RE: What is the difference between: Autism, AS & HFA?

[Guest guest]

HI,

My son is not going to be Bar Mitzvah as he never went to hebrew school. We

are not practicing but he still knows that he is jewish as did his classmates

(more a heritage than anything else for us at this point). They were not

families I hung out with but school mates of my sons.

That must of been hard for your son at the pool. I can relate. We are still

trying to get him to understand. Today they started a new program for him at

school. The school called and said he was fine with the program (atleast from

their perspective) but was upset that he had to change his math class. We have

been here less than 2 weeks and that is enough change for these kids. I feel

terrible that they had to change his class to accommodate his other new classes.

Don't know how to handle this one when he gets home today.

Joan

<cmcintosh5@...> wrote:

Can I ask you a question? Were they families you socialized with too? Have

you started to plan his Bar Mitzvah? Will he be having one? It might be a

situation where they didn't know he was practicing your faith?

BUT that being said.. Its true.. Our kids... Sometimes fit in much better

with adults than their peers.. Its hard to watch from the outside isn't it?

I noticed my son.. Avoiding me at the pool last night.. Not cool to hang out

with your mom.. But.. Still not one of the " regulars " came to him either..

He didn't know how to approach the situation no matter how hard he tried. I

am going to invite his buddy with us next week... As a liason.

-- Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Hi,

My son is 13 and being of the Jewish faith that is a big year for a boy.

We recently left MA and before we left there were many Bar and Bat Mitzvah's

(the jewish coming of age party). My son was not invited to a single one.

We lived in a jewish town so there were many of these parties. Although my

son is a product of a mixed marriage so he did not attend schooling for this

ritual it was still very sad to see that he was never invited. He noticed

it and my answer to him was that a lot of kids were invited just because

they were in the same hebrew school and that it is a rule that you invite

your whole class. Although this is true, there are still plenty of children

that get invited without attending this school. Although he said it did not

bother him, I know it still hurt my son that he was left out.

Joan

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

Rose,

My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to play

basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works hard to be

just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different. I wish the

world were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is

doing well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He

knows he needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help

then his friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early

interventions since he was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He

is trying to understand " What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to

him, He seems to still need to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more

to him at a level that he can understand without making him worry about

himself. for now, he has a high self esteem, He has friends at school that

he plays with and at the after school program. but yet, He has only been

invited to one party since he started school. He is in 3rd grade. At the

park he sees his classmates at a party but he was not invited. for now,

that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a hard time

expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big

help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

Roxanna,

just a friendly question. from what you explained, are you saying a parent

would be in denial of their doctors DX? and that is why a parent would shop

around? or is it a control thing or something else? Because I had a strong

discussion on this very topic with a parent I know. Roxanna, " I would like

your opinion " . You both brought up a strong point. (and such different opinions

on the same topic.) And you both make good sense in your opinions. yet they are

opposite. WOW! When would it be appropriate for another doctors opinion?

I know a parent that is going through this same topic with the school & the

doctor. the doctor says the childs DX, gives strategies, and the school says,

" I don't see it " . of course the parent goes by the Doctors. but if it were up

to the school. I bet, they can find a doctor, somewhere, that would agree with

them. (the school) That is scarry! The parent is left with. " what if I made the

wrong choice " ? you know, the " What if " questions. Well, thanks always, that is

all I have to ask on this topic.

Roxanna <madideas@...> wrote:

Subject: RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same reason

most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or parent in

this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and as such

should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding a

doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will actually

give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child you

HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on after

awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally got up

the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now being

treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors are not

the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete idiots. If

you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way off

base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone who

will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get is not a

reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had to find new

doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a decent one.

We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at Children's

hospitals.

I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second opinion. But

I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a specific dx

because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because you like

the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and wrong.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

This is great news and always great to hear. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

pltoc@... wrote: Some of you know that our son will be graduating from

high school in June.

Just wanted to share that he made the honor roll this quarter, after making

the merit roll (just below hr) for the two previous quarters. This has been

his goal since he started high school and he finally, as he so aptly put it,

scratched and fought his way to the top...lol! He has overcome many obstacles

along the way...like bullying, a lack of understanding by his peers and

learning disabilities(such as dysgraphia), to get to the place he is in now.

He

has had a girlfriend since October and they will be going to his senior prom

together in May. Even though he doesn't have a driver's license and his

future beyond high school remains unclear, he does have lots of determination

and

a strong faith...both of these things will help him find his place in this

world. Hope this encourages those of you with younger children...

Blessings,

Gail

PS did anyone see the depiction of AS on " Boston Legal " this Tuesday?

[Guest guest]

That is a shame, yes, that would stand out. " suffers from Aspergers " and in

high school & college, boys that play football & other sports do the same,

(having rape reports) but not that much attention is placed on them because,

somehow, it gets covered up and dropped. (I hope this didn't offend anyone,

There are a lot of responsible and respectful teenage boys out there. A few

that need help).

