Aa
Asperger Child and Comorbidity
My 7 year old son was dx with AS at 5 yrs old. He has some characteristics of AS, but not all. He has
High anxiety
Some perseveration, but not on the same topic
Lines up toys rather than playing with them
Toe walks
Very poor social skills
No friends
Rages
The problem we are facing is that he is exhibiting all the signs of ODD in addition to his AS. He constantly defies us. He purposely annoys and irritates. He lashes out physically. He screams blood curdling screams. He sneaks and does what he is explicitly told not to do. He calls us names such as: stupid, idiot, fat, says I hate you and so on.
He is able to control some impulses at school, so although socially he is excluded, he is not a behavior problem, per se. He does defy occasionally, but prefers to withdraw when challenged by a teacher.
He takes Risperidone .75ml am and .5ml pm daily and this helps,but this is still what we are facing, even with meds. We have also tried clonidine, Strattera, Zoloft and Ritalin, with the results being none or being even more activated.
I have taken behavior management classes, he has been in therapy for his AS for several years, I have researched extensively online and attempted to implement every strategy I have come across, to no avail. I am exhausted physically and mentally and do not know where to turn.
He was dx by a child psychiatrist, but other docs, incl. an autism specialist and a pediatric neurologist felt on the fence about his dx.
There is a fam. history of mental illness, most likely bi-polar or personality disorder.
We live in Ontario Canada, close to both Toronto and Buffalo, NY, if there is someone or someplace you could recommend to us.
Thank you.
High anxiety
Some perseveration, but not on the same topic
Lines up toys rather than playing with them
Toe walks
Very poor social skills
No friends
Rages
The problem we are facing is that he is exhibiting all the signs of ODD in addition to his AS. He constantly defies us. He purposely annoys and irritates. He lashes out physically. He screams blood curdling screams. He sneaks and does what he is explicitly told not to do. He calls us names such as: stupid, idiot, fat, says I hate you and so on.
He is able to control some impulses at school, so although socially he is excluded, he is not a behavior problem, per se. He does defy occasionally, but prefers to withdraw when challenged by a teacher.
He takes Risperidone .75ml am and .5ml pm daily and this helps,but this is still what we are facing, even with meds. We have also tried clonidine, Strattera, Zoloft and Ritalin, with the results being none or being even more activated.
I have taken behavior management classes, he has been in therapy for his AS for several years, I have researched extensively online and attempted to implement every strategy I have come across, to no avail. I am exhausted physically and mentally and do not know where to turn.
He was dx by a child psychiatrist, but other docs, incl. an autism specialist and a pediatric neurologist felt on the fence about his dx.
There is a fam. history of mental illness, most likely bi-polar or personality disorder.
We live in Ontario Canada, close to both Toronto and Buffalo, NY, if there is someone or someplace you could recommend to us.
Thank you.
Jon - I think the best thing you can do for your son is to "teach" him how to interact with other children. My nephew also has AS (he is now a grown man) and his parents constantly worked with him re social skills. Our nephew was not able to "pick up" social skills and facial cues from others intuitively (as other children); instead, had to be taught these very basic skills. Perhaps in your area there might be a "specialist" as a speech pathologist or mental health worker who might be able to give you guidance in this area.
My son is 10 years old, and was originally diagnosed with ADHD when he was around 6 years old. His mother and I felt that there was something more to his problems as he would have these screaming fits that many of you have described and mostly under the same circumstances as many of you have experienced, so we took him to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital where, after several visits, they diagnosed him with High Functioning Asbergers. His mother and I immediatly went in to the getting educated mode so we could learn as much as possible about this issue. We have made some progress with him but it seems very limited.
