I'm back....

[4timmy]

Not sure if any of you remember me......

My difficult child finally got his preliminary report back from the NP and the results were very surprising. Following is what she came back with:

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) (not otherwise specified), Autism (High Functioning) vs. Asbergers
Childhood Bipolar Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Undifferentiated between the High Functioning Autism or Asbergers. We should get the remainder of the report next week. Obviously, more tests must be given to narrow it down, but this is a start to knowing how to treat difficult child.

So, apparently, Childhood Bipolar Disorder can be easily confused with ADHD/ODD

Comments?

 

[everywoman]

I used to have a checklist that showed the comparison. They are very, very similar and often can only be differentiated with time and treatment. Hopefully the right diagnosis will make a difference in your child's life and make it easier to learn how to best support his growth.

 

[BusynMember]

Don't forget about getting interventions for the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)-not otherwise specified/Aspergers. Without treating both bipolar and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at the same time (and differently) things probably won't improve much.
ADHD/ODD is often bipolar. But then bipolar is often Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It's very confusing. Took us 11 years to get it right. Hope your kiddo is on the right path now. in my opinion I'm not crazy about the medications he is on if he has a mood disorder. I don't know what Vyanese is, but if it's a stimulant plus Prozac, an activating antidepressant, I'd be worried. Also, I'm confused about Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)-not otherwise specified and Aspie-Lite. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)-not otherwise specified is Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and not lite. It's high functioning, but NOT lite. Yet he has a diagnosis. of Aspegers too. in my opinion that makes no sense. He has one or the other. I hope he's getting good interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in school

 

[timer lady]

It sounds as though your difficult child had a very extensive & complete NP. And saying that you have a road map ~ a guide to a treatment plan for your difficult child! It's a good place to be.

You're a good warrior mum.

 

[flutterby]

With this report, you'll be eligible to receive services for the autism through MR/daughter. We just started receiving services and I'm very happy with them.

His medications will definitely need to be adjusted. Is the neuropsychologist willing to talk to your psychiatrist (if you saw the same one we did, she probably won't have a problem with it - my username used to be wyntersgrace)?

I'm so glad you finally got answers and direction. Feel free to PM me anytime.

 

[Fran]

Testing and diagnosing is really a difficult art to master. Even the best of the specialists have to observe over time to really get it right.
My difficult child has an atypical bipolar diagnosis but that was at 11yrs old. At this point he doesn't really have symptoms of bipolar but there is evidence of a difficulty regulating his mood. So he has been on the same sorts of medications. Hopefully he will start to be weaned soon. (fingers crossed)
I try to not get too hung up on labels (although difficult) but focus on services and treatments to help my child function.

Good luck and hope you get the services you need.