Re: Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?

[Guest guest]

,

Not being there it is really hard to tell. But I would error on the lets play it safe side if your kid EVER talks about wanting to be dead. Crazy fast thoughts don't know.... My kid once explained to me how sometimes one half of his brain doesn't work right. Can't remember if it was the left or right. I thought it was really interesting that he said he was having a bad day and couldn't do something because this half of his brain wasn't working today. He even claimed to be able to turn it on and off sometimes. He said sometimes he needed to shut it down. Not sure how much if any of that was real or if he was just pretending. But I never discussed with him that he had a left half and a right half.

Weaning if you make any change would be the way to go. Cause he might really need it. I would also have his thyroid checked. If its hyperactive that can cause phsychotic type behaviors. I'm sure someone has already done this as its so common that its a pretty standard thing to check. Still a thyroid issue mixed with sensory could cause some pretty eradic behaviors I would think.

You've probably told us but if he is a teenager lots of boys can get depressed and suicidal. Especially if the aren't accepted and have few friends. So while treating the sensory problems and Aspie symptoms might be the ticket to getting better for you son going off anti-depressants might be like pulling the rug out from under him. He's still going to be depressed until he can get some of these other things fixed. Once he can fit in better than he'll find friends. With friends the depression may subside, etc...

Be careful both ways. Don't want to over or under medicate when talking about depression.

From: <kristenwallen@...>Subject: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm? Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 5:36 PM

Hi all :)My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders (and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the "crazy fast thoughts" in his head and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in

homework, very unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers or Sensory Disorders things?We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the posibility of weaning off the lithium. Thank you all for keeping me sane:)

[Guest guest]

,

This sound just like my son, who is also 13. He recently got really suicidle as well. Saying he wished God would just end his life because he is didn't want to live. He would say that no one likes him except his family, etc. We thought we were going to have to put him into a hospital.He was shutting down in school and refusing to do his work, all the things you're saying, But after a medication change (from Topamax to resperidon) and a change in placement to a small group instructional setting his is doing better. It has been rough but things are slowly getting better. He had a really bad meltdown on Friday after some kids were teasing him at school. He was so upset I thought I was going to have to pull the car over. But even during all this he never mentioned wanting to die. So while it was a bad meltdown, he was able to pull it together once we got home and he got his "blankey" that he uses to calm down. No talk of wanting to die.

Thank God!

Maybe you could ask for your son to be placed in a smaller class setting or get a one-on-one aid. He might be getting too overwhelmed or kids might be teasing him. Teasing is a HUGE trigger for my son. Has the school done a FBA to put him on a BSP? If so, maybe it needs to be reevaluated.

I hope things get better for you and your son. I know how stressful it can be. <<hugs>>

ne

From: <kristenwallen@...>Subject: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm? Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 5:36 PM

Hi all :)My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders (and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the "crazy fast thoughts" in his head and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in

homework, very unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers or Sensory Disorders things?We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the posibility of weaning off the lithium. Thank you all for keeping me sane:)

[Guest guest]

The things you listed as problems at school are typical AS problems. Hope the new doc helps you sort it out!

Roxanna

"I

predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Jefferson

( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?

Hi all

My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders (and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the "crazy fast thoughts" in his head and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers or Sensory Disorders things?

We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the posibility of weaning off the lithium.

Thank you all for keeping me sane

[Guest guest]

My son was also diagnosed with bp, when he was 5. It was his first dx, and even

when others came and went that one always stuck. His " mood swings " and a family

history of alcoholism were the basis. We had two doctors perform lengthy

evals...they both dx aspergers, but 1 kept the bp dx saying we would have to

wait and see if he truly did have mood swings once he was being properly treated

for aspergers and his learning disability. The other doctor removed the bp dx

altogether, saying that the mood swings were never really mood swings, but a

misunderstanding of his responses to things because of aspergers and anxiety.

She seemed to really impress on us the difference wasn't the behaviors

themselves, but what was driving them, in his own mind.

He also, when he was smaller, had mentioned death and seemed depressed at

times, but I really think it was depression brought on by the way he was

treated, not part of a bipolar cycle. We know now even more since he has started

this private school in an aspergers classroom how much he was mentally abused

for years, and I am told this has brought on its own issuies in him. So, its

tough I think figuring out what leads or influences what sometimes. I do not

believe he is bp, but I still do supplement him now as I did when I was trying

to treat bp, and it still helps very much. If meds had ever worked for him, I'd

still have him on them.

Pam

>

> Hi all

>

> My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became

suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he

hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

>

> My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders

(and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He

doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to

time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the " crazy fast thoughts " in his head

and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what

label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the

point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

>

> It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is

school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in

school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very

unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers

or Sensory Disorders things?

>

> We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the

posibility of weaning off the lithium.