When he was originally diagnosed with ADHD he was put on Adderall which he remained on for approximately 2 years. We believe this medication, while having a very limited effect on him, caused his weight to be well below what was normal for his age and his height is much below his peers as well. My mother is a nurse and has been for 35 years and told us that she believed his small stature was probably, at least in part, due to the adderall. After he was Diagnosed with HFA his medication was changed to Stratera, which seemed to work better for him but also, in our opinion, continued to contribute to his being much smaller than other kids his age. In May of this year we took him off of all medications and he truly seems to be doing very well without the meds. He has added alot of wieght and hieght since we took him off the meds. His teacher states that he is very restless in class, but does get his work done and when it is something that interests him he can concentrate and focus. It is when it is something that does not interest him that it becomes a problem. He is increbily smart and catches on very quickly at school in terms of class work, in fact so quickly that is also quickly bores him which is when he starts to get in to trouble. His school has been wonderful in working with him and we have a plan (EIP) in place to deal with him when these issues of "boredom" come up.
It appears at the present time that the biggest "symptom" of my son's HFA is some sort of Obsessive problem. What I mean by this is he obsesses with things.....when he was young it was Dino's, now it has become Video Games. This is all he thinks about and all he talks about with us and with his peers. It appears that he believes in his mind that all of us (other people) are as obsessed with video games as he is. His video game time is very limited, he only gets video game time on weekends only very limited even then.
I say all of this to lead to this......Last night I went with my Son and Daughter to thier open house at school. I noticed my son walk over to a couple of other young boys, one appeared to be older than him (hard to tell as my son is very small for his age), and the other appeared to be younger than him. He immediatly began talking with them about this video game he is currently obsessed with, it was obvious they were not the least bit interested in talking with him about this, they started to look at each other as though to say to my son Get Lost. I think after a minute my son caught on to this and just walked away from them. I could tell my son knew he had just been rejected.
It really bothered my to see this, it hurts me to see my son looked upon as weird or nerdy. My heart hurts for him. It is very painfull to see. I guess up to this point I had just assumed he was doing better in social situations and it was a rude awakening for me to witness this. I need help in dealing with this obsessive behavior that he displays as this is at the present time his most obvious symptom of his HFA. If he could just overcome this obsessive behavior, he would actually be a rather normal little boy.
I don't mean to Hijack the OP's thread but this seemed like the best place to come for answer's. Any help any of you could offer would be appreciated. For the sake of my son, I am willing to listen to any suggestions.
Jon
When he was originally diagnosed with ADHD he was put on Adderall which he remained on for approximately 2 years. We believe this medication, while having a very limited effect on him, caused his weight to be well below what was normal for his age and his height is much below his peers as well. My mother is a nurse and has been for 35 years and told us that she believed his small stature was probably, at least in part, due to the adderall. After he was Diagnosed with HFA his medication was changed to Stratera, which seemed to work better for him but also, in our opinion, continued to contribute to his being much smaller than other kids his age. In May of this year we took him off of all medications and he truly seems to be doing very well without the meds. He has added alot of wieght and hieght since we took him off the meds. His teacher states that he is very restless in class, but does get his work done and when it is something that interests him he can concentrate and focus. It is when it is something that does not interest him that it becomes a problem. He is increbily smart and catches on very quickly at school in terms of class work, in fact so quickly that is also quickly bores him which is when he starts to get in to trouble. His school has been wonderful in working with him and we have a plan (EIP) in place to deal with him when these issues of "boredom" come up.
It appears at the present time that the biggest "symptom" of my son's HFA is some sort of Obsessive problem. What I mean by this is he obsesses with things.....when he was young it was Dino's, now it has become Video Games. This is all he thinks about and all he talks about with us and with his peers. It appears that he believes in his mind that all of us (other people) are as obsessed with video games as he is. His video game time is very limited, he only gets video game time on weekends only very limited even then.
I say all of this to lead to this......Last night I went with my Son and Daughter to thier open house at school. I noticed my son walk over to a couple of other young boys, one appeared to be older than him (hard to tell as my son is very small for his age), and the other appeared to be younger than him. He immediatly began talking with them about this video game he is currently obsessed with, it was obvious they were not the least bit interested in talking with him about this, they started to look at each other as though to say to my son Get Lost. I think after a minute my son caught on to this and just walked away from them. I could tell my son knew he had just been rejected.
