Diagnosing Aspergers

[Anonymous]

I have concerns regarding my just turned 3 year old DS. I know it is early for a diagnosis, but we would nonetheless like an evaluation. Where, or to whom, should we go? We are looking for highly reputable physicians/individuals who are experts in this field. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

It is not too early for a diagnosis and don't let anyone tell you it is. Early intervention is a goal. Dan Shapiro, a developmental pediatrician in Rockville is who I would recommend.

[Anonymous]

This is OP. Thank you PP. Do you know roughly how much we should expect to pay for the evaluation. Just interested in a ballpark figure so that we are prepared.

[Anonymous]

3 isn't early. Especially if the signs are there.

[Anonymous]

My child was diagnosed with AS at 3 year, 3 months, so you're not too early. I's also recommend Dan Shapiro, and hurry, he's very popular!

[Anonymous]

How much does an evaluation with Dr Shapiro cost?

[Anonymous]

Don't bother with him. He dx my son at 18 months and he was dead wrong.

[Anonymous]

What are the signs???

[Anonymous]

After being told by Kennedy Krieger Institute that we would have a 9 month waiting period we surprisingly got an appointment for next week. We already have a preliminary diagnosis, so I am really interested in whether KKI agrees with the Asperger's diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

btw the signs in my 3 year old daughter are pragmatic language issues, repetitive behavior/play, limited play, difficulties with interacting with peers, severe anxieties and ADD symptoms.

[Anonymous]

My DD does have AS and has symptoms almost identical to the above PP.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Thank you. I am crying right now, only because I know that this will mean that we are in this for the long haul. I already have a high-functioning autistic child so it is not like this was completely out of the blue. We have been monitoring her since she was 13 months old, and it was just recently within the last 3 months that we could no longer attribute her behavior to her having an autistic brother.

I guess it's okay, it's not like this is news, but man, it still feels surreal. We will be okay, I know this much, but as we speak, I am writing off all "hope" that things will be smooth.

They are truly amazing kids who have taught me alot about myself, so I am not in the worst position in life!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here. Thank you. I am crying right now, only because I know that this will mean that we are in this for the long haul. I already have a high-functioning autistic child so it is not like this was completely out of the blue. We have been monitoring her since she was 13 months old, and it was just recently within the last 3 months that we could no longer attribute her behavior to her having an autistic brother.

I guess it's okay, it's not like this is news, but man, it still feels surreal. We will be okay, I know this much, but as we speak, I am writing off all "hope" that things will be smooth.

They are truly amazing kids who have taught me alot about myself, so I am not in the worst position in life!

Hi, this is 23:44 again. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to be so brief or flip it was just late and I was exhausted. And I really didn't mean to upset you! Had I had more time I would have mentioned that my daughter has very similar symptoms (minus the ADD) but also has some pretty serious sensory issues, esp with noise, and she does some toe walking. All of the symptoms they have in common don't necessarily add up to AS so don't lose hope yet!

[Anonymous]

PP here again, you didn't upset me, I appreciated your response! It is really just that things are sinking in. My daughter's noise sensory issues (including the noise sensitivity) are so severe that they often keep us from going places. We have even tried therapeutic listening to see if it would help. She does not eat meat because she cannot stand the texture. She will ONLY drink her milk if she gets it in a bottle. etc. etc.

Honestly, I am hopeful that with an accurate diagnosis that can explain ALL of her many issues we can target them much better. She will be the same child with or without the label. I was just always thinking that we couldn't possibly end up with two kids on the spectrum. I guess I might have been wrong.

We'll see what happens. Either way I would like her to get as much help as possible, so I truly hope we can get some strategies from professionals as we go along.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here again, you didn't upset me, I appreciated your response! It is really just that things are sinking in. My daughter's noise sensory issues (including the noise sensitivity) are so severe that they often keep us from going places. We have even tried therapeutic listening to see if it would help. She does not eat meat because she cannot stand the texture. She will ONLY drink her milk if she gets it in a bottle. etc. etc.

Honestly, I am hopeful that with an accurate diagnosis that can explain ALL of her many issues we can target them much better. She will be the same child with or without the label. I was just always thinking that we couldn't possibly end up with two kids on the spectrum. I guess I might have been wrong.

We'll see what happens. Either way I would like her to get as much help as possible, so I truly hope we can get some strategies from professionals as we go along.

Um, are you sure you don't have MY daughter? (23:44 again). They sound like clones. That is exactly what we have been going through for the last 6 months, especially with the noise, and what led us to finally seek a diagnosis. Everything she used to like, such as concerts and fairs, are off limits as she just can't handle them. In any event, I just wanted to wish you good luck and tell you I completely understand what you are dealing with.