Toni <kbtoni@...> wrote: unfortunately on the Atlanta news yesterday

there was a boy that

molested a young girl and they tagged on the end of the story that he

'suffers from a form of autism called aspergers'. I thought Oh boy, now

everyones going to be scared of aspies. 1 step forward and three back...Toni

Rose wrote:

> Miranda,

> YES, I see it changing too. They need to put more children on the news

> just like a few weeks ago. Like the one where that AS boy played

> basketball and made (I think) 5 hoops in a row. Another situation

> where an AS boy won a spelling B contest. That was awesome. Dr. Phill

> needs to also do another show on just AS with more positive things.

> like their strengths & successes also with all the interventions we

> need. either way, you are right, I think things will get better.

> Parents like the ones on this support group are educating themselves

> and the public schools, and more and more are standing up for their

> children.

>

> Miranda on wrote:

> Rose,

>

> My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to

> play basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works

> hard to be just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different.

> I wish the world were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

>

> Rose wrote:

> Hi Miranda,

> My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he

> is doing well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is

> different, He knows he needs more help than most kids his age. He

> knows he gets more help then his friends. And he knows he has

> Aspergers. He had early interventions since he was 18 months old so he

> is used to it. but now, He is trying to understand " What Aspergers

> is " . even though I explained it to him, He seems to still need to know

> more. I wish I knew how to explain more to him at a level that he can

> understand without making him worry about himself. for now, he has a

> high self esteem, He has friends at school that he plays with and at

> the after school program. but yet, He has only been invited to one

> party since he started school. He is in 3rd grade. At the park he sees

> his classmates at a party but he was not invited. for now, that don't

> seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a hard time expressing

> his feelings. (he

> can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a

> big help.

>

> Miranda on wrote:

> In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the

> minds of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen

> as more workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as

> possibility of living independently but still not perceived as well as

> Asperger's. All still fall under Autism for Special Education

> Eligibility. Believe me I have seen people's faces when you you say

> Autism. I will have to see if I get the same " deer in the headlights "

> look with Asperger's DX.

>

> beachbodytan2002 wrote: Hello everyone,

>

> How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

> person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

> wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

> close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

> understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

> one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

> strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

> AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

> Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

> Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

> severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

> of NT?

> I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

> only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

> like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

> and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

> people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

> has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

> book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

> children & post their experiences.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

---That is WONDERFUL!!!A great big pat on the back to your son! Toni

In , pltoc@... wrote:

>

> Some of you know that our son will be graduating from high school

in June.

> Just wanted to share that he made the honor roll this quarter,

after making

> the merit roll (just below hr) for the two previous quarters.

This has been

> his goal since he started high school and he finally, as he so

aptly put it,

> scratched and fought his way to the top...lol! He has overcome

many obstacles

> along the way...like bullying, a lack of understanding by his

peers and

> learning disabilities(such as dysgraphia), to get to the place he

is in now. He

> has had a girlfriend since October and they will be going to his

senior prom

> together in May. Even though he doesn't have a driver's license

and his

> future beyond high school remains unclear, he does have lots of

determination and

> a strong faith...both of these things will help him find his

place in this

> world. Hope this encourages those of you with younger children...

>

> Blessings,

> Gail

> PS did anyone see the depiction of AS on " Boston Legal " this

Tuesday?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Can I ask you a question? Were they families you socialized with too? Have

you started to plan his Bar Mitzvah? Will he be having one? It might be a

situation where they didn't know he was practicing your faith?

BUT that being said.. Its true.. Our kids... Sometimes fit in much better

with adults than their peers.. Its hard to watch from the outside isn't it?

I noticed my son.. Avoiding me at the pool last night.. Not cool to hang out

with your mom.. But.. Still not one of the " regulars " came to him either..

He didn't know how to approach the situation no matter how hard he tried. I

am going to invite his buddy with us next week... As a liason.

-- Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Hi,

My son is 13 and being of the Jewish faith that is a big year for a boy.

We recently left MA and before we left there were many Bar and Bat Mitzvah's

(the jewish coming of age party). My son was not invited to a single one.

We lived in a jewish town so there were many of these parties. Although my

son is a product of a mixed marriage so he did not attend schooling for this

ritual it was still very sad to see that he was never invited. He noticed

it and my answer to him was that a lot of kids were invited just because

they were in the same hebrew school and that it is a rule that you invite

your whole class. Although this is true, there are still plenty of children

that get invited without attending this school. Although he said it did not

bother him, I know it still hurt my son that he was left out.

Joan

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

Rose,

My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to play

basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works hard to be

just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different. I wish the

world were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is

doing well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He

knows he needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help

then his friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early

interventions since he was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He

is trying to understand " What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to

him, He seems to still need to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more

to him at a level that he can understand without making him worry about

himself. for now, he has a high self esteem, He has friends at school that

he plays with and at the after school program. but yet, He has only been

invited to one party since he started school. He is in 3rd grade. At the

park he sees his classmates at a party but he was not invited. for now,

that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a hard time

expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big

help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

J mac will be on Oprah on may 24th!!!!!!

-- Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

Miranda,

YES, I see it changing too. They need to put more children on the news

just like a few weeks ago. Like the one where that AS boy played basketball

and made (I think) 5 hoops in a row. Another situation where an AS boy won

a spelling B contest. That was awesome. Dr. Phill needs to also do another

show on just AS with more positive things. like their strengths & successes

also with all the interventions we need. either way, you are right, I think

things will get better. Parents like the ones on this support group are

educating themselves and the public schools, and more and more are standing

up for their children.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

Rose,

My son is 9 as well and sounds like a similar situation. He wants to play

basketball, have sleepovers with his circle of friends, and works hard to be

just one of the gang. He does not see himself as different. I wish the

world were different. I do see it changing. Good luck.

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi Miranda,

My son AS just turned 9. He is understanding more and like I said he is

doing well. He has a strong will to learn. He knows he is different, He

knows he needs more help than most kids his age. He knows he gets more help

then his friends. And he knows he has Aspergers. He had early

interventions since he was 18 months old so he is used to it. but now, He

is trying to understand " What Aspergers is " . even though I explained it to

him, He seems to still need to know more. I wish I knew how to explain more

to him at a level that he can understand without making him worry about

himself. for now, he has a high self esteem, He has friends at school that

he plays with and at the after school program. but yet, He has only been

invited to one party since he started school. He is in 3rd grade. At the

park he sees his classmates at a party but he was not invited. for now,

that don't seem to bother him, but maybe because he has a hard time

expressing his feelings. (he

can't) or (won't). Thanks for explaining the difference. that was a big

help.

Miranda on <mjjthomason@...> wrote:

In our case I am pursuing the Asperger's DX. Autism is linked in the minds

of many as lifelong unchangeable condition. Asperger's is seen as more

workable. Asperger's is seen more as " quirks " . HFA is seen as possibility of

living independently but still not perceived as well as Asperger's. All

still fall under Autism for Special Education Eligibility. Believe me I have

seen people's faces when you you say Autism. I will have to see if I get the

same " deer in the headlights " look with Asperger's DX.

beachbodytan2002 <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello everyone,

How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

of NT?

I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

children & post their experiences.

[Guest guest]

I wasn't certain if you have ever heard of the book:

A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism:

How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive - by Dawson

It is a wonderful book and it explains alot. I bought it and it

gave me great insight ~ it might help you.

Good Luck

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

> person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with

people

> wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

> close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

> understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

> one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

> strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than

an

> AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

> Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

> Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

> severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border

line

> of NT?

> I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have

been.

> only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would

still

> like to educate myself and know the difference between the

two " DX " ,

> and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

> people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

> has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

> book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

> children & post their experiences.

>

[Guest guest]

My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

" shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems and

he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with those

who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their own

strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an attempt to

get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way and why

a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent wants

to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as when

you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar problems

but might get vastly different services.

Best wishes,

Tabitha

RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism,

AS &

HFA?

I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same reason

most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or parent in

this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and as such

should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding a

doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will actually

give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child you

HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on after

awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally got up

the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now being

treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors are not

the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete idiots. If

you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way off

base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone who

will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get is not

a

reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had to find

new

doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a decent

one.

We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at Children's

hospitals.

I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second opinion.

But

I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a specific

dx

because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because you

like

the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and wrong.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Dr Tsai presented some research which talked about how children are

often misdiagnosed with ADHD, ODD, Bi-polar, and finally Asperger's.

My son now 22 followed the same diagnostic process and wasn't

diagnosed until he was 18. I have a copy of his article and am happy

to email it to you if you are interested.

Clemy

>

> My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

> " shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems

and

> he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with

those

> who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their

own

> strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an

attempt to

> get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way

and why

> a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

> those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

> label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent

wants

> to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as

when

> you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar

problems

> but might get vastly different services.

>

> Best wishes,

> Tabitha

>

> RE: ( ) What is the difference between:

Autism,

> AS &

> HFA?

>

> I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same

reason

> most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

> doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

> personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or

parent in

> this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and

as such

> should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding

a

> doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will

actually

> give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child

you

> HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

> epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on

after

> awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

> nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally

got up

> the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

> finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now

being

> treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors

are not

> the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete

idiots. If

> you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way

off

> base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone

who

> will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

>

>

> I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get

is not

> a

> reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had

to find

> new

> doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a

decent

> one.

> We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at

Children's

> hospitals.

>

> I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

> seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second

opinion.

> But

> I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a

specific

> dx

> because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because

you

> like

> the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and

wrong.

>

> Roxanna

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Subject: RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

" shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems and

he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with those

who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their own

strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an attempt to

get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way and why

a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent wants

to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as when

you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar problems

but might get vastly different services.

Best wishes,

Tabitha

Well, quite sure I was talking about " shopping around " for a specific dx

just because other people wouldn't like one over the other. If my child was

dx'd incorrectly, as I said, it would be important to find a doctor who

would be able to look into that.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Our HFA son scored higher in performance and lower in language. He

still struggles with putting together grammatically correct

sentences, and it is a testament to how much he is being worked with

in combination with his desire to do better that he gets S's in this

academic area. It is interesting that he reads above grade level,

however.

