lot of hyperactivity is is chatting nineteen to the dozen rather than climbing furniture. She has learned with her therapist to recognize whe she is wired and go to the trampoline or punchbag (both excellent safe ways of getting out the hyper energy) and also she reads (she's hyperlexic) and as long as she has the kindle and abundle of books she can stay still now on a bus or train or in a cafe) Also a gf/df diet keeps her calmer. We also use fish oils. Plus phenagan, an anit histimine, and her favourite DVDs at bedtime which can calm her down to stay still if not sleep.

• Anonymous said... My son is very hyper as well. In fact when school first started telling me he was autistic, I kept telling them "no, he is ADHD". There are similarities. At bedtime he is usually wired. 

•    Anonymous said...Aspergers and ADHD - same diagnosis as my son. But he's on Ritalin XR (extended release), so although he does have a lot of energy, he's not super-hyper either.
 
•    Anonymous said... I recently read an article about fermented cod liver oil and the benefits for kids with ASHD and Asperger's...Im going to look into it for my own son.
 
•    Anonymous said... I am diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and what helps me is go to a quiet room and breathe in and breathe out a couple times and count to 20 and do my favorite activitiy like for example read or word search book!
 
•    Anonymous said... We give our son Mega Red krill oil capsules for his Aniexty & Kroger brand Bone supplement for Hearinf sensitivity. I recently found Adult chewables of both at Walgreens. Bone support must contain Magnesium, Zinc & Calcium. Give daily we've noticed a Huge difference. He's not at jumpy, etc
 
•    Anonymous said... My son just starting doing cross country, middle school. He found on his own last summer he felt better when he runs. Now he runs some all day. Now, he is becoming part if the school team & finally feels as if he fits somewhere. I started noticing a difference after just a few days of camp but didn't want to say anything just yet. Then yesterday in the car on the way home from an unusually calm trip to the store, he calmly told me, "Mom, I feel really calm today". I think it is the release of energy with the combination of the outdoors. The team runs in a park with a lot of trails in the woods.
 
•    Anonymous said... You sound like you know yourself very well - That's a great thing! I hope my 6 year old starts to better understand that kind of thing - it Sure Works for him - but it will be a while for it to be more self-directed - he's only 6 ~~~ however - we're considering other natural supplements & lots more of the types of physical input that balances it.... I hope there will be more responses - I really gain a lot from threads like these - - - will read the linked article tonight!
 
•    Anonymous said... Both my boys have aspergers and all the other diagnosis that go along with it, we have so many calm down strategies because what works one day won't work the next. We are currently involved in a university study on the effects of green lipped muscle extract, one boy takes it and the other has the placebo and i can tell you it certainly has made a difference in the one that is taking it, not a miracle cure, but has certainly made his behaviour more tolerable by all around him
 
•    Anonymous said... I love all children especially children with Asperger's Syndrome ADHD and Down Syndrome and other disabilities! Nobody knows your better than you! You know what is best for your son and as he grows up more he will learn! :) Nobody knows your son better than you! Different things work for different children!

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The 10 Best Essential Oils for Anxious Kids on the Autism Spectrum


Parents would do well to give a few of these essential oils a try as they relate to calming children who experience more than their fair share of anxiety and lack of focus:

1. Bergamot Oil: Often used to reduce pain caused by headaches and muscle tension. Known as an excellent mood enhancer, it's considered a great essential oil for kids on the autism spectrum. It's a relaxant and has a calming effect and can reduce feelings of stress in the "special needs" child.

2. Cedarwood Oil: This essential oil can help young people on the autism spectrum who also have ADHD. It has calming and relaxing properties that promote the release of serotonin, which is then converted into melatonin in the brain. This can help kids on the spectrum to enjoy restorative and peaceful sleep.

3. Chamomile Oil: It's one of the best oils when it comes to coping with anxiety. According to a study published on Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review, inhaling chamomile vapors has a calming effect and promotes relaxation. 

4. Frankincense Oil: For kids on the autism spectrum who also have ADHD, frankincense oil helps them stay focused. It's also known to help reduce anxiety and other negative emotions.

5. Lavender Oil: Has a calming effect on kids, improves sleep quality, and reduces  emotional stress.

6. Mandarin Oil: Useful for reducing insomnia and managing gut issues (e.g., leaky gut syndrome). It's particularly appealing because of its sweet, citrusy scent. It can also help reduce stress levels.

7. Peppermint Oil: Aside from lavender, peppermint is possibly one of the most versatile of all oils on the planet. It's perfect for kids with autism and ADHD because it gives a cooling sensation and produces a calming effect. It's also known to help improve mental focus.

8. Sandalwood Oil: One of the major benefits is that it promotes mental clarity -- especially when used with a diffuser. It also has a calming effect that can be helpful for "special needs" kids. 

9. Vetiver Oil: A study conducted by Dr. Terry Friedman revealed that Vetiver oil benefits kids with ADHD. The oil’s relaxing properties are said to help combat the symptoms of ADHD and ADD (e.g., difficulty concentrating, easily distracted, etc.).

10. Ylang Ylang Oil: This oil has effective sedative and anti-depressant properties.

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Indoor Sensory Swings for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Below are our top 10 picks for sensory swings. Sensory Swings give kids on the autism spectrum a sense of calmness and blocks out unwanted sensory stimulation. A must for young people who have Sensory Processing Disorder, Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, and/or ADHD. 

See how to install:




Sorbus Kids Pod Swing Chair Nook - Hanging Seat Hammock Nest for Indoor and Outdoor Use – Great for Children, All Accessories Included (Nook Green)



SENSORY4U Indoor Therapy Sensory Swing for Kids with Special Needs (Hardware Included) | Snuggle Cuddle Hammock for Kids with Autism, ADHD, Aspergers | Great for Sensory Integration (Olive Green)



Quility Indoor Therapy Swing for Kids with Special Needs | Lycra Snuggle Swing | Cuddle Hammock for Children with Autism, ADHD, Aspergers | Ideal for Sensory Integration (Up to 165lbs, Light Blue)



OUTREE Kids Pod Swing Seat 100% Cotton Child Hammock Chair for Indoor and Outdoor use (Blue)



Indoor Therapy Swing for Kids with Special Needs by Sensory4u (Hardware Included) Snuggle Swing | Cuddle Hammock for Children with Autism, ADHD, Aspergers | Great for Sensory Integration (Aqua Color)


 



AMAZEYOU Kids Swing Hammock Pod Chair - Child's Rope Hanging Sensory Seat Nest Indoor Outdoor Use Inflatable Pillow - Great Children, All Accessories Included (Blue)



Indoor Therapy Swing for Kids and Teens w/More Special Needs, Cuddle Hammock Ideal for Autism, ADHD, Aspergers and Sensory Integration Snuggle Swing Hammock (Up to 175LBS) GN



Sensory Doorway Swing by DreamGYM | Therapy Indoor Swing | 95% Cotton | Hardware Included (Red)



Papa Roo Dinosaur Child Hammock Pod Swing Chair Nook Animal Tent, 100% Cotton - Kids Outdoor Swing Cloth Hanging Seat - Hammock Nest Outdoor and Indoor Swing Chair (Dinosaur, Yellow)



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