ASD (mis) diagnosis vent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

[Anonymous]

The gold standard is a differential diagnosis. That us what you need to be requesting. It requires that every diagnosis is on the table, instead of going in with the idea that it is an ASD.

[Anonymous]

There's a huge lack of understanding of ASD, and as some others have pointed out, it's a spectrum, so what it "looks like" can be really different. I understand your concern, but I think you are overreacting to the idea of an ASD diagnosis. Regardless of the diagnosis, I would hope any support plans focus on your kid's specific needs. Diagnoses can help a little in directing what might work, but some will be trial and error, and it doesn't all work for each kid.

My kid is sort of the opposite - got an ASD diagnosis where the neuropsych report showed clear ADHD results but did not diagnosis ADHD. Provider was really unclear as to why and basically said she thought we needed to focus on the ASD and that was why. It was odd. I still don't really know if he has ADHD or not, and he is someone who also does not have a lot of the "typical" ASD expressions - has never stimmed, does not struggle to make friends but does struggle to deal with conflict with peers, etc. Has a lot of traits I would describe as seeming like ADHD.

Anyway, we have found that the ASD diagnosis did not pigeon-hole us into anything. The recs were based on his needs - for example, he does not have any motor skills needs that require OT, so that was not recommended, even though a lot of autistic kids do. He goes to a school focused on autistic kids now, and some of the supports help, and others aren't really needed, but it's fine. I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to avoid a diagnosis because you think it will dictate the course of treatment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a huge lack of understanding of ASD, and as some others have pointed out, it's a spectrum, so what it "looks like" can be really different. I understand your concern, but I think you are overreacting to the idea of an ASD diagnosis. Regardless of the diagnosis, I would hope any support plans focus on your kid's specific needs. Diagnoses can help a little in directing what might work, but some will be trial and error, and it doesn't all work for each kid.

My kid is sort of the opposite - got an ASD diagnosis where the neuropsych report showed clear ADHD results but did not diagnosis ADHD. Provider was really unclear as to why and basically said she thought we needed to focus on the ASD and that was why. It was odd. I still don't really know if he has ADHD or not, and he is someone who also does not have a lot of the "typical" ASD expressions - has never stimmed, does not struggle to make friends but does struggle to deal with conflict with peers, etc. Has a lot of traits I would describe as seeming like ADHD.

Anyway, we have found that the ASD diagnosis did not pigeon-hole us into anything. The recs were based on his needs - for example, he does not have any motor skills needs that require OT, so that was not recommended, even though a lot of autistic kids do. He goes to a school focused on autistic kids now, and some of the supports help, and others aren't really needed, but it's fine. I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to avoid a diagnosis because you think it will dictate the course of treatment.

That is because your kid is verbal.

We found an ASD label for a kid with a significant language disorder to be an academic death sentence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologis not who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

That's interesting. I would have thought an ASD specialist would be best able to identify if something is not ASD. If they are just seeing ASD everywhere they are not really experts. But I have zero experience with this. Just starting our journey now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a huge lack of understanding of ASD, and as some others have pointed out, it's a spectrum, so what it "looks like" can be really different. I understand your concern, but I think you are overreacting to the idea of an ASD diagnosis. Regardless of the diagnosis, I would hope any support plans focus on your kid's specific needs. Diagnoses can help a little in directing what might work, but some will be trial and error, and it doesn't all work for each kid.

My kid is sort of the opposite - got an ASD diagnosis where the neuropsych report showed clear ADHD results but did not diagnosis ADHD. Provider was really unclear as to why and basically said she thought we needed to focus on the ASD and that was why. It was odd. I still don't really know if he has ADHD or not, and he is someone who also does not have a lot of the "typical" ASD expressions - has never stimmed, does not struggle to make friends but does struggle to deal with conflict with peers, etc. Has a lot of traits I would describe as seeming like ADHD.