>

> Thank you all for keeping me sane

>

>

[Guest guest]

My son has an IEP for the school work part but I'm not sure of what a FBA or BSP

means. The school psych is doing an evaul. on him where they give the teachers a

question and answer and we also take one here at home. His IEP diag. is

Emotional Disturbance but I suggested to them it might need to be changed to

Autism Spectrum/Aspergers.

The HARDEST part is they don't see the real AJ at school. He either shuts down

or is able to look like he's holding it all together but once he's home he

explodes. I can't seem to get through to them that he's different here at home.

I'm hoping the evaul. by the psych will show them some of who he really is.

>

>

> From: <kristenwallen@...>

> Subject: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was

incorrect, hmmmm?

>

> Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 5:36 PM

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> Hi all

>

> My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became

suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he

hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

>

> My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders

(and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He

doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to

time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the " crazy fast thoughts " in his head

and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what

label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the

point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

>

> It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is

school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in

school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very

unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers

or Sensory Disorders things?

>

> We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the

posibility of weaning off the lithium.

>

> Thank you all for keeping me sane

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

An FBA is a functional behavior analysis, this is where they evaluate his behaviors like the shutting down or refusing to do work, and they try to figure out what he is trying to gain or avoid by his behavior. They also should try to figure out what the "triggers" are that bring on the behavior. Then the IEP team, along with you, develope a BSP, behavior support plan. This plan should include strategies to use to try to modify his behavior. Only when you've determined if a behavior is an avoidance behavior or an attempt to gain something can you develop a way to address it by teaching him alternate ways of accomplishing the same thing. Check out www.wrightslaw.org they have excellent information explaining FBAs and BSPs and what they are suppose to include and how they should be developed. They also have tons of information on all sorts of things, from evaluations, to IEPs and diagnosis. Best

website I've found to help me, definitely my first "go to" when I have a question on something related to my son's school issues. I've also bought the books "From emotions to advocacy" and "special eduation law".

Also, if the school finishes the evaluation they are currently doing and don't agree with you on the ASD/Asperger's, you can request an Independant Educational Evaluation at the schools expense and have your son evaluated by someone that doesn't work for the district.

Just some thoughts, hope it helps. ne

From: <kristenwallen@...>Subject: Re: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm? Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 12:44 PM

My son has an IEP for the school work part but I'm not sure of what a FBA or BSP means. The school psych is doing an evaul. on him where they give the teachers a question and answer and we also take one here at home. His IEP diag. is Emotional Disturbance but I suggested to them it might need to be changed to Autism Spectrum/Aspergers.The HARDEST part is they don't see the real AJ at school. He either shuts down or is able to look like he's holding it all together but once he's home he explodes. I can't seem to get through to them that he's different here at home. I'm hoping the evaul. by the psych will show them some of who he really is. > > > From: <kristenwallen@...>> Subject: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?> > Date: Tuesday, October 26,

2010, 5:36 PM> > > Â > > > > Hi all > > My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.> > My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders (and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the "crazy fast thoughts" in his head and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.> > It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is school, the noise and not

having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers or Sensory Disorders things?> > We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the posibility of weaning off the lithium. > > Thank you all for keeping me sane> >

[Guest guest]

, You need to get emotional disturbance off as his dx. That is not a dx I would trust from a school and I would not want on the iep.You need to start a new habit of not making verbal requests to teachers. However, that said, as you sound pretty new to this, don't put your requests in writing just yet unless you have someone offering some guidance. Something so huge--a change in dx--cannot be done verbally. There has to be documentation backing that up.

You need to start reading like it's a crash course in Asperger's. Don't sign anything yet unless it's a evaluation, and then on the form, put on there that you're requesting copies as soon as the reports are written--not a day before you're IEP meeting.  Try to get someone to go to your iep meeting with you who knows how the meetings are run, please. do you have a parent to parent type organization in your state/city? Look them up.

[Guest guest]

On Thu, Oct 28, 2010 at 6:40 AM, <mcuttler@...> wrote:

 

Regarding the independent Educational Evaluation, the one thing to keep in mind is that if you have this done and the professional that does it agrees with the school, they won't pay for it. What information is this based on? I never heard of this before as an FBA is so information specific I don't know how two could be the same? Not sure if this is just a district policy or a law. Either way, if you feel strong about it I think it's worth it. Good luck.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phonesusanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> wrote:>,>An FBA is a functional behavior analysis, this is where they evaluate his behaviors like the shutting down or refusing to do work, and they try to figure out what he is trying to gain or avoid by his behavior. They also should try to figure out what the " triggers " are that bring on the behavior. Then the IEP team, along with you, develope a BSP, behavior support plan. This plan should include strategies to use to try to modify his behavior. Only when you've determined if a behavior is an avoidance behavior or an attempt to gain something can you develop a way  to address it by teaching him alternate ways of accomplishing the same thing. Check out www.wrightslaw.org they have excellent information explaining FBAs and BSPs and what they are suppose to include and how they should be developed. They also have tons of information on all sorts of things, from evaluations, to IEPs and diagnosis. Best website I've found to help me, definitely my first  " go

> to " when I have a question on something related to my son's school issues. I've also bought the books " From emotions to advocacy " and  " special eduation law " . >Also, if the school finishes the evaluation they are currently doing and don't agree with you on the ASD/Asperger's, you can request an Independant Educational Evaluation at the schools expense and have your son evaluated by someone that doesn't work for the district.

