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My 5 and 1/2 year old son
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<blockquote data-quote="buddy" data-source="post: 533015" data-attributes="member: 12886"><p>I always feel nervous saying things like this because I know it seems like a bandwagon thing, but having been in sp. ed for (ahem) years....lol and having a child with similar issues, I am going to give you what you are asking for, uncensored thoughts. That said, please realize that it is impossible to know from one post, and certainly (and hopefully) others here who can relate and may have a different idea for what could be going on will come along and give you other impressions. </p><p></p><p>Any of the things you mentioned can be viewed as just this side of typical alone, but to me....put them together and I would be getting a full evaluation done by a neuropsychologist and maybe even be more specific and go to a clinic that specializes in autism. (the new diagnostic manual will just diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), autism spectrum disorder, but he sounds like what many of us would refer to as Asperger's Syndrome....again could be way off base, and it is a huge spectrum...kids do not have ALL of the symptoms you read about).</p><p></p><p>1. has narrow/restricted interests (which can vary over time) that he talks about excessively...this is more than a hobby...the types of interests you mention are really common is Autism Spectrum Disorders. </p><p></p><p>2. difficulty with transitions, schedule changes, etc. </p><p></p><p>3. major/over the top meltdowns</p><p></p><p>4. early signs of giftedness....reading early, good with numbers etc....a common characteristic</p><p></p><p>5. social challenges (esp the "bossy" thing, things are preferred to be their way, in their comfort zone, etc... and many kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are quite social, but just have difficulties navigating things, the gap often widens as they get older)</p><p></p><p>6highly energetic....many kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) seem to have adhd-like symptoms (can be a true adhd or can be part of other things in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory issues, processing issues, etc.)</p><p></p><p>7. anxiety issues.... same as the adhd-like things.</p><p></p><p>8. all the things that set off the tantrums (odd-like stuff, over the top when there are consequences, etc...) are very common in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).</p><p></p><p>Again, many of these things cross over to other diagnoses or conditions, but put together, these are classic things in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Well beyond severe adhd, or ODD, and other diagnosis.</p><p></p><p>Have you had any evaluations done? Does he have any issues with sensory problems... like clothing, eating, smells, touching things or not liking touch, sounds???? How are his motor skills? </p><p></p><p>How is his eye contact (some kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) do not have this issue and some have it to a degree that is more like a child who looks shy).</p><p> </p><p>Any other risk factors in your family history that could explain these challenges? For example bi-polar illness or early illness where he had to be in the hospital without you or lots of pain, etc? Is there any history of pregnancy problems (not judging, you dont even h ave to answer, just for your own consideration), is he adopted... just throwing out other ideas.</p><p></p><p>Anyway, given his level of struggles, and that he is entering formal school, I personally would get a complete evaluation done. </p><p></p><p>One thing that really bites, I'll be honest, is having a really smart kid and then realizing there could be a life long challenge going on. BUT there i s a good part to it, that is that early intervention is really helpful! They are still smart, still have tons of potential, but with the right diagnosis (whatever that ends up being, if anything)....you can avoid inappropriate labels, especially those that are not too helpful in terms of therapy like "rude" or "disrespectful" or "that kid" etc.....Know what I mean?? Many diagnosis. labels can open doors to good accommodations and therapy. Mostly it helps to realize there is an underlying reason for this and we can work on helping to organize and reduce their stress and triggers and to help them make progress. </p><p></p><p>If he is so visual, and already reading etc....while you are working on evaluations, you might try some structured interventions like having a schedule on a white board, and he can check off the items. He sounds like a child who may benefit from having a nice predictable structure for his days. If changes need to be made, you can do it on the board and help him process it. He may also need early warnings (countdowns) before making a transition. (you may be doing all of this). He m ay need different words to help express his feelings when he is so frustrated that he tantrums. And to learn "deep breathing" to relax in the early childhood ways like holding up his hand or you hold yours up and (nice to catch this when h e shows early signs) have him blow out the c andles, or you can use bubbles...that forces them to take a deep breath to relax. </p><p> </p><p>Do you have either or both of these books? THe Explosive Child by Ross Greene and What your Explosive Child Is Trying To Tell You by Doug Riley. Helps to give understanding and ideas for kids who do not respond to consequences etc...and who are wired a little differently than most kids. (though I suspect there are more kids like ours out there....)