Anyway, we have found that the ASD diagnosis did not pigeon-hole us into anything. The recs were based on his needs - for example, he does not have any motor skills needs that require OT, so that was not recommended, even though a lot of autistic kids do. He goes to a school focused on autistic kids now, and some of the supports help, and others aren't really needed, but it's fine. I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to avoid a diagnosis because you think it will dictate the course of treatment.

That is because your kid is verbal.

We found an ASD label for a kid with a significant language disorder to be an academic death sentence.

+1, many don't understand language disorders and they present very similar early on and the assumption is because the kids are not verbal they cannot learn. Many can learn just fine (some have other things like reading issues) but they just learn different and cannot verbally express their knowledge. It takes a very skilled provider to tease it out and most are generalist who evaluate or just see everything as asd or adhd like many here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a huge lack of understanding of ASD, and as some others have pointed out, it's a spectrum, so what it "looks like" can be really different. I understand your concern, but I think you are overreacting to the idea of an ASD diagnosis. Regardless of the diagnosis, I would hope any support plans focus on your kid's specific needs. Diagnoses can help a little in directing what might work, but some will be trial and error, and it doesn't all work for each kid.

My kid is sort of the opposite - got an ASD diagnosis where the neuropsych report showed clear ADHD results but did not diagnosis ADHD. Provider was really unclear as to why and basically said she thought we needed to focus on the ASD and that was why. It was odd. I still don't really know if he has ADHD or not, and he is someone who also does not have a lot of the "typical" ASD expressions - has never stimmed, does not struggle to make friends but does struggle to deal with conflict with peers, etc. Has a lot of traits I would describe as seeming like ADHD.

Anyway, we have found that the ASD diagnosis did not pigeon-hole us into anything. The recs were based on his needs - for example, he does not have any motor skills needs that require OT, so that was not recommended, even though a lot of autistic kids do. He goes to a school focused on autistic kids now, and some of the supports help, and others aren't really needed, but it's fine. I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to avoid a diagnosis because you think it will dictate the course of treatment.

That is because your kid is verbal.

We found an ASD label for a kid with a significant language disorder to be an academic death sentence.

+1, many don't understand language disorders and they present very similar early on and the assumption is because the kids are not verbal they cannot learn. Many can learn just fine (some have other things like reading issues) but they just learn different and cannot verbally express their knowledge. It takes a very skilled provider to tease it out and most are generalist who evaluate or just see everything as asd or adhd like many here.

Yes, it is tragic how few SLPs understand language disorders, especially receptive disorders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's a huge lack of understanding of ASD, and as some others have pointed out, it's a spectrum, so what it "looks like" can be really different. I understand your concern, but I think you are overreacting to the idea of an ASD diagnosis. Regardless of the diagnosis, I would hope any support plans focus on your kid's specific needs. Diagnoses can help a little in directing what might work, but some will be trial and error, and it doesn't all work for each kid.

My kid is sort of the opposite - got an ASD diagnosis where the neuropsych report showed clear ADHD results but did not diagnosis ADHD. Provider was really unclear as to why and basically said she thought we needed to focus on the ASD and that was why. It was odd. I still don't really know if he has ADHD or not, and he is someone who also does not have a lot of the "typical" ASD expressions - has never stimmed, does not struggle to make friends but does struggle to deal with conflict with peers, etc. Has a lot of traits I would describe as seeming like ADHD.

Anyway, we have found that the ASD diagnosis did not pigeon-hole us into anything. The recs were based on his needs - for example, he does not have any motor skills needs that require OT, so that was not recommended, even though a lot of autistic kids do. He goes to a school focused on autistic kids now, and some of the supports help, and others aren't really needed, but it's fine. I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to avoid a diagnosis because you think it will dictate the course of treatment.

That is because your kid is verbal.

We found an ASD label for a kid with a significant language disorder to be an academic death sentence.

+1, many don't understand language disorders and they present very similar early on and the assumption is because the kids are not verbal they cannot learn. Many can learn just fine (some have other things like reading issues) but they just learn different and cannot verbally express their knowledge. It takes a very skilled provider to tease it out and most are generalist who evaluate or just see everything as asd or adhd like many here.