>Just some thoughts, hope it helps.   >>ne>>>

>>From: <kristenwallen@...>>Subject: Re: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?

> >Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 12:44 PM>>>  >>>>My son has an IEP for the school work part but I'm not sure of what a FBA or BSP means. The school psych is doing an evaul. on him where they give the teachers a question and answer and we also take one here at home. His IEP diag. is Emotional Disturbance but I suggested to them it might need to be changed to Autism Spectrum/Aspergers.

>>The HARDEST part is they don't see the real AJ at school. He either shuts down or is able to look like he's holding it all together but once he's home he explodes. I can't seem to get through to them that he's different here at home. I'm hoping the evaul. by the psych will show them some of who he really is.

>> >>

>> >> >> From: <kristenwallen@...>>> Subject: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?>>

>> Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 5:36 PM>> >> >>   >> >> >> >> Hi all >> >> My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

>> >> My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders (and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the " crazy fast thoughts " in his head and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

>> >> It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers or Sensory Disorders things?

>> >> We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the posibility of weaning off the lithium. >> >> Thank you all for keeping me sane>> >>

>>>>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

I would want to see that policy in writing. Federal law states that they will pay for it. They don't say it depends on the outcome of the evaluation.

Roxanna

"I

predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Jefferson

( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?

>>

>> Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 5:36 PM

>>

>>

>> Â

>>

>>

>>

>> Hi all

>>

>> My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

>>

>> My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders (and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the "crazy fast thoughts" in his head and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

>>

>> It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers or Sensory Disorders things?

>>

>> We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the posibility of weaning off the lithium.

>>

>> Thank you all for keeping me sane

>>

>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

That is true Roxanna. State law can only suppliment federal law, they can not put their own spin on it. Check on wrightslaw.com, they explain it very well. ne>>>From: <kristenwallen@...>>Subject: Re: ( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?> >Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 12:44 PM>>> >>>>My son has an IEP for the school work part but I'm not sure of what a FBA or BSP means. The school psych is doing an evaul. on him where they give the teachers a question and answer and we also take one here at home. His IEP diag. is Emotional Disturbance but I suggested to them it might need to be changed to Autism Spectrum/Aspergers.>>The HARDEST part is they don't see the real AJ at school. He either shuts down or is able to look like he's holding it all together but once he's home he explodes. I can't seem to get through to them that he's different here at home. I'm hoping the evaul. by the psych will show them some of who he really is.>> >>>> >> >> From: <kristenwallen@...>>> Subject:

( ) Beginning to wonder if the Bipolar dx was incorrect, hmmmm?>> >> Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 5:36 PM>> >> >> Â >> >> >> >> Hi all >> >> My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.>> >> My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders (and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to time. He claims

the lithium doesn't help the "crazy fast thoughts" in his head and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.>> >> It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers or Sensory Disorders things?>> >> We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the posibility of weaning off the lithium. >> >> Thank you all for keeping me sane>> >>>>>>>>>>>>

[Guest guest]

It does get complicated because their may be a dual diagnsis.

We have both in our family.

When kids talk about killing themselves the DX may be depression or bipolar,

some psychiatrist start with a SSRI like zoloft (unless one of the parents is

Bipolar) if at a low dose (50mg) the child gets no relief the doctor may

increase the SSRI to treat depression.

If there is no relief or any worsening of symptoms the psychiatrist

may switch to a mood stabizer like Abilify to see how they respond.

And then if the Abilify works but has side effects they may try lithium.

Asperger kids will definately have very obsessive interests in one area. That

stands apart from BP.

BP kids may be more socially successful especially if they have a

manic side that is the life of a party and very outgoing nonstop.

Sexual interest at a young age is one symptom of BP.

AS with BP will be a kid with very special interests and prefer that to

socializing from a young age (2 years old). They will be a

child that has a terrible time regulating their emotions. They may

get aggressive. they may have horrible outbursts about transitions.

AS or BP kids can have learning deficits in organization, attention

and planning skills. AS and BP kids both may have trouble getting to sleep. But

is the BP child that has night terrors. The BP child may

want to take risks that are dangerous.

The BP child or AS with BP may be very aggressive.

I hope this helps sort this DX out.

I would not use lithium as a first choice to treat depression due

to the blood checking needed. If zoloft did not work for depressed I would go to

Abilify.