</p><p> </p><p>Anyway, just thoughts, if they dont fit it is really ok. We just share from our own experiences, and the thought of something this big can be a lot to take in. Hugs to you and welcome ! You are not alone.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="buddy, post: 533015, member: 12886"] I always feel nervous saying things like this because I know it seems like a bandwagon thing, but having been in sp. ed for (ahem) years....lol and having a child with similar issues, I am going to give you what you are asking for, uncensored thoughts. That said, please realize that it is impossible to know from one post, and certainly (and hopefully) others here who can relate and may have a different idea for what could be going on will come along and give you other impressions. Any of the things you mentioned can be viewed as just this side of typical alone, but to me....put them together and I would be getting a full evaluation done by a neuropsychologist and maybe even be more specific and go to a clinic that specializes in autism. (the new diagnostic manual will just diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), autism spectrum disorder, but he sounds like what many of us would refer to as Asperger's Syndrome....again could be way off base, and it is a huge spectrum...kids do not have ALL of the symptoms you read about). 1. has narrow/restricted interests (which can vary over time) that he talks about excessively...this is more than a hobby...the types of interests you mention are really common is Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2. difficulty with transitions, schedule changes, etc. 3. major/over the top meltdowns 4. early signs of giftedness....reading early, good with numbers etc....a common characteristic 5. social challenges (esp the "bossy" thing, things are preferred to be their way, in their comfort zone, etc... and many kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are quite social, but just have difficulties navigating things, the gap often widens as they get older) 6highly energetic....many kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) seem to have adhd-like symptoms (can be a true adhd or can be part of other things in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory issues, processing issues, etc.) 7. anxiety issues.... same as the adhd-like things. 8. all the things that set off the tantrums (odd-like stuff, over the top when there are consequences, etc...) are very common in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Again, many of these things cross over to other diagnoses or conditions, but put together, these are classic things in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Well beyond severe adhd, or ODD, and other diagnosis. Have you had any evaluations done? Does he have any issues with sensory problems... like clothing, eating, smells, touching things or not liking touch, sounds???? How are his motor skills? How is his eye contact (some kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) do not have this issue and some have it to a degree that is more like a child who looks shy). Any other risk factors in your family history that could explain these challenges? For example bi-polar illness or early illness where he had to be in the hospital without you or lots of pain, etc? Is there any history of pregnancy problems (not judging, you dont even h ave to answer, just for your own consideration), is he adopted... just throwing out other ideas. Anyway, given his level of struggles, and that he is entering formal school, I personally would get a complete evaluation done. One thing that really bites, I'll be honest, is having a really smart kid and then realizing there could be a life long challenge going on. BUT there i s a good part to it, that is that early intervention is really helpful! They are still smart, still have tons of potential, but with the right diagnosis (whatever that ends up being, if anything)....you can avoid inappropriate labels, especially those that are not too helpful in terms of therapy like "rude" or "disrespectful" or "that kid" etc.....Know what I mean?? Many diagnosis. labels can open doors to good accommodations and therapy. Mostly it helps to realize there is an underlying reason for this and we can work on helping to organize and reduce their stress and triggers and to help them make progress. If he is so visual, and already reading etc....while you are working on evaluations, you might try some structured interventions like having a schedule on a white board, and he can check off the items. He sounds like a child who may benefit from having a nice predictable structure for his days. If changes need to be made, you can do it on the board and help him process it. He may also need early warnings (countdowns) before making a transition. (you may be doing all of this). He m ay need different words to help express his feelings when he is so frustrated that he tantrums. And to learn "deep breathing" to relax in the early childhood ways like holding up his hand or you hold yours up and (nice to catch this when h e shows early signs) have him blow out the c andles, or you can use bubbles...that forces them to take a deep breath to relax. Do you have either or both of these books? THe Explosive Child by Ross Greene and What your Explosive Child Is Trying To Tell You by Doug Riley. Helps to give understanding and ideas for kids who do not respond to consequences etc...and who are wired a little differently than most kids. (though I suspect there are more kids like ours out there....) Anyway, just thoughts, if they dont fit it is really ok. We just share from our own experiences, and the thought of something this big can be a lot to take in. Hugs to you and welcome ! You are not alone. [/QUOTE]
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