Yes, it is tragic how few SLPs understand language disorders, especially receptive disorders.

Most evaluations don't include an SLP when they are looking at ASD. And, a lot of SLP's aren't that good either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

I mean, sensory plus rigidity plus social challenges really suggests ASD. However - there’s no great therapy for ASD so personally I don’t think there’s
much of a point spending time/money on additional diagnostics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

I mean, sensory plus rigidity plus social challenges really suggests ASD. However - there’s no great therapy for ASD so personally I don’t think there’s
much of a point spending time/money on additional diagnostics.

Thanks for your ridiculous armchair diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

I mean, sensory plus rigidity plus social challenges really suggests ASD. However - there’s no great therapy for ASD so personally I don’t think there’s
much of a point spending time/money on additional diagnostics.

Thanks for your ridiculous armchair diagnosis.

DP. That seems right to me, generally. Are you going to be specific in your disagreement? Or just contrary?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

I mean, sensory plus rigidity plus social challenges really suggests ASD. However - there’s no great therapy for ASD so personally I don’t think there’s
much of a point spending time/money on additional diagnostics.

Thanks for your ridiculous armchair diagnosis.

it literally checks all the DSM boxes for autism

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

I mean, sensory plus rigidity plus social challenges really suggests ASD. However - there’s no great therapy for ASD so personally I don’t think there’s
much of a point spending time/money on additional diagnostics.

Thanks for your ridiculous armchair diagnosis.

it literally checks all the DSM boxes for autism

Again, ASD is not a checklist diagnosis.

It is a matter of degree and what else could be causing these behaviors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

I mean, sensory plus rigidity plus social challenges really suggests ASD. However - there’s no great therapy for ASD so personally I don’t think there’s
much of a point spending time/money on additional diagnostics.

Thanks for your ridiculous armchair diagnosis.

it literally checks all the DSM boxes for autism

Again, ASD is not a checklist diagnosis.

It is a matter of degree and what else could be causing these behaviors.

Sure. And when there isn't anything else that is the cause, then... will you still deny it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an interesting thread. We've recently been referred to get DD assessed for ASD. I am an anxious person (on meds, yay!) and so of course I have been watching for this since DD was little. But I was still caught off guard when it was recently suggested to us. Multiple people (family, OT) who are not ASD experts but who are professionals who work with children have told us in the past that they were not concerned that DD has ASD.

It has just struck me that there is a huge disconnect between what most people think ASD is and how experts view it. We do want to know if DD is on the spectrum if it will help her, and are so curious to see what the assessment says.

Np here. My DD (now 10) has ADHD combined, the symptoms which we had to manage are emotional dysregulation, rigidity in thinking (which impacts social situations), hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. DD also has dyslexia and some sensory issues.

DD recently started seeing a new therapist who flagged the potential for ASD during the intake. I feel like it’s possible, but I think that most of DD’s social challenges come from lack of impulse control and inability to manage their frustration. DD is very social, has a few good friends, but no very close friendships. Is that ASD? To me it seems like she is showing how ADHD traits are negatively impacting her socially - I don’t “see” ASD. But then I wonder if I’m in denial? I am not trying to avoid an ASD diagnosis, but that diagnosis (at least my understanding of it) doesn’t seem to fit DD.

DD due for a neuropsych next year and I’m unsure about whether or not to go to a psychologist who “specializes” in ASD in girls. I definitely would go to one if I had more confidence that they don’t just give everyone to comes to them a diagnosis, that they are really trying to “see” my DD.

I mean, sensory plus rigidity plus social challenges really suggests ASD. However - there’s no great therapy for ASD so personally I don’t think there’s
much of a point spending time/money on additional diagnostics.

Thanks for your ridiculous armchair diagnosis.

it literally checks all the DSM boxes for autism

Again, ASD is not a checklist diagnosis.

It is a matter of degree and what else could be causing these behaviors.

The problem is when people get stuck on insisting that ADHD is eg causing social difficulties and not autism. And oh yeah, child also has rigidity and sensory issues. At that point you are trying to avoid an autism dx for unclear reasons.