We didn't get the right diagnosis until my son was eleven. The only reason we know it's right, besides that it's obvious now that he's older, is that Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) interventions REALLY helped him--he's a totally different kids. In order of diagnosis., we had ADHD, ADHD/ODD/cognitive disorder not otherwise specified/Sensory Integration Disorder (SID) (first neuropsychologist evaluation showed all that), bipolar disorder (his third psychiatrist), finally Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)-not otherwise specified. For us it was more obvious. The kid had headbanged, echoed, had late speech, the works, but we kept getting told he was "too sociel." Duh. Kids with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)-not otherwise specified ARE more social than other Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) kids...then there were the medications parade: Ritalin, Concerta, Adderrall, Buspar, Prozac, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Depakote, Lithium, Topomax, Seroquel and I'm sure there are some I missed. He really didn't need any medications. Stims made him aggressive, Prozac made him almost psychotic, mood stabiliers made him lethargic and constantly hungry. He is doing great off all medications, going on four years. That doesn't mean YOUR child can, but until you're sure what's going on, you don't really know what to do or who to listen to. It's hard. We got told a lot of conflicting things, but, in the end, our instincts were right.
Don't be afraid to think "maybe he got it wrong." There are no blood tests for any of these disorders. Go with your mom gut, and if one professional doesn't help, find another. Not all psychatrists or neuropsychs are created equally and sometimes things don't become very clear until the children are almost teenagers. Sometimes adults. Just keep on trying--you're doing the best you can. Try to remember your child is probably more miserable than he's making you...and take care.