ADHD/bipolar/high functioning autism
Make sure you know the difference. It is very common for ADHD to really be early onset bipolar or high functioning autism, especially if there are lots of rages, mood disorders in the family, substance abuse in the family or the behavior is "over the top." Combined with late talking or cognitive problems, obsessions, weird noises or sensory issues you should rule out high functioning autism. Sometimes there IS no speech delays. For a correct diagnosis of either you need a pdoc (bipolar) or a NeuroPsych or Developmental Pediatrician (autism). There is no way a talk therapist, counselor or social worker or any educator will be able to catch either early onset bipolar or high functioning autism. It is common for ADHD to be used as a catch-all by certain professionals for all behavioral issues, and it's not. Pedaiatricians are notorious for this as are teachers and talk therapists. ODD is a big indicator of early onset bipolar and is rarely a stand alone diagnosis. ADHD/ODD should be carefully looked at for early onset bipolar rather than ADHD. If stims and Straterra don't work or make things worse, suspect it's not ADHD. Here are a few links that could help. Remember no child meets all the criteria for any disorder, even if they have it. There is also a board that deals with ALL types of psychiatric/neurological problems and I will post that too. You may want to come and visit.
www.autism-society.org (be sure to check Aspergers and PDD-NOS)
Your family history tells A LOT! The earlier you get help/intervention the better.
I'm the mom of a kid first diagnosed with ADHD/ODD who early is PDD-NOS. Be careful and get GOOD professional judgement, not the friendly therapist who works at the school district. Good luck!
Where to you find these people who take your insurance your on? I have been told after age age 3 hard to get a autism diagnoses. Our son is almost 9 in May.Been looking for answers since he was 4 months. Please help if you can.
We are in DFW area.
Ask for pediatrician for a referral. It's much better to be safe than sorry. We lost a lot of precious time thinking our son was ADHD/ODD and he kept getting worse. Now he's doing great. Frankly, if there is nobody in your netowrk, I'd make arrangements to pay out of pocket rather than trust the school district. JMHO
You can also go on Conduct Disorders. The people there may have suggestions. They cover more than just ADHD, but that's covered too over there.
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