Okay, I have to ask...
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| Thu, 08-02-2007 - 10:33am |
My son is 15 years old. Ever since he was in kindergarten he has been thought to be adhd.. We have gone to several doctors. He was thought to have a learning dis., adhd, dislexia, auditory processing disorder.. For years we have stuggled with this. None of the teachers could help in the schools so we pulled him out and started homeschooling.
Last year I went to a meeting with my daughters teacher and we got on the subject of Jimmy (ds). All of what I was telling her I have been dealing with was exactly what she deals with on a daily basis with her son. As she was talking about her son, I swear it could have been mine.. Yiks.... She informed me that her son had aspergers syndrome. She gave me a website to go to... And boy was I shocked!!! He had EVERY symptom exept, using big words... Im not talking about 15 out of 20 symptoms either, I mean he had 19/20...
I have just recently found this board.. OMG, I didnt realize how many other people have this syndrome.
I need to know, where do I go to get a *real* diagnosis? Does my story sound like anyone elses? I just want to be sure Im not grabbing for staws here... Im at wits end with everyone just wanting to label the latest fad.....
TIA for all of your help
Cyndi
mommy7x


There are a variety of Doc's who can diagnose Aspergers. What you may want to do is contact your local autism society if there is one and find out what docs in your area specialize in autism spectrum disorders and who may be good to go to for diagnostics. There often are ones who specialize.
You can go to your pediatrician as well and get a referral. I have heard of psychologists, neuro-psychologists and neurologists who make diagnosis as well as developmental pediatricians and sometimes even psychiatrists.
Is he on an IEP at school? There are some evals they can do there as well. They can't make a medical diagnosis at school but they can tell you how he scores on some Asperger scales and autism rating scales. They may be able to meet his needs in school and get him support from autism support teachers as well depending on what your district has available. Most districts do have some sort of autism supports that may be able to more adequately help him.
What state are you in as well? Sometimes there are different options available in different states.
Renee
Hi Cyndi,
Welcome.
We have heard a few interestign stories here of kids being misdiagnosed or ignored, so you certainly wouldn't be alone in that, should it turn out to be the case.
Renee has given you good advice about getting an evaluation. Also if your Ped has a clue, talk to him/her about referrals to local specialists.
And welcome to the board! You dont' need an official diagnosis to make yourself right at home here.
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