It really bothered my to see this, it hurts me to see my son looked upon as weird or nerdy. My heart hurts for him. It is very painfull to see. I guess up to this point I had just assumed he was doing better in social situations and it was a rude awakening for me to witness this. I need help in dealing with this obsessive behavior that he displays as this is at the present time his most obvious symptom of his HFA. If he could just overcome this obsessive behavior, he would actually be a rather normal little boy.
I don't mean to Hijack the OP's thread but this seemed like the best place to come for answer's. Any help any of you could offer would be appreciated. For the sake of my son, I am willing to listen to any suggestions.
Jon
Please continue to call the autism grp I am sure they do not mean to diss you they I am sure are busy busy busy. P.s you may want to go down to the office and ask if they have any mommy grp.s that you can get involved with right away. Bleeding heart Jess
I have been reading up on autism and some of the environmental issues Doctors seem to be attributing to the cause of this syndrome. I have a two month old and it is way too soon to even really evaluate her to make any prognosis whether she has any type of autism or not. You see my husband a very well adapted man has me under the impression that he may have some autistic genes.
Since day one my daughters have had milk and soy allergies, so nursing is a challenge but I believe an invaluable gift.I am determined to continue until she is at least one. I bring this up because I also believe that diet is a contributing factor to recovery from any kind of illness be it physical, mental, or emotional. What we put into our bodies is what we will get out of it.
I want to say right now that this is just my opinion and nothing else.
From what I have been reading it looks like a high percentage of children with autism or related syndromes have highly benefited froma a high allergenic food elimination diet. Recommending especially dairy and wheat to be removed from there diet. I also think if your going to eliminate dairy because of the hard to break down protien you must eliminate soy becuase from what I have read and heard and experienced it has the same melecular structure as milk protein. Well anyway my heart goes out to you. I do not think my oldest(3 1/2) has autism or anything but she sure is strong willed and their are days that I do not mean this to sound mean and I of course would never ever do but I sometimes just want to give her to someone else so I guess I was just saying this to let you know that I can not even imagine some of the frustration that some of you are feeling trying your hardest and always dealing with opposition, with no promise of recovery.
P.S. I know this may sound wierd and not to make light of the frustrations but I look at it as an honor that you are the one that the autistic child finds safety in, enough to open up to and show there frustrations. I pray for Gods help to manage Peace and blessings Jess
Since day one my daughters have had milk and soy allergies, so nursing is a challenge but I believe an invaluable gift.I am determined to continue until she is at least one. I bring this up because I also believe that diet is a contributing factor to recovery from any kind of illness be it physical, mental, or emotional. What we put into our bodies is what we will get out of it.
I want to say right now that this is just my opinion and nothing else.
From what I have been reading it looks like a high percentage of children with autism or related syndromes have highly benefited froma a high allergenic food elimination diet. Recommending especially dairy and wheat to be removed from there diet. I also think if your going to eliminate dairy because of the hard to break down protien you must eliminate soy becuase from what I have read and heard and experienced it has the same melecular structure as milk protein. Well anyway my heart goes out to you. I do not think my oldest(3 1/2) has autism or anything but she sure is strong willed and their are days that I do not mean this to sound mean and I of course would never ever do but I sometimes just want to give her to someone else so I guess I was just saying this to let you know that I can not even imagine some of the frustration that some of you are feeling trying your hardest and always dealing with opposition, with no promise of recovery.
P.S. I know this may sound wierd and not to make light of the frustrations but I look at it as an honor that you are the one that the autistic child finds safety in, enough to open up to and show there frustrations. I pray for Gods help to manage Peace and blessings Jess
My daughter is seven (soon to be eight) and has been diagnosed with suspected asperger's/ pdd, adhd, odd. She has rages, sometimes several a day. other behviours/ attributes:
-cries constantly
-interrupts
-destructive
-ill tempered
-incessant, repetitive questions
-obsessive behaviour
-disrespectful
-behind academically in everything, probably functions at the level of a 5 or 6 year old.
