Teen girls diagnosed later with autism — how is she doing now?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone’s else’s DD also struggle with alot of comorbid conditions (ADHD, severe anxiety, ocd, depression) all at the same time? How are we doing independence wise or planning?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone’s else’s DD also struggle with alot of comorbid conditions (ADHD, severe anxiety, ocd, depression) all at the same time? How are we doing independence wise or planning?

Definitely -- for us, ADHD (which has also been previously undiagnosed), ARFID. Also, OCD, but really only with repetitive thoughts, not any physical presentation that gets in the way of her daily life. Just more to deal with inside her head . And she had been diagnosed with GAD and depression years earlier, and I guess those dx still apply.. but they were in direct relation to undiagnosed autism, masking, and extreme burnout. So now, given all the work she has done, I wouldn't describe her as being anxious, or having anxiety now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate this discussion thread. My kid (15 and a sophomore) was recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD, along with PMDD. Like others here, she'd received treatment for anxiety starting in mid-elementary school and then when puberty hit, things got much rougher (depression, suicidal ideation, etc). The psychologist who did her recent evaluation noted that she probably wouldn't have been dx with autism even 5 years ago - but it definitely affects her peer relationships (adults love her) and ability to manage self-care and school.

We are trying to figure out what treatments might be most helpful/effective to pursue over these next couple of years, with a goal toward building skills that will allow my kid to live independently, get along with others, and pursue higher ed/work/etc. There seem to be a number of evidence-based programs out there, but they all require a significant commitment and I'd like to be strategic in choosing ones that are likely to be most effective.

How did you think about programs such as PEERS or Unstuck and On Target vs. DBT - specifically for kids who are really smart but have executive function, self-care, and peer relationship deficits and a difficult to crack baseline of anxiety/depression?

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This sounds like our case. We are now considering PHP program, since things got worse lately (she is 16). She has been on medication, but it has not helped too much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate this discussion thread. My kid (15 and a sophomore) was recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD, along with PMDD. Like others here, she'd received treatment for anxiety starting in mid-elementary school and then when puberty hit, things got much rougher (depression, suicidal ideation, etc). The psychologist who did her recent evaluation noted that she probably wouldn't have been dx with autism even 5 years ago - but it definitely affects her peer relationships (adults love her) and ability to manage self-care and school.

We are trying to figure out what treatments might be most helpful/effective to pursue over these next couple of years, with a goal toward building skills that will allow my kid to live independently, get along with others, and pursue higher ed/work/etc. There seem to be a number of evidence-based programs out there, but they all require a significant commitment and I'd like to be strategic in choosing ones that are likely to be most effective.

How did you think about programs such as PEERS or Unstuck and On Target vs. DBT - specifically for kids who are really smart but have executive function, self-care, and peer relationship deficits and a difficult to crack baseline of anxiety/depression?

____________________________________________
This sounds like our case. We are now considering PHP program, since things got worse lately (she is 16). She has been on medication, but it has not helped too much.

I’m sorry to hear that you are in the same boat but grateful for the company. If you do end up on the PHP path, I hope it brings some answers and hope and peace.