>

> My son's performance IQ is 40 points below his verbal IQ!!!

>

> Liz

>

> > The kids with AS I have seen are generally very good with

language

> > from the

> > beginning and often advanced in language really. Another thing

I have

> > noted

> > is when they get testing, the AS kids generally score higher in

> > language

> > areas while this is usually the lower score for kids with HFA.

My

> > older ds,

> > for instance, would score higher in performance areas, lower in

verbal

> > areas

> > and his same aged peer with AS scored opposite that - high in

verbal

> > areas,

> > low in performance areas.

> >

> >

> > Roxanna

>

[Guest guest]

My sons were originally diagnosed as ADHD (inattentive) one with OCD and

the other with ADHD and depression. They couldn't stand the first

pyschiatrist (that diagnosed them adhd) and I had to fight them to go

see her every time. After the incident last year where I had n

committed to a state hospital we found another pyschiatrist that they

both admire/trust/respect that saw them for about 10 minutes and said

they had aspergers. My husband and I weren't shopping around for another

diagnosis, we wanted a dr the boys could talk to and somehow the adhd

just didn't explain all that was going on with the two of them.Now if we

could just get this doggone depression under control we might make some

progress. Toni

Ms. Tabitha Bingham wrote:

> My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

> " shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems and

> he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with those

> who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their own

> strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an attempt to

> get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way and why

> a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

> those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

> label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent wants

> to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as when

> you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar problems

> but might get vastly different services.

>

> Best wishes,

> Tabitha

>

> RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism,

> AS &

> HFA?

>

> I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same reason

> most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

> doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

> personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or parent in

> this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and as such

> should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding a

> doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will actually

> give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child you

> HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

> epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on after

> awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

> nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally got up

> the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

> finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now being

> treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors are not

> the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete idiots. If

> you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way off

> base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone who

> will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

>

>

> I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get is not

> a

> reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had to find

> new

> doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a decent

> one.

> We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at Children's

> hospitals.

>

> I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

> seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second opinion.

> But

> I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a specific

> dx

> because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because you

> like

> the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and wrong.

>

> Roxanna

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If you don't mind I would love to see the article you mentioned, Clemy.

Thanks in advance.... Toni

mcclem4748 wrote:

> Dr Tsai presented some research which talked about how children are

> often misdiagnosed with ADHD, ODD, Bi-polar, and finally Asperger's.

> My son now 22 followed the same diagnostic process and wasn't

> diagnosed until he was 18. I have a copy of his article and am happy

> to email it to you if you are interested.

>

> Clemy

>

> >

> > My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

> > " shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems

> and

> > he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with

> those

> > who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their

> own

> > strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an

> attempt to

> > get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way

> and why

> > a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

> > those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

> > label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent

> wants

> > to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as

> when

> > you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar

> problems

> > but might get vastly different services.

> >

> > Best wishes,

> > Tabitha

> >

> > RE: ( ) What is the difference between:

> Autism,

> > AS &

> > HFA?

> >

> > I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same

> reason

> > most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

> > doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

> > personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or

> parent in

> > this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and

> as such

> > should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding

> a

> > doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will

> actually

> > give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child

> you

> > HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

> > epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on

> after

> > awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

> > nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally

> got up

> > the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

> > finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now

> being

> > treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors

> are not

> > the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete

> idiots. If

> > you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way

> off

> > base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone

> who

> > will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

> >

> >

> > I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get

> is not

> > a

> > reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had

> to find

> > new

> > doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a

> decent

> > one.

> > We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at

> Children's

> > hospitals.

> >

> > I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

> > seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second

> opinion.

> > But

> > I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a

> specific

> > dx

> > because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because

> you

> > like

> > the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and

> wrong.

> >

> > Roxanna

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

-Clemy,

Did your son work with Dr. Tsai? Our son did for several yrs.He dx'ed

our son at 9 or 10yrs. old, while our son was at his worst. It was

his last adm. to childrens psy. in hosp. I like this Dr. because he

will say, " we don't know everything about AS, and were still learning

from the children growing up now. He's asked our son to speak at some

of his lectures. I don't know if he will have time with college and

work. Dr. Tsai is one of the Drs. trying to change AS in the DMS

book...he doesn't feel it is Autisum. He is one of them that feels AS

should be a dx. by itself...he's worked with research on this, and he

has a grown son with Autisum..he's quite soft spoken man.

It would be nice if you were able to put his article on the

messageboard so all could read it.

God Bless

Connie T.

-- In , " mcclem4748 " <mcclem4748@...>

wrote:

>

> Dr Tsai presented some research which talked about how children are

> often misdiagnosed with ADHD, ODD, Bi-polar, and finally

Asperger's.

> My son now 22 followed the same diagnostic process and wasn't

> diagnosed until he was 18. I have a copy of his article and am

happy

> to email it to you if you are interested.