-has no friends
We are currently home schooling her because the school sent her home 2-3 times a week - due to rages. She is currently on clonidine and ritalin. She was on risperdal, but she didn't respond well. Pretty frustrated, husband and I are emotionally drained. We can't afford our medical bills, even though my husband has a decent job with insurance. Nothing seems to help. We have tried to call local autism group and calls were not returned. Anyone have any advice? Thanks!
-cries constantly
-interrupts
-destructive
-ill tempered
-incessant, repetitive questions
-obsessive behaviour
-disrespectful
-behind academically in everything, probably functions at the level of a 5 or 6 year old.
-has no friends
We are currently home schooling her because the school sent her home 2-3 times a week - due to rages. She is currently on clonidine and ritalin. She was on risperdal, but she didn't respond well. Pretty frustrated, husband and I are emotionally drained. We can't afford our medical bills, even though my husband has a decent job with insurance. Nothing seems to help. We have tried to call local autism group and calls were not returned. Anyone have any advice? Thanks!
P.S. - I forgot
His grades are horrible right now. They've never been this way. We've been working together and doing a lot or "re-testing".
His grades are horrible right now. They've never been this way. We've been working together and doing a lot or "re-testing".
My son is 8 and was diagnosed with ADD 2 years ago. He has been on Adderall the entire time. He's had his dosage increased last year. He's always been a sweet child that mostly likes to play by himself (only child syndrome) but also plays with friends.
He's always struggled with math and reading comprehension. He can read well above his academic level he just can't comprehend what he's read. He does "zone out" occasionally and I've heard this from every teacher he's had.
Sweet child just can't pay attention. With that being said his grades have always been excellent. A-B Honor roll every six weeks. His 3rd grade teacher has spoken to me several times (school's only been in 3 weeks) about him. He has been defiant lately. He likes to argue. Not all of the time but if he's not doing what he's supposed to it's always someone elses fault.
She told me that she thinks he has O.D.D. and Asperger Syndrome.
I looked both of them up and some of the behaviors match his but they also match half of the kids I've ever known. I called his Pediatrician and they want me to call Child Development Services at Vanderbilt. I've done that but I'll have to wait a few days for them to get back with me.
Her concerns that he had this disorder is based on these observations:
-Emotional (he's always been that way-cries easily)
-Defiant (when it's something he isn't interested in)
-Intraverted (he doesn't make friends easily & is not a joiner. He is small for his age. He's only 4'2 and 50 lbs. His classmates have 20-30 lbs on him and several inches)
-Problems with Math & Reading Comprehension
-Brilliant in science and follows the news and weather (She made a big deal out of him watching the news with me every morning before school and telling her what happened)
-Obsessed with "complex" topics. He asks a lot of questions. (I think most kids do)
-He has ADD so he must have this other condition that goes with it.
-He has fears that aren't rational. He has bad allergies so he doesn't spend a lot of time outdoors. She made a big deal about him crying because he didn't want to walk the track outside because the mosquitos might bite him. He had a fit in class one day because she gave him a "dirty" whiteboard to use. He refused to use it until she gave him a "clean" one.
-If he is in trouble he "shuts down" and won't do what he's told
I'm just curious if this is what it is or normal childhood fears, worries...he doesn't like his teacher, someone is bullying him.
I'm at wits end.
He's always struggled with math and reading comprehension. He can read well above his academic level he just can't comprehend what he's read. He does "zone out" occasionally and I've heard this from every teacher he's had.
Sweet child just can't pay attention. With that being said his grades have always been excellent. A-B Honor roll every six weeks. His 3rd grade teacher has spoken to me several times (school's only been in 3 weeks) about him. He has been defiant lately. He likes to argue. Not all of the time but if he's not doing what he's supposed to it's always someone elses fault.
She told me that she thinks he has O.D.D. and Asperger Syndrome.
I looked both of them up and some of the behaviors match his but they also match half of the kids I've ever known. I called his Pediatrician and they want me to call Child Development Services at Vanderbilt. I've done that but I'll have to wait a few days for them to get back with me.
