Getting a Diagnosis

[Guest guest]

I found this last year that the diagnosis has helped my daughter (10) quite a bit in school. The teachers have a reason for her actions/reactions. I also put in my daughters IEP all of her OT and SLP goals which would affect her schooling. With out having a diagnosis my daughter would have been refered to a different school for challenging children.

I hope this helps.

From: Dawn J <dawnms@...>Subject: ( ) Getting a Diagnosis Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 2:48 PM

Hello,I am new to this board. I am going through the process of having my 10 year old tested for Asperger's/HFA. I have had him evaluated several times in the past due to being a late talker and having a few very mild issues on the spectrum but the physicians did not agree. His speech therapist, however, thinks that he may be mild Aspergers. He definitely has some traits (strong math and science and poor social skills, lack of friends, talks too loud sometimes, relates better to younger children and adults, social anxiety). The docs feel he definitely has ADHD but doesn't need medication. He is a bright child. He gets teased at school for being different (misses social cues, socially awkward at times but not always) although the kids know he is very smart. He is in a regular classroom and only received speech therapy as a support (working on social pragmatics) but they are saying he tested out and no longer qualifies but with a diagnosis of

autism, they could offer him more. He comes off as aloof and mostly interested in reading about science and physics. He is the top math student in his class for 2 years in a row at a distinguished school. Advanced test scores. He plays well with 2 neighborhood kids but at school he is in a shell. His dad does not want him tested and stigmatized. He is going to the 5th grade this year but I am starting to worry about middle school and him getting teased, bullied and being misunderstood in general as he tries to navigate the world. Is the stigma of a diagnosis hurtful in any way? Does the diagnosis help the child get better resources? Are teachers more understanding? What about other children?Thank you for any feedback.DJ

[Guest guest]

I find it interesting when people are afraid of “putting labels” on others. Very often, these same people talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. When there’s a label, everything starts to make more sense and then you know how to help the person from there.

On 6/22/10 10:48 AM, " Dawn J " <dawnms@...> wrote:

Hello,

I am new to this board. I am going through the process of having my 10 year old tested for Asperger's/HFA. I have had him evaluated several times in the past due to being a late talker and having a few very mild issues on the spectrum but the physicians did not agree. His speech therapist, however, thinks that he may be mild Aspergers. He definitely has some traits (strong math and science and poor social skills, lack of friends, talks too loud sometimes, relates better to younger children and adults, social anxiety). The docs feel he definitely has ADHD but doesn't need medication. He is a bright child. He gets teased at school for being different (misses social cues, socially awkward at times but not always) although the kids know he is very smart. He is in a regular classroom and only received speech therapy as a support (working on social pragmatics) but they are saying he tested out and no longer qualifies but with a diagnosis of autism, they could offer him more. He comes off as aloof and mostly interested in reading about science and physics. He is the top math student in his class for 2 years in a row at a distinguished school. Advanced test scores. He plays well with 2 neighborhood kids but at school he is in a shell.

His dad does not want him tested and stigmatized. He is going to the 5th grade this year but I am starting to worry about middle school and him getting teased, bullied and being misunderstood in general as he tries to navigate the world.

Is the stigma of a diagnosis hurtful in any way? Does the diagnosis help the child get better resources? Are teachers more understanding? What about other children?

Thank you for any feedback.

DJ

[Guest guest]

Hi.

My son was 14 when diagnosed. I always treated him in the same manner but after

diagnosis I was able to explain it to others and we all got better strategies

and understanding. Particularly his dad who was so hard on him all the time.

My son is beginning to understand it, but so much damage has been done. The

earlier the better I think.

Kel

I will keep climbing the mountain.

Sent from Kel's iPhone

[Guest guest]

I would have him tested. If anything, there are many programs and services available to him. Also, it could be written in his IEP (if he has one) and this could protect him in the long run. Also, the school may understand him better and assist him in the areas of concern such as socializing. For my son, I think it has helped tremendously. It gave me a better understanding to his ways and how he thinks and acts. He has an IEP and his diagnosis helps to explain why he acts or does things as he does in school. I found it helpful. I still look at him as my child and I don't let it become him. I won't let him use it as a crutch or excuse...but it explains him to us and others.

Jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

From: amber evans <evans.amber77@...> Sent: Tue, June 22, 2010 12:22:00 PMSubject: Re: ( ) Getting a Diagnosis

Unfortunately regardless me a diagnosis or not he will get bullied. I understand your husbands concern, however he he needs the extra help, it will only hurt him in the long run not to be diagnosed. Also the other kids do not need to know his diagnosis, from the sound of it he will remain in mainstream class with some assistance, and since he has already been getting the help, it won't seem any different. I guess there is a downside to both situations but you have to to what's best for him. Good luck!Dawn J <dawnms@...> wrote:>Hello,>>I am new to this board. I am going through the process of having my 10 year old tested for Asperger's/HFA. I have had him evaluated several times in the past due to being a late talker and having a few very mild issues on the spectrum but the physicians did not

agree. His speech therapist, however, thinks that he may be mild Aspergers. He definitely has some traits (strong math and science and poor social skills, lack of friends, talks too loud sometimes, relates better to younger children and adults, social anxiety). The docs feel he definitely has ADHD but doesn't need medication. He is a bright child. He gets teased at school for being different (misses social cues, socially awkward at times but not always) although the kids know he is very smart. He is in a regular classroom and only received speech therapy as a support (working on social pragmatics) but they are saying he tested out and no longer qualifies but with a diagnosis of autism, they could offer him more. He comes off as aloof and mostly interested in reading about science and physics. He is the top math student in his class for 2 years in a row at a distinguished school. Advanced test scores. He plays well with 2 neighborhood kids but at school

he is in a shell. >>His dad does not want him tested and stigmatized. He is going to the 5th grade this year but I am starting to worry about middle school and him getting teased, bullied and being misunderstood in general as he tries to navigate the world. >>Is the stigma of a diagnosis hurtful in any way? Does the diagnosis help the child get better resources? Are teachers more understanding? What about other children?>>Thank you for any feedback.>>DJ>>>>>>>>>