dx if asbergers vs bipolar/add - Autism Spectrum Message Board

maurine · 01-30-2006, 01:15 PM

Is it common or possible for a misdiagnosis of bipolar/add when in fact it is asbergers? Son of 14 being tx for 5-6 years unsuccessfully. S/sx of social unawareness, or akwardness are getting worse. He is becoming increasingly frustrated and acts out that looks like defiance or retaliation. It seems he does the same things again, and again, and again, without learning any skills or maturity I would expect of a 14 year old. Been through many psychologists without success. Any advice would be helpful, thanks, Moe

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 01-30-2006, 05:52 PM

Asperger's symptoms may mimic signs of ADD, but there are many Asperger's kids who also have co-morbid ADD, too. As for bipolar disorder, the two are nothing alike. It's possible to have both, but they are nothing alike in nature. If your son is having tantrums over sensory issues, this is total Asperger's. It doesn't sound a bit like bipolar disorder to me. God bless, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

-GatsbyLuvr1920-

SuchGreatHeight · 01-30-2006, 11:02 PM

I agree with Gatsby. It doesn't sounds too much like Bipolar D/O, unless there are more symptoms you didn't mention. Many kids can mimic Bipolar traits because of frustration of Asperger symptoms (fine one minute, but tantrums another because of difficulties).

If I were you, I'd look up all the disorders your son is diagnosed, and look through all his symptoms. After you aquire this information, take your son to an Autism specialist and not to just a psychologist. Many psychologists don't know much about Asperger's. And if they don't see extreme autism it can go undiagnosed.

SGH