Sensory issues may be part of many diagnosises. It could be AS, BP,

ADHD or anxiety or many other issues.

Pam

>

> Hi all

>

> My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became

suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he

hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

>

> My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders

(and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He

doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to

time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the " crazy fast thoughts " in his head

and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what

label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the

point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

>

> It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is

school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in

school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very

unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers

or Sensory Disorders things?

>

> We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the

posibility of weaning off the lithium.

>

> Thank you all for keeping me sane

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Pam <3

It's so weird because he has both AS and BP " symptoms "

Night terrors were a big indicator of the BP, along w/ the hard time regulating

emotions, meltdowns, hard to transition, depression and family history BUT...NOT

agressive at all, never " happy " manic, doesn't take risks, is actually afraid of

risk taking behavior, NOT hyper sexual, infact at age 13 not the least big

sexual, puberty hasn't even come close to hitting and he's looking under those

arms daily for signs of hair, hee hee.

NOT socially successful with children his age but wow, can he hold an

intelligent conversation with adults (especially older people, they LOVE him).

He's been obsessed with water and electricity since age 3, loves to spin things

(one of the reasons I started my AS research)

I'm just wondering if one can have " some " BP charactoristics that are actually

other issues mimicing ie. SPD or AS.

Fortunatley Lithium blood regulating has been a breeze and other than

stomachaches NO other side affects what so ever, unlike the scary ones from

other anti-psych drugs or mood elevators. The idea of my son developinng a tic

for life scares me to death. The reason we stuck w/ the lithium is because of

the lack of long term damage to the body. I would LOVE to try Abilify however

it's VERY expensive and I've done the research and w/o ins. its between $500-770

a month and we don't qualify for ANY assistance. I can't wait for our

psychiatrist appt next week, he's a new one and I've heard wonderful things

about him. I'm hoping he can help my son wean off the lithium and maybe help

sort out the BP diag. issue.

Thank you again for breaking it down for me, sometimes it's hard to sort things

out while you're living amoung the chaos.

KW

> >

> > Hi all

> >

> > My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became

suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he

hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

> >

> > My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders

(and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He

doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to

time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the " crazy fast thoughts " in his head

and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what

label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the

point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

> >

> > It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is

school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in

school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very

unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers

or Sensory Disorders things?

> >

> > We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the

posibility of weaning off the lithium.

> >

> > Thank you all for keeping me sane

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Some AS kids have these type of emotional issues that look like

BP. My daughter does. But like your son she does not have

all of them.

Has your child had a genetic test? The Yale Child Study Center in

CT (they have a lot written online) recommends a genetic test.

My daughter actually had one at age 9 and she did have

a genetic growth issue. If your child has any health issues

I would have one done (lax joints, heart murmur, delayed puberty,

delayed growth etc).

I am so glad the lithium has worked well. I have delayed

the Abilify for the same fears.

AS is a neurological disorder so it may be that he does not have

Classic BP. The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation has done a lot of

reasearch about kids with a " new diagnosis " called fear of harm

that has many of the BP emotional regulation issues.

http://www.bpchildresearch.org/research/phenotype.html

It is hard to say if a dual diagnosis will be better

than one or the other. It may get more services long term.

I think people recognize AS kids need social skills programs.

In the past people may have feared BP. I don't think like that

at all. I could care less about the DX I want the

treatment to work.

The more I read the more overlap there seems to be

with some kids with AS and a non verbal learning profile

vs. BP (with many similar frontal lobe deficits in learning).

Pam

>

> Thank you again for breaking it down for me, sometimes it's hard to sort

things out while you're living amoung the chaos.

> KW

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi all

> > >

> > > My son is AJ, 13 and he's been on lithium since age 11 because he became

suicidal. He has serveral of the symptoms/behaviors of Bipolar and while he

hasn't been officially dx'd, he's being treated for it.

> > >

> > > My problem is, the more and more I read about Sensory Processing Disorders

(and Aspergers) the more I think the treatment for Bipolar may be wrong. He

doesn't talk about wanting to be dead as much but it still happens from time to

time. He claims the lithium doesn't help the " crazy fast thoughts " in his head

and all they do is give him stomachaches. I know it doesn't really matter what

label is slapped on him, it doesn't change him as a person but I'm just to the

point I'm really questioning the Bipolar part.

> > >

> > > It seems like the main things to cause anxiety and frustration for him is

school, the noise and not having friends. It seems like he's shutting down in

school, not doing his assignments, forgetting to turn in homework, very

unorganized etc. In your opinion are these Bipolar things or plain old Aspergers

or Sensory Disorders things?

> > >

> > > We see a new psychiatrist next week to talk to him about this and the

posibility of weaning off the lithium.

> > >

> > > Thank you all for keeping me sane

> > >

> > >

> >

>