Does my child have aspergers or bi polar?

[kariped]

My 2nd child is 6 years old. Since birth every thing sets him off. He can be very loving one minute the next minute he is screaming crying and throwing a fit.  Something that sets him off today, might not set him off tomorrow, and probably didnt set him off yesterday. It can take HOURS to settle him down.  We have been to facilities to get help and I have been told that his behavior is in my head.  He is ok in public, although he has been pushing the limits more and more when we go out.  He was tested for ADHD, BUT he loves computers and the testing they did was computer based.  Computer time is the only time that he behaves completely.  He is behind in school, and is on a IEP for math and reading.  He is very smart, when he listens, but does not show the ability to listen.  He purposely does things to hurt myself or his other siblings.  He does usually play well with other kids he doesn't know too well.  He used to be big with seperation anxiety, but that has gotten much better.  Most its behavior things lately, and doctors around here are not willing to treat a child as young as he is.  We cannot plan on anything because if something does happen, and we cannot go, it results in a whole day fit.  We also cannot just spring things on him, it results in a bad day wherever we go.  We have been just telling him everything is a "surprise" and not going into specifics until we are there.  Things frustrate him easily.  There is just so much going on with him, I am not even sure what else I really need to say..Thanks for reading and trying to help me pinpoint this!!!

[kariped]

Thanks so much for the advice!!! We had a really hard weekend, so havent been on the computer, so I am going to try these this week and see if it helps!!!! Thanks again, you have been very helpful.

[specialmom]

Again, an occupational therapist would be a great next step for you.  I also like a website "sensory processing disorder" comes up spd.  Google for it.  I got a lot of info that is good (I do like Kranowitz's book but find it wordy . . . some of the info on the web is easier to fit to a child). Also, lots of good ideas on the web when you google sensory processing disorder and "heavy work".  

The idea with a sensory kid is to keep them "regulated".  You do this through heavy work that I mentioned.  This means games that involve physical activty.  Tug of war, "push over"------- stand against a wall and try to "push it over", push a laundry basket weighted with items  across the floor, a bag with some books in it carried as a "favor" across the room, erasing a dry erase board, tape paper up on a wall and color standing up, crazy animal walks especially the bear, leap frog, the crab, lizard or snake, jumping on a trampoline, hanging and doing the monkey bars, climbing anything, swim lessons, kicking a soccer ball, using a hammer and cobblestone set, playing a drum, pushing a vacuum cleaner, etc.  

Oral soothing is helpful. Before doing some school work, do some "heavy work" and then have him chew a piece of thick gum.  After we swim, for example, we always read a bunch of books (my son does).  He is focused and can concentrate.  It is summer where I am at so school is not in session and we just do things to keep his skills up.  Drinking thick liquid through a straw is good such as apple sauce, smoothie, milkshakes.  Blowing bubbles is very regulating.

We use the term engine.  We say "your engine looks like it is getting too high" when he starts to rev up.  What can we do to slow it back down is the next phrase we use.  Then we do those things and they are usually work related.  (even sitting in a bean bag chair is good for a sensory kid, it squeezes them and takes body control to stay planted).  

Just some ideas for you.  

[benjimom]

I hate to say it but I haven't particularly found the therapists all that helpful in my case with my child.  

[kariped]

No he hasnt actually been to a psychiatrist.  We tried, and at first for the first few months all we saw was a social worker.  She is the one who decided it was all in my head. Even after phone calls when I was in the phone with her during many of his "spin outs"

Thanks so much for all of your help!!!!

[benjimom]

Yes, check out a copy of the OUT of Sync child and see if any of it fits.  Did you take him to a child psychiatrist?  It is difficult to diagnose children b/c so amny things are alike and they change frequently too.  Just keep observing, it might take time to get the answers..  I know it's tough.

[specialmom]

Well, an occupational therapist with a speciality in sensory integration disorder is who diagnosis and treats.  Your insurance may cover part or all of it.  So, I'd get your insurance card out and start calling in the phone book for ot's.  Ask them if they work with sensory integration disorder.  Go with your gut as to what is the best place to go. I like the "gym" as they call it to be one in which kids are seperated from each other to keep distraction to a minimum.  Usually they will go through an evaluation which is seeing how your son does certain things and reacts to certain things.  They'll also ask you a lot of questions.  Between these things, they tell you if sensory processing disorder fits or not.  Then they do occupational therapy to treat it.  Medication doesn't work for sensory.  FYI:  kids LOVE occupational therapy.  It is really fun!


"the Out of Sync Child" by Carol Kranowitz is a good book but anything you google or read on sensory is helpful.  

Okay, I must confess that tonight I have so little energy that I must come back tomorrow to give you ideas of things to do with your son.  To start, make a plan tomorrow to either go to the park for several hours if possible where he can run, climb, jump, roll, swing, etc.  or go swimming (the almost perfect sensory activity.).  I'll be back tomorrow with ideas of things to do to help with your boy.  

[kariped]

Like aspergers and Bi polar, my son hits almost everything with SPD.  After taking your advise though and googling spd, it seems a lot like him.........how would I go about to get this actually diagnosed? Like I said, I am having issues with any one even wanting to look at him because they dont think theres a problem.  Is there anything I can try at home to determine closer on my own to what is going on with him?? Thanks so much for the advice!!! I will take ANY help you are willing to give!!!!

[specialmom]

Oh my.  My boy has much in common with yours.  Please google sensory integration disorder or sensory processing disorder (same thing).  It is an issue with the nervous system and results in some of the behavior you mention.  

An occupational therapist tests for sensory integration disorder and then treats for it.  We have had tremendous sucess going this route.  I do agree that he is too young for a psychiatric disorder and to be honest, I don't see it in the words you've written.  I see my boy who has sensory and responded well to occupational therapy.

Google it and see what you think.  FYI:  I don't tell my son much in advance of anything as he gets over excited which means he gets de regulated (regulation is part of the sensory system) and either has a melt down or has a very hard time of it.  It is just a way of life for us.

Since our diagnosis--------- my son does well in school, is pretty compliant, has no IEP, has friends and is blending in really well.  Occupational therapy is amazing.  If you google sensory and think it fits, I can give you ideas of some things to do at home that we do that have helped.  Good luck