What puts a child on spectrum?

[mich97]

I have not been on this web site in a long time..

Been a long road w/ my son..He is 7 years old..Speech delay,ADHD (diagnosed) Sensory Intergration disorder (mild) Been to neurologist,neuropsych..3 different specialist say my son is NOT on the autism spectrum...Has some characteristics of autism but does NOT meet criteria to be put on spectrum??

At school he is mainstreamed w/ services on IEP..School and his teacher who has many,many years of spec. ed experience has said to me "I'd be surprised if your son was NOT on the spectrum"..

My head is spinning..I honestly can say I don't care if my son is on spectrum but I just want answers..Since there is no blood test/any clear cut test for this it is very frustrating as a parent when the MD's don't agree w/ the teachers...I can understand why teachers may think my son is on spectrum..on the other hand w/ the specialist it all makes sense why he is not on the spectrum.Again,my head is spinning..

What is the spectum??how do u decide when a child is on it?
My son is very social..has friends,seeks out friends/playmates and always wants to play w/ kids in the neighborhood..he has 2 best friends,he wants to see all the time(he is my social butterfly)can kids on the spectrum have good social skills like this? he is also tuned into other kids/people emotions/feelings...he cares if another child is upset/happy etc..he consoles his younger sister when she is upset...he enjoys tormenting his older brother...typical behaviors....another reason i was told he was NOT on spectrum...

on the other hand at school he seems to be in his "own world" (per his teacher)and it's hard to "compeat" w/ it... he does a lot of self stim. behavior to regulate himself at school..example: always moving on the rug at circle time,making noises,copies noises,very difficult time paying attention,(adhd diagnoses) his social skills are not as good at school as they are home..he is a bit "quirky" compared to the other kids...makes sense he has harder time at school socially..speech delays...his "autistic characteristics" def. come out more at school...

i'm at my ropes end...at 7 years old i just feel like i should know what is going on w/ my son...someone is wrong..either all these specialist we have seen over the years, or these teachers at his school are wrong...

i know some children can get the diagnoses of being on the spectrum (for better services) and lose the diagnoses down the road...specialist mentioned but didn't want to even to do that for my son!

any info would be helpful..or if anyone has gone thru something similar?

[Dazon50]

http://www.medhelp.org/forum_disclaimers/show/187 will lead you to the page where you will be able to ask questions of the Doctors for autism/aspergers.

If you look under forums and over to the side where the expert forums are you will find the link leading to what I posted.

I found the experiences I went through taught me some patience (along with the frustration...lol).

I am glad to hear they are wanting to follow-up as things can change and yes (mis diagnosis can occur).


Thank you for your update :-)

[mich97]

thank you for your response..

you hit the nail on the head...he is a child that is "mixed bag" of things

that's it..i don't know if my son is on the spectrum..after meeting w/ the specialisits i was comfortable w/ the diagnoses of adhd,language delay/disorder..he def. has some mild sensory intergration issues (no diagnoses tho').they explained the reasons he did not meet the criteria..mentioned if they have a child they think is "questionable" they will give the diagnoses..they did not think that would even be "beneficial" to my son...i think it was b/c his great social skills and ability to "connect" w/ others emotions (i forget the term they used).His pediatrician and 2 specialist (both from 2 great city hospitals in Boston) do not think he is on spectrum..we do have a follow appt. in Boston when he is 8 so they can see his progress...

some of the spec. ed teachers at his school have made comments to me about "we've had kids get wrong diagnoses & get diagnoses down the road" comments to me that makes me believe they do not agree w/ the specialist...I flat out asked his 1st grade teacher (who has never mentioned the spectrum to me) she is wonderful,really understands my son,has many years of spec. ed  experience..her reply to me was, "i'm not suppose to say this but i would be very surprised if your son was not on the spectrum"..again, i can see why they think this..these "autistic traits" come out more at school..i go in and volunteer & notice this..it's like there is too much sensory input at school..he does not have these self stim. behaviors at home..if i did not know/see my son at home i  too would think 100% he was on the spectrum..his teacher spends a lot more time w/ my son ( more then these specialist did) i know she can't diagnose it just makes me think was he mis-diagnosed...these teachers think he is on the spectrum..the doctors don't and I'm confused...............

It's just very frustrating that these specialist doctors and his teachers don't agree w/ what is going on w/ my child...i'm sure it's common..i just feel in the middle & more confused about this spectrum...

He does have his yearly check up coming up..I will mention to his pediatrician..who at this point i'm sure thinks i'm a complete NUT..  I will be going for a 3rd opinion..i doubt insurance will cover....UGHHHH

Until we find out 100% i almost wish they'd just give him the diagnoses..altho' he does get okay services at school i think a diagnoses would help him get BETTER services..

ps
how do you ask questions to these MD's on medhelp?

[Dazon50]

It is frustrating when it isn't clear what is wrong and your child is what they call a "hodge-podge" of things or a "mixed bag".  The spectrum is the Pervasive Developmental Disorders in the DSM IV (V is due out around 2013).

The specialists look at the criteria to see if your child meets them (specified amount in each category).  The fact your son can be social is a definite plus but will keep him from meeting the criteria for that part.
......

After doing some research on the Autism spectrum and you still feel he is, you can be the squeaky wheel and:

Finding the Right Person to Diagnose Autism:

The right person or group to diagnose your child will be trained, experienced, affordable and available in your area. To find that person (or group):
Start with your own pediatrician. He or she may have a terrific list of names, and may even be able to help you get an appointment quickly.
Connect with other parents. Local support groups and listserves are wonderful resources for information about professionals who are both competent and supportive.
Check with your school district and/or regional agencies. You may find there are low-cost or free options available to you.
Surf the web. If you live outside a major city, you may find terrific resources that your suburban sources know nothing about.
Do your homework. Check on the recommended specialists to be sure that they really have the credentials and experience you want.


http://autism.about.com/od/earlysignsofautism/a/firstsigns.htm

There is a wealth of material on the web and also on the Doctor's end of Medhelp (autism experts) you might want to ask questions of them :-)

I hope you get help for your son and useful information that will give you direction and peace in implementing.