>

> Clemy

>

> >

> > My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

> > " shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true

problems

> and

> > he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with

> those

> > who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their

> own

> > strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an

> attempt to

> > get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way

> and why

> > a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards

to

> > those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS.

ADHD

> > label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent

> wants

> > to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as

> when

> > you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar

> problems

> > but might get vastly different services.

> >

> > Best wishes,

> > Tabitha

> >

> > RE: ( ) What is the difference between:

> Autism,

> > AS &

> > HFA?

> >

> > I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same

> reason

> > most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

> > doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

> > personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or

> parent in

> > this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and

> as such

> > should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is

finding

> a

> > doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will

> actually

> > give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child

> you

> > HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has

had

> > epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on

> after

> > awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some

other

> > nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally

> got up

> > the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests,

she

> > finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is

now

> being

> > treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors

> are not

> > the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete

> idiots. If

> > you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or

way

> off

> > base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue

someone

> who

> > will actually give you accurate information? Just my two

cents....

> >

> >

> > I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get

> is not

> > a

> > reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had

> to find

> > new

> > doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a

> decent

> > one.

> > We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at

> Children's

> > hospitals.

> >

> > I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take

it

> > seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second

> opinion.

> > But

> > I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a

> specific

> > dx

> > because you have decided your kid has this and not that or

because

> you

> > like

> > the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and

> wrong.

> >

> > Roxanna

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Subject: RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

OH just my two cents.. I suggest shopping around.. Because yes you will get

different diagnoses. However, you can decide which one to show to whom

including medical insurance.. I believe.. ( at least here in Canada.. ) and

you only have to disclose one to the school to get services. An autism

diagnoses goes a LOT further than ADHD

Kids with AS are serviced at school under the Autism category. So they

don't need another dx that says " autism. " Besides, who can afford all these

evaluations and why put your kid through them?

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

I just forwarded this info to a friend of mine.. Because we are both needing

this kind of positive output!!! Thank you Hon !! HURRAY For your boy and

you!

-- Re: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

---That is WONDERFUL!!!A great big pat on the back to your son! Toni

In , pltoc@... wrote:

>

> Some of you know that our son will be graduating from high school

in June.

> Just wanted to share that he made the honor roll this quarter,

after making

> the merit roll (just below hr) for the two previous quarters.

This has been

> his goal since he started high school and he finally, as he so

aptly put it,

> scratched and fought his way to the top...lol! He has overcome

many obstacles

> along the way...like bullying, a lack of understanding by his

peers and

> learning disabilities(such as dysgraphia), to get to the place he

is in now. He

> has had a girlfriend since October and they will be going to his

senior prom

> together in May. Even though he doesn't have a driver's license

and his

> future beyond high school remains unclear, he does have lots of

determination and

> a strong faith...both of these things will help him find his

place in this

> world. Hope this encourages those of you with younger children...

>

> Blessings,

> Gail

> PS did anyone see the depiction of AS on " Boston Legal " this

Tuesday?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

OH just my two cents.. I suggest shopping around.. Because yes you will get

different diagnoses. However, you can decide which one to show to whom

including medical insurance.. I believe.. ( at least here in Canada.. ) and

you only have to disclose one to the school to get services. An autism

diagnoses goes a LOT further than ADHD

-- RE: ( ) What is the difference between: Autism, AS &

HFA?

My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

" shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems and

he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with those

who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their own

strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an attempt to

get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way and why

a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent wants

to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as when

you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar problems

but might get vastly different services.

Best wishes,

Tabitha

Well, quite sure I was talking about " shopping around " for a specific dx

just because other people wouldn't like one over the other. If my child was

dx'd incorrectly, as I said, it would be important to find a doctor who

would be able to look into that.

Roxanna

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Where is Dr. Tsai from? what state?

korea_48446 <korea_48446@...> wrote:

-Clemy,

Did your son work with Dr. Tsai? Our son did for several yrs.He dx'ed

our son at 9 or 10yrs. old, while our son was at his worst. It was

his last adm. to childrens psy. in hosp. I like this Dr. because he

will say, " we don't know everything about AS, and were still learning

from the children growing up now. He's asked our son to speak at some

of his lectures. I don't know if he will have time with college and

work. Dr. Tsai is one of the Drs. trying to change AS in the DMS

book...he doesn't feel it is Autisum. He is one of them that feels AS

should be a dx. by itself...he's worked with research on this, and he

has a grown son with Autisum..he's quite soft spoken man.

It would be nice if you were able to put his article on the

messageboard so all could read it.

God Bless

Connie T.

-- In , " mcclem4748 " <mcclem4748@...>

wrote:

>

> Dr Tsai presented some research which talked about how children are

> often misdiagnosed with ADHD, ODD, Bi-polar, and finally

Asperger's.

> My son now 22 followed the same diagnostic process and wasn't

> diagnosed until he was 18. I have a copy of his article and am

happy

> to email it to you if you are interested.

>

> Clemy

>

> >

> > My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

> > " shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true

problems

> and

> > he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with

> those

> > who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their

> own

> > strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an

> attempt to

> > get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way

> and why

> > a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards

to

> > those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS.

