I saw my son's Twin! Not sure now....

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-10-2005
I saw my son's Twin! Not sure now....
6
Sun, 07-15-2007 - 9:59pm

So we were at the beach this weekend, when I saw my son's twin. DH told me to look at a boy playing near the shore. There were tons of kids and DH didn't have to say much more for me to know who he was talking about. There, stood a boy, jumping up and down and flapping his hands. He moved exactly like my son. Back and forth from one foot to the other, while moving the arms and hands in a very peculiar way. It is VERY distinct...almost like they got their movements from the same choreographer. Right away, we knew this kid is just like our DS.

So, I casually went down to the water and struck up a conversation with his mom. I then said that his son has the exact same mannerisms as mine. I told her that it is so much like him, that I had to say something. She then said he has "dyspraxia". I told her DS was going to the Dr. on Mon (tomorrow), for we suspected Asperger's. She said often times, Dyspraxia gets misdiagnosed as Asperger's. Our boys are VERY similar, though mine is much smarter than hers (that sound awful, but you know what I mean).

So, maybe I'm in the wrong place. She reminded me that Asperger's kids have social interaction problems. I don't know if DS is that bad, but he does have issues w/friends.

I then re-read the symptoms of Asperger's last night and it said that Asp. kids don't pick up on sarcasm and other social cues. DS is VERY tuned in to sarcasm and has been making metaphors for a few years now. The only thing (that I've noticed) that he doesn't pick up on, is the fact that he's 7 and playing on the same level as a 4 yr old. It's not like he is 7 and being nice to a 4 yr old while they play. He gets onto their level. Now, he can play with kids his age, but prefers the younger ones.

Our Dr. appt is tomorrow. I'm nervous and am wondering if I even need to go through them. I just thought insurance would cover any assessments and therapy. I called the social worker over a week ago and have not heard back.

Anyway...do you all know anything about Dyspraxia?
Thanks :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2007
Sun, 07-15-2007 - 10:31pm

Just a thought, is it possible the other kids's dx was not quite righ? I have often heard many Mom's here say dyspraxia was one of the first dx they met before getting an asd dx. I dunno, hand flaping is hand flapping, kwim?

Dee

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Lilypie 1st Birthday Ticker
Lilypie 5th Birthday Ticker
Lilypie 6th to 18th Ticker

Lilypie Breastfeeding Ticker




Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Sun, 07-15-2007 - 10:44pm

I agree with Dee, I just googled it and read about it on Wikipedia and its pretty connected with Autism. Doesn't mean you have it, but If it were me I would keep the appt and make sure.

It sure wouldn't hurt, even just to rule AS out.

Lainie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2007
Mon, 07-16-2007 - 9:10pm
I also would still keep the appt. An evaluator hopefully doesn't come in to the session with a predetermined diagnosis, so if it is dyspraxia or Asperger's they can say which. My understanding of dyspraxia is that it is a term that describes difficulties with motor planning (if its an automatic movement it comes easily, if it is something you have to think about and plan it is more difficult to get out). Some of our guys have problems with this as well, some don't.
We'll keep you in our thoughts, the diagnosis process is a difficult one.
Kara
Avatar for betz67
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 07-17-2007 - 7:08am

We know a little girl w/ a whole alphabets' worth of Dx, her main one being dyspraxia. She's one of Martha's friends. She has lots of autistic characteristics but autism has been ruled out. Because of this she doesn't "qualify" to be in the autism program in our school district, even tho many of the therapies she needs are the same as autistic kids and she would really benefit from the program. Instead she's sort of out there in limbo when it comes to school.

I would definitely keep the appointment. I hope you get a good thorough eval. and accurate diagnosis.

Betsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Tue, 07-17-2007 - 8:51am

Sorry to chime in so late on this.


How did the appt go? Did you mention the Dyspraxia kid to the evaluator? (I would have).


Have they given you any impressions yet, or do you have to wait for the written report?


-Paula

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-10-2005
Tue, 07-17-2007 - 10:54pm

Hi! The Dr, was sick and had to cancel. So bummed! They have not re-scheduled yet.

I'll keep you all posted! And , yes, I will absolutely mention Dyspraxia.

Thanks for the support. :)