Could she be??
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| Thu, 07-13-2006 - 7:24am |
Hello to all,
I'm a bit troubled with my daughter and a few thing that I read on the internet regarding AS. To start she is almost 8 and has been in counseling for about 2 1/2 years now for what has been (tentatively) diagnosed as ADHD / ODD / BPD. I happened to get onto a site about AS and the description fits her behaviors (of course they fit my 10-yo DS too). She was pretty much on schedule with her verbal development, and very quick on the mobility. She has been agressive and violent sence she was around 6 months. She has alot of trouble making and keeping friends, she frequently states that no one wants to play with her, that she has no friends and that no one will talk or play with her at school. She totally lacks the apathy for others that one would expect at her age, and frequently (and loudly) makes comments about others. The statements are truthful, but hurtfull none the less. Yet, in contrast she seems to love everyone.... and attempts to show everyone. Including running up to strangers and giving them hugs and attempting to give kisses of which last too long. She get hurt (emotionally) at the minorist slight - or perceived slight, and it takes alot of reassurance before she calms down. When shes interested in having a conversation, she has it and is seemingly unaware that you might have an opinion, or that you are growing bored of the conversation (for the 8th time today). She hates change and will violently protest these changes. Much to my dismay and protests, she frequently goes outside in her underware (took me 2 years to get these to stay on her) as she does not like clothing. And one of her favorite pass times is to take off. She runs across the road without looking, oblivious to the danger (thankfully we live on a side street in the middle of nowhere) and goes off and plays or hides. We have lived in this house for 10 months and she has stayed gone long enough for me to call the police 3 times; and I'm not quick to the call. The last time she came strolling home about 11:15pm after taking off from the back yard around 6.
I know that you're not clinical professionals, but you are the experts. Does any of this sound familiar or am I barking up the wrong tree. Any information would be appreciated. I am planning on asking her psychiatrist at her next appointment, but that is not until the end of August.
Thanks,
Brandy

Hi Brandy,
Welcome to the board. I am no expert, but
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
I agree with Paula. Obviously we don't diagnose and noone can over the Internet anyways, but your daughter sure sounds like she has lots of red flags and could be AS. And many professionals really don't know enough about the full range of autistic spectrum symptoms. Paula gave you good advice about where to go for evals, etc. I would recommend doing it, no matter what the outcome, because even if she is not on the spectrum, the testing can really give you a clear pictures of what is going on with your daughter. Our insurance did not cover any of the extensive testing we have done, but it was the best money we have ever spent. So many of our decisions about how to help our son (just turned 9, PDD-NOS) has come from the extensive reports compiled from testing. And our ds is continuing to grow and accomplish daily, overcoming extreme sensory issues and participating in society more and more in spite of some very challenging and constant difficulties.
Knowledge is power. Understanding exactly where my son's behavior and challenges come from has allowed us to adapt how we raise him and what supports and assistance we can give his development so he can thrive!
AND Welcome to the board. This is a great community full of wonderful, helpful btdt moms. Stick around, tell us how things are going!
yours,
Sara
ilovemalcolm