ADHD

> > label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent

> wants

> > to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as

> when

> > you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar

> problems

> > but might get vastly different services.

> >

> > Best wishes,

> > Tabitha

> >

> > RE: ( ) What is the difference between:

> Autism,

> > AS &

> > HFA?

> >

> > I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same

> reason

> > most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

> > doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

> > personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or

> parent in

> > this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and

> as such

> > should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is

finding

> a

> > doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will

> actually

> > give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child

> you

> > HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has

had

> > epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on

> after

> > awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some

other

> > nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally

> got up

> > the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests,

she

> > finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is

now

> being

> > treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors

> are not

> > the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete

> idiots. If

> > you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or

way

> off

> > base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue

someone

> who

> > will actually give you accurate information? Just my two

cents....

> >

> >

> > I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get

> is not

> > a

> > reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had

> to find

> > new

> > doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a

> decent

> > one.

> > We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at

> Children's

> > hospitals.

> >

> > I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take

it

> > seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second

> opinion.

> > But

> > I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a

> specific

> > dx

> > because you have decided your kid has this and not that or

because

> you

> > like

> > the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and

> wrong.

> >

> > Roxanna

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi clemy,

I would be interested in seeing a copy of Dr. tsai's article. could you also,

please tell me what state he is in? If not too far from N.Y. I would be

interested in seeing him.

mcclem4748 <mcclem4748@...> wrote:

Dr Tsai presented some research which talked about how children are

often misdiagnosed with ADHD, ODD, Bi-polar, and finally Asperger's.

My son now 22 followed the same diagnostic process and wasn't

diagnosed until he was 18. I have a copy of his article and am happy

to email it to you if you are interested.

Clemy

>

> My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

> " shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems

and

> he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with

those

> who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their

own

> strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an

attempt to

> get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way

and why

> a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

> those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

> label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent

wants

> to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as

when

> you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar

problems

> but might get vastly different services.

>

> Best wishes,

> Tabitha

>

> RE: ( ) What is the difference between:

Autism,

> AS &

> HFA?

>

> I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same

reason

> most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

> doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

> personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or

parent in

> this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and

as such

> should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding

a

> doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will

actually

> give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child

you

> HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

> epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on

after

> awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

> nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally

got up

> the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

> finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now

being

> treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors

are not

> the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete

idiots. If

> you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way

off

> base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone

who

> will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

>

>

> I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get

is not

> a

> reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had

to find

> new

> doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a

decent

> one.

> We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at

Children's

> hospitals.

>

> I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

> seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second

opinion.

> But

> I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a

specific

> dx

> because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because

you

> like

> the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and

wrong.

>

> Roxanna

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also would be interested in this article due to my son for years being dx as

" just " ADHD and then Bi-polar. My oldest has been dx with ADHD, Bipolar, and

Intermittent Explosive Disorder. But three of my boys were also exposed to lead

paint when they where little from a house we lived in. 's level was the

worst at being 54, and then my other two was in the 20's. For everyone who

doesn't know, any level over 10 back then, now it is 5, does a lot of brain

chemical damage. Now my youngest was not exposed and he is " normal. "

Thanks,

Rose <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote:

Hi clemy,

I would be interested in seeing a copy of Dr. tsai's article. could you also,

please tell me what state he is in? If not too far from N.Y. I would be

interested in seeing him.

mcclem4748 <mcclem4748@...> wrote:

Dr Tsai presented some research which talked about how children are

often misdiagnosed with ADHD, ODD, Bi-polar, and finally Asperger's.

My son now 22 followed the same diagnostic process and wasn't

diagnosed until he was 18. I have a copy of his article and am happy

to email it to you if you are interested.

Clemy

>

> My son was initially DX'ed with ADHD and nothing else. Had I not

> " shopped around " I would still be in the dark on his true problems

and

> he would not be getting the help he needs. While I disagree with

those

> who are wanting a trendy or personally acceptable label for their

own

> strange reasons, for the vast majority I feel it is simply an

attempt to

> get at the truth. I hope you can understand why I feel this way

and why

> a parent might do this for purely good reasons. P.S. In regards to

> those running around trying to get an Autism VS. Aspergers VS. ADHD

> label (either way) it may not just be a matter of what the parent

wants

> to hear but getting the right label to get the child services, as

when

> you narrow it down that much the label is indicative of similar

problems

> but might get vastly different services.

>

> Best wishes,

> Tabitha

>

> RE: ( ) What is the difference between:

Autism,

> AS &

> HFA?