Her concerns that he had this disorder is based on these observations:
-Emotional (he's always been that way-cries easily)
-Defiant (when it's something he isn't interested in)
-Intraverted (he doesn't make friends easily & is not a joiner. He is small for his age. He's only 4'2 and 50 lbs. His classmates have 20-30 lbs on him and several inches)
-Problems with Math & Reading Comprehension
-Brilliant in science and follows the news and weather (She made a big deal out of him watching the news with me every morning before school and telling her what happened)
-Obsessed with "complex" topics. He asks a lot of questions. (I think most kids do)
-He has ADD so he must have this other condition that goes with it.
-He has fears that aren't rational. He has bad allergies so he doesn't spend a lot of time outdoors. She made a big deal about him crying because he didn't want to walk the track outside because the mosquitos might bite him. He had a fit in class one day because she gave him a "dirty" whiteboard to use. He refused to use it until she gave him a "clean" one.
-If he is in trouble he "shuts down" and won't do what he's told
I'm just curious if this is what it is or normal childhood fears, worries...he doesn't like his teacher, someone is bullying him.
I'm at wits end.
Hi there . My daughter is 7 and her behaviour is very much like your daughter's I have just made the decision to go to the doctor's with her, but scared so much what they are going to say. I am too loosing the plot and I just do not know what to do.Any advice would be appreciated .
Thank you x
Thank you x
Hello,
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this situation with your daughter.
Yes, my son was very clingy at 5. He was also very anxious and had sensory issues, as well. He also chose me as his primary person to lash out at...still does. He behaves differently at school and with others when I'm not with him.
My son did make eye contact and conversed with others, although in an unusual manner.
As for behavioral strategies, I'm afraid I can't be of much help to you, seeing that nothing I've tried with my son has been effective. Medication has definitely helped.
My advice would be to seek out as much help as possible. If one doctor says it's nothing and you're certain it is, find another.
If your daughter is diagnosed with anything on the autism spectrum, contact your local autism society chapter. Each state has one and can help you get in touch with someone locally. Just Google ''autism society AND your state''.
Support groups have helped us cope.
It's a rough road and a heartbreaking challenge. I wish you all the best!
If you need any more help, let me know.
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this situation with your daughter.
Yes, my son was very clingy at 5. He was also very anxious and had sensory issues, as well. He also chose me as his primary person to lash out at...still does. He behaves differently at school and with others when I'm not with him.
My son did make eye contact and conversed with others, although in an unusual manner.
As for behavioral strategies, I'm afraid I can't be of much help to you, seeing that nothing I've tried with my son has been effective. Medication has definitely helped.
My advice would be to seek out as much help as possible. If one doctor says it's nothing and you're certain it is, find another.
If your daughter is diagnosed with anything on the autism spectrum, contact your local autism society chapter. Each state has one and can help you get in touch with someone locally. Just Google ''autism society AND your state''.
Support groups have helped us cope.
It's a rough road and a heartbreaking challenge. I wish you all the best!
If you need any more help, let me know.
My daughter is in the pocess of being diagnosed with suspected high function autism. She has high anxiety, massive 'blood curdling' screaming fits/tantrums when things are out of order or the wrong colour (and has since birth) and will not look at other people or engage in conversation. She is however very clingy with me and I am wondering if your son was like that at age 5? My daughter has also begun calling me names and lashing out at me. (so far nobody else - but then she will not even look at other people)
Does this sound a little like your son? I guess i am trying to ascertain if my daughter has ASD (as her Paediatrician seems to sespect) or am I just completely losing the plot?? Do you know of any behaviour strategies or links to good sites that can offer advice on coping with extreme screaming fits and related behaviour problems - so far nothing has worked.
Thank you.
Does this sound a little like your son? I guess i am trying to ascertain if my daughter has ASD (as her Paediatrician seems to sespect) or am I just completely losing the plot?? Do you know of any behaviour strategies or links to good sites that can offer advice on coping with extreme screaming fits and related behaviour problems - so far nothing has worked.
Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Contact the Department of Psychiatry at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. They will likely have the resources to be of help.
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