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I had a bad day again
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<blockquote data-quote="WearyWoman" data-source="post: 367531"><p>Hi Mariah,</p><p> </p><p>Glad you found this place, but so sorry to hear about your bad day. Although I'm a newbie, I'm an "old" newbie, so to speak. I returned here recently after years away, since our younger difficult child now is having behavior issues.</p><p> </p><p>I read your post, and I can so relate to the feelings of being overwhelmed, as well as the anxiety in raising a child with special challenges. Our difficult child (now 9), was not diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder until he was 6 1/2 years old. Prior to that, we had him evaluated at a children's hospital for a full neurodevelopmental assessment. They concluded he had severe ADHD and apraxia of speech. This happened when he was 3 years old. They did not think he had autism at that time. As time passed, though, his odd behaviors and social skills deficits (and sensory issues) really became more apparent. We had him evaluated by an autism specialist at age 6, and it was concluded that he has a mild form of autism that doesn't really fit into the box of any specific autism category. His official diagnosis is pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) - not otherwise specified). The school system performed its own evaluation and came to the same conclusion. He is presently receiving intensive in-home therapy. Though his autism symptoms are mild by definition, they have significantly impacted our life, and I have no doubt whatsoever that his diagnosis is correct. All of the pieces finally fit together - the inflexibility, low frustration tolerance for change or instructions, sensory sensitivities, speech problems, hyper-focus on certain topics of interest, ongoing monologues, social skills and relationship issues, etc. The list goes on. Because his disruptive behaviors were the most difficult thing to deal with initially, those were the focus - ADHD and ODD-like symptoms. But, behind all of that was a form of autism. It's like a complicated puzzle of layers. </p><p> </p><p>The reason I'm sharing this with you is to encourage you to have your son evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team, including an autism specialist, if you haven't already. If your son is on the autism spectrum, the sooner you know for sure and are able to pursue resources for assistance, the better. Of course, the same is true for other disorders as well. Having this done will help with his education, pediatric care, and family support. As I said, our son's ODD-type behavior is really a manifestation of his autism spectrum issues, and in many cases, our improper response to his needs. We have learned that what works with typical kids is not working with him. Autism spectrum kids can become very agitated, frustrated, and aggressive when they are overwhelmed or when too many demands are placed on them. Check out my other recent post here about this with our son.</p><p> </p><p>I know it's extremely hard right now for you. I remember how difficult the pre-diagnosis years were for us too. It will get better. Don't give up. Others will be along soon to share some resources to help get you started. Just wanted to post and let you know I care.</p><p> </p><p>(((hugs)))</p><p> </p><p>WearyWoman</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="WearyWoman, post: 367531"] Hi Mariah, Glad you found this place, but so sorry to hear about your bad day. Although I'm a newbie, I'm an "old" newbie, so to speak. I returned here recently after years away, since our younger difficult child now is having behavior issues. I read your post, and I can so relate to the feelings of being overwhelmed, as well as the anxiety in raising a child with special challenges. Our difficult child (now 9), was not diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder until he was 6 1/2 years old. Prior to that, we had him evaluated at a children's hospital for a full neurodevelopmental assessment. They concluded he had severe ADHD and apraxia of speech. This happened when he was 3 years old. They did not think he had autism at that time. As time passed, though, his odd behaviors and social skills deficits (and sensory issues) really became more apparent. We had him evaluated by an autism specialist at age 6, and it was concluded that he has a mild form of autism that doesn't really fit into the box of any specific autism category. His official diagnosis is pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) - not otherwise specified). The school system performed its own evaluation and came to the same conclusion. He is presently receiving intensive in-home therapy. Though his autism symptoms are mild by definition, they have significantly impacted our life, and I have no doubt whatsoever that his diagnosis is correct. All of the pieces finally fit together - the inflexibility, low frustration tolerance for change or instructions, sensory sensitivities, speech problems, hyper-focus on certain topics of interest, ongoing monologues, social skills and relationship issues, etc. The list goes on. Because his disruptive behaviors were the most difficult thing to deal with initially, those were the focus - ADHD and ODD-like symptoms. But, behind all of that was a form of autism. It's like a complicated puzzle of layers. The reason I'm sharing this with you is to encourage you to have your son evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team, including an autism specialist, if you haven't already. If your son is on the autism spectrum, the sooner you know for sure and are able to pursue resources for assistance, the better. Of course, the same is true for other disorders as well. Having this done will help with his education, pediatric care, and family support. As I said, our son's ODD-type behavior is really a manifestation of his autism spectrum issues, and in many cases, our improper response to his needs. We have learned that what works with typical kids is not working with him. Autism spectrum kids can become very agitated, frustrated, and aggressive when they are overwhelmed or when too many demands are placed on them. Check out my other recent post here about this with our son. I know it's extremely hard right now for you. I remember how difficult the pre-diagnosis years were for us too. It will get better. Don't give up. Others will be along soon to share some resources to help get you started. Just wanted to post and let you know I care. (((hugs))) WearyWoman [/QUOTE]
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