Is it possible to have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and NOT be socially inept?

[keista]

Thanks for all the additional input.

Last night and today I tried watching her through my Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) "filter" It's just like with the bipolar with her - it kinda fits, but not really. Anxiety can explain it all just as well if not better. BUT I'm definitely more open to the possibility that she is Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Shoot, I really would welcome such a diagnosis, because the school "gets" that. They don't "get" mental illness.

Anyway, last night she was on color guard squad. The elementary girls were invited to join the HS team for the football game. They had to sit right near the band - LOUD! She looked miserable! Afterwards, she was exceptionally edgy and picking a fight with her friend. She calmed down and recovered quickly. Once we got home she was telling me how much fun she had and how she wanted to join the HS squad as often as possible. I asked her then why she didn't smile more during it? (didn't she see how ALL the HS squad girls had forced smile when doing the halftime routine?) She said it was too hard to smile but she had a GREAT time. ???????

Today we went to my Dad's. Everything went well until it was close to leaving time. Not much for the kids to do, so she went into "bored" mode. Then as we were leaving, Dad had to get in a few more pictures - posed ones. This is what my Dad does. EVERY visit. We know this, we expect it. And as always she just refuses to cooperate in having her picture taken - she hates it, not in the mood, blah, UHG.

So it's all kinda, sorta, but not quite. Anyway, I am now more open to the possibility, and like I said would WELCOME such a diagnosis, I just don't think it's there. Guess I'll have to wait til Monday.

 

[InsaneCdn]

Keista -

Your daughter could be like our difficult child... everyone waffled on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for a long time, for different reasons.
Our latest full evaluation? I think actually hits the nail on the head. They reported "clinically significant findings" but "does not meet diagnostic cut-off" for either Asperger's or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
What this means? Yes, difficult child really does have some Aspie traits - but no, technically he isn't Aspie.
But... knowing what those traits are, and knowing what things actually work for those traits in Aspies... really helps.

Side note - has your daughter ever been tested for auditory processing issues? Her whole reaction to the noise stuff is... familiar. Some of the APDs relate to language processing, but there's a set of issues that has different names depending on who you are working with and what test they use... but it is the impaired ability to filter out background noise. This makes it very difficult to hear what you are supposed to hear, if there is background noise.

Trust me - if she has this, it could explain A LOT. Because it drives kids absolutely insane.

 

[keista]

Insane, I KNOW she has some sort of auditory issues. I'm trying to find the right ppl through insurance to evaluate her. So far she saw the ENT and his audiologist. Her ears are fine. OK then what? This coming up psychologist said that she can do an evaluation for it, so we'll see what she comes up with. Insurance also has a request in to her pediatrician to get a referral to an Occupational Therapist (OT).

*Funny* this insurance is supposed to be for kids with chronic medical issues including difficult child issues, but the nurse caseworkers just don't seem to know where to send me for MY kids' issues. UHG.

 

[InsaneCdn]

Keista -

You want the following tests done:

1) DSTP - Differential Screening Test for Processing
This is usually done by a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) - could even be done by school Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) (can be here, anyway). Only normed to age 12 - but difficult child was 14. Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) said that this means we can't tell from this test exactly how bad the problem is, but it definitely is a problem... as they expect the kids' result levels to improve with age (he was way down at the bottom compared to 12yo). The results of this test are used to justify advanced audiological testing.

2) SCAN-3 A - Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders in Adolescents and Adults
Done by advanced audiology - one sub-test is specifically for auditory figure ground.

3) LISN-S - Listening in Spacialized Noise-Sentences Test
Done by advanced audiology - if #2's auditory figure ground test shows issues, this test provides a LOT more detail.

Hope that helps a little.

There is no formal diagnosis for this stuff... it is "an" auditory processing disorder.
But... the test results do come with recommendations!

 

[Marguerite]

An older individual (or a brighter one with a milder case) can be more socially capable. The reason for this is, they adapt. We all do. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) people are capable of learning how to socialise. You can still see subtle indications of social issues but in general, yes you can have someone (especially a female) who at least superficially, seems socially capable.

Marg

 

[RyanS]

This discussion has been fascinating to read-- I have often wondered about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and if it was at all possible what we were dealing with with our daughter.