Multiple Diagnosises - Autism Spectrum Message Board

meechieny · 01-14-2008, 01:23 PM

Have any of your children or yourselves have multiple diagnosises with your Autism diagnosis? I went to a meeting at school the other day regarding my 7 yo old son. He had some tri-annual testing done in preparation for his IEP. I spoke with the school psychologists and she said based on her testing, she feels that my son who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at 4, now should be diagnosed with ADHD as well. I'm hesitant with this "idea." The ADHD symptoms that she is describing that he exhibits are his PDD symptoms and issues. Processing issues, attention/distraction issues..... I don't think those two diagnosises can exist together can they? It is almost like putting paper in a envelope that is already there......
Feedback anyone???

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 01-15-2008, 09:29 PM

Actually, yes, ADHD can be an additional diagnosis to one of the ASDs. A lot of the time, the ASD is misdiagnosed as being ADHD, but sometimes, there is a comorbid case of ADHD. The symptom overlap is what makes it hard to pick out what disorder is what.

In addition to my Asperger's, I have comorbid OCD. I have obsessive-compulsive symptoms that are from the Asperger's (like a need for routine and obsessive interest in topics), but I also have clear-cut clinical obsessions and compulsions. I also have panic attacks that come from both Asperger's and OCD fears.

-GatsbyLuvr1920-

sunnybrook · 01-23-2008, 10:15 PM

Hi,

My son ,who is now 12, was diagnosed with Asperger's and ADHD at the age of 7. I know what you mean about some of the symptoms overlapping each other. I homeschool and I do have to say that my son's attention problems do cause him some difficulty such as staying on task and his need to move.

antiquemother2 · 01-24-2008, 04:16 PM

Yes, my adult son, 24, has multiple diagnoses and it is quite common since the 'spectrum' is very different for each person.

As far as homeschooling, it's a double-edged sword as far as I'm concerned. I did not homeschool; wasn't even working with a diagnosis for my son since Asperger wasn't recognized in the spectrum until 1994. He suffered socially in public school and finished community college. I sometimes think homeschooling would have been easier on him socially, yes, but that's the problem - Asperger is a social disorder. If he hadn't been exposed at all to people and their cruelties, it might have been more cruel at an older age? Not sure. He has such social anxiety anyway I doubt it would have made a difference.

bennamy8312 · 01-25-2008, 11:16 PM

My sisters little boy suffers from autism,ADHD,Bipolar,scofrenia(spelling sorry),anxiety disorders and a couple more i cant remember. although he is on medication it is only for the ADHD to help him function at school... He is HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL and is in public school in a regular classroom on A,B honor roll.