>

> I imagine the reason the parents " shop around " a bit is the same

reason

> most people do that with any doctor for any problem. Sadly, many

> doctors don't care, don't pay attention, or are limited by their

> personal experience base in giving diagnosis. The patient, or

parent in

> this case, inevitably knows more of the history and symptoms and

as such

> should have some input in their childs DX. The problem is finding

a

> doctor who will listen, understand what is going on and will

actually

> give an appropriate diagnosis. In order to best serve your child

you

> HAVE to shop around a bit sometimes. For instance, my Aunt has had

> epilepsy for over 15 years. She kind of knew what was going on

after

> awhile but her doctors kept telling her it was stress or some other

> nonsense. So for years she lived with non-answers. She finally

got up

> the will to really pursue it and after numerous negative tests, she

> finally got an EEG that caught her epilepsy in action. She is now

being

> treated and able to live a more normal life. Basically, Doctors

are not

> the end all be all of knowledge, in fact, some are complete

idiots. If

> you know the doctor you are talking to is most likely wrong or way

off

> base, don't you owe it to yourself or your child to pursue someone

who

> will actually give you accurate information? Just my two cents....

>

>

> I don't agree at all. Just because you don't like the dx you get

is not

> a

> reason to " shop around " for another doctor. We've moved and had

to find

> new

> doctors and while it's not simple, it isn't that hard to find a

decent

> one.

> We find good luck in asking other parents and in looking at

Children's

> hospitals.

>

> I can see if you feel there is a problem and a doctor won't take it

> seriously or doesn't see the problem, you would want a second

opinion.

> But

> I can't see shopping around to find a doc who will give you a

specific

> dx

> because you have decided your kid has this and not that or because

you

> like

> the way one dx sounds over another. To me, that's silly and

wrong.

>

> Roxanna

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Dear Roxanna,

> I've heard of parents that keep switching doctors till they

found one that

> agrees with them. I don't think a parent goes to a doctor and

picks a DX.

> I think they keep changing doctors till they find the one that

agrees with

> the choice they picked. I don't understand that one? in the

past, people

> posted that here on this site. They disagreed with a doctor's

DX, and

> found another doctor that agreed with Aspergers DX???? Which is

the one they

> (parents) said they're child had. hummmm

OK----I am one of these parents!!! My son got ASD ruled-out at 3.5yo.

(too social). I believed my son had bipolar. We went to a child

psychiatrist and he dx him with anxiety, disruptive behavioral

disorder and his langauge disorder at 4yo. He put him on prozac and

my son went manic. He then put him on a different one--celexa and he

went into hypomania. After that he denied any existence of childhood

bipolar and told us to come back in 4 months after school had

started. He believed my sons raging and meltdowns and defiant

behavior was due to his langauge disorder. Which I knew it wasn't.

He was communicating great and never getting frustrated with that!!

He had been getting private and school speech for over a year. Come

to find out---our psych was only 1 year out of school and the school

he went to--teaches that childhood bipolar does not exist.

We found a psych who believed in childhood bipolar(whether my son

fit the criteria or not---it would be up to him). At 5yo---he was dx

with bipolar, anxiety, language disorder and possibly aspergers. He

fit the ASD criteria--but we were waiting to see if he " grew-out " of

any of it. Now at 6yo---he has been dx with HFA. So he is bipolar

and HFA.

When a Dr tells me that he isn't dx with something I think he should

be dx with---I question him why. And he would have to give me

complete criteria that would tell me otherwise before I accept any

dx. Our first psych and his " is doesn't exist in children " --is not

acceptable!!

I think its great that parents question their kids' dx. As long as

the parents as fully knowledgable and can " agrue " their reason why

they think their child is on the spectrum.

Holly

--6yo

[Guest guest]

Hello Holly,

That is scary with what you said about your first doctor. Yes, there are

doctors out there that their specialty is just on one thing and everybody that

goes there to that doctor will give the same DX. With all the different

spectrum's out there, how can you trust a doctor to give the right DX? that is

why I asked my question, what is the difference between all the spectrum's and

would the strategies be the same? Roxanna answered that one for me. I think if

you have an AS, HFA, PDDNOS etc, You can't do a wrong program. some will need

speech, social skills, life skills, etc The big difference is like you

described. Your child getting a DX of Bipolar & wrong meds. I'm sorry your

child & you went through all that negative experience. I hope things are going

better for you now. Holly <hollym3k@...> wrote:

> Dear Roxanna,

> I've heard of parents that keep switching doctors till they

found one that

> agrees with them. I don't think a parent goes to a doctor and

picks a DX.

> I think they keep changing doctors till they find the one that

agrees with

> the choice they picked. I don't understand that one? in the

past, people

> posted that here on this site. They disagreed with a doctor's

DX, and

> found another doctor that agreed with Aspergers DX???? Which is

the one they

> (parents) said they're child had. hummmm

OK----I am one of these parents!!! My son got ASD ruled-out at 3.5yo.

(too social). I believed my son had bipolar. We went to a child

psychiatrist and he dx him with anxiety, disruptive behavioral

disorder and his langauge disorder at 4yo. He put him on prozac and

my son went manic. He then put him on a different one--celexa and he

went into hypomania. After that he denied any existence of childhood

bipolar and told us to come back in 4 months after school had

started. He believed my sons raging and meltdowns and defiant

behavior was due to his langauge disorder. Which I knew it wasn't.

He was communicating great and never getting frustrated with that!!

He had been getting private and school speech for over a year. Come

to find out---our psych was only 1 year out of school and the school

he went to--teaches that childhood bipolar does not exist.

We found a psych who believed in childhood bipolar(whether my son

fit the criteria or not---it would be up to him). At 5yo---he was dx

with bipolar, anxiety, language disorder and possibly aspergers. He

fit the ASD criteria--but we were waiting to see if he " grew-out " of

any of it. Now at 6yo---he has been dx with HFA. So he is bipolar

and HFA.

When a Dr tells me that he isn't dx with something I think he should

be dx with---I question him why. And he would have to give me

complete criteria that would tell me otherwise before I accept any

dx. Our first psych and his " is doesn't exist in children " --is not

acceptable!!

I think its great that parents question their kids' dx. As long as

the parents as fully knowledgable and can " agrue " their reason why

they think their child is on the spectrum.

Holly

--6yo

[Guest guest]

In California, if your child is dx'd with Asperger's, you aren't

guaranteed Regional Center services -- respite is just one of the

services available (depending on need, I believe) along with behavioral

therapy, social skills and other things. They are the 'payor of last

resort,' behind the school district, but the diagnosis apparently has to

be autism. California is just one state where the label most definitely

can matter.

If I understand it correctly, PDD-NOS is the most 'mild' form of an

autism spectrum disorder (and I use the term 'mild' loosely, as children

with PDD-NOS still need real help). Then there's Asperger's, then

high-functioning, then 'classic' autism. Honestly, I think there's a ton

of overlap, and it depends on what area(s) the particular child is worse

in. Some doctors/professionals determine which 'category,' so to speak,

a little differently, and some blur the lines more than others, but with

a developmental disorder, and with most children not displaying

themselves the same way 24/7 (which is understandable, who does?) it's

not a black-and-white definition.

The reason it is important is because labels drive services -- without a

diagnosis, a child won't necessarily get the right type of therapy,

treatment, services, etc. My son is extremely verbal and very bright,

but he had a speech delay (a symptom related to autism, not Asperger's)

and his aggression/tantrums, sensory issues, self-injurious behavior,

repetitive movements/speech, social issues and communication issues (as

speech and communication are two entirely separate things) are real

indicators he has issues. If I said Asperger's, he may not necessarily

be even assessed for the right things.

I never wanted an autism label, but he's not Asperger's, and he needs

the services -- autistic tendencies, childhood autism, high-functioning

autism, etc.., I don't care what they call it as long as he gets the

help that sadly insurance won't provide.

Donna

beachbodytan2002 wrote:

> Hello everyone,

>

> How would you describe a HFA person to a description of an AS

> person? what is the difference? There is a lot of talk with people

> wondering if their child is AS or HFA. It seems like the DX is so

> close that it is hard to tell which one a child is. I'm trying to

> understand " why " this is so important with a DX of a child. would

> one DX be more higher functioning than the other? Are the

> strategies different? Does a HFA DX have different concerns than an

> AS DX? There seems to be a big difference between Autism and

> Aspergers. But from what I've been reading from your post, HFA &

> Aspergers seems to be almost the same. Would Autism be the most

> severe, than Aspergers be high function, and then HFA be border line

> of NT?

> I'm still going to work with my AS son the same way as I have been.

> only because he's doing well so far. " Thank God " But, I would still

> like to educate myself and know the difference between the two " DX " ,

> and this is the best place to learn. I can learn information from

> people that have children with a DX than from a teacher that only

> has a child for a little while or a doctor that learned from a

> book. the best teachers are you parents that live with their

> children & post their experiences.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think the biggest technical 'symptom' criteria between the two is

speech delay vs. no speech delay. My HFA son (had speech delay) seeks

friends, sometimes, but they have to play his way, with his things, he

wants to win, he must control the outcome and the entire process, and if

not, watch out. He's not 'communicating' with them other than to tell

them how to do it most of the time, or to talk with them about Pokemon

(his obsession, a monstrously huge 24/7 obsession where Pokemon are

everywhere, all the time, sigh) and many times, they simply co-exist --

the other child plays with cars, my son plays with his Pokemon. I'm not

so sure he wants a 'friend' as in 'I need friends,' but he does seek

that interaction to an extent though he can't handle it for long and

often, he is mean to them, tells them to leave, or ends up in a corner

somewhere with his Gameboy, totally ignoring them. It's how he handles

the relationship and interaction that matters, from what I've been told.

It's sad, as a result, 'friends' have birthday parties and he's not

invited. And it's not the child, at the ages of 5, 6, 7 -- it's the

parent not being understanding enough or willing enough to be

compassionate. Really, really sad to see. (He did get two invites the

last two weeks though, one from a very close friend of mine, another

from a friend whose child is also on the spectrum -- thank God!)

I think for now, there's as many definitions out there as there are

kids, LOL!

Joanna wrote:

> At my sons last appointment with the pediatrician there was a resident from

the childrens hospital there with him and he was explaining to him one of the

differences between Aspergers and HFA is that Aspergers kids want friends but

dont have the social skills to make of keep them, where as HFA kids don't really

care if they have friends or not, they like being on their own.

> -