It’s not that hard to get an accurate, differential diagnosis in the DMV

[Anonymous]

I have more than one kid each with complex neurological profiles and each diagnosed with a distinct communication disorder. Over the years, and the dozens of evaluations we’ve had from developmental pediatricians, to psychologists, to psychiatrists, we’ve never had an autism diagnosis. We have lots of friends whose kids have had similarly detailed evaluation results. Yes, the DSM titles may have changed, but it’s never resulted in autism diagnosis.

So for people who keep harping on that evaluations are so subjective, kids present so differently, you need to have a differential diagnosis, at some point, you really need to ask yourself, if you are receiving the same diagnosis repeatedly, then maybe you need to accept it is what it is. Or just stop complaining.

[Anonymous]

Yes.

But then, your doctors probably spent more than 30 minutes doing the evaluation.

[Anonymous]

Totally agree. My very complex son has a lot going on - speech issues - former receptive delay, now abated, fine motor issues, a social delay, severe ADHD, seixures. But an ASD diagnosis has never been suggested, even though it would probably be neater, because he does not have ASD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have more than one kid each with complex neurological profiles and each diagnosed with a distinct communication disorder. Over the years, and the dozens of evaluations we’ve had from developmental pediatricians, to psychologists, to psychiatrists, we’ve never had an autism diagnosis. We have lots of friends whose kids have had similarly detailed evaluation results. Yes, the DSM titles may have changed, but it’s never resulted in autism diagnosis.

So for people who keep harping on that evaluations are so subjective, kids present so differently, you need to have a differential diagnosis, at some point, you really need to ask yourself, if you are receiving the same diagnosis repeatedly, then maybe you need to accept it is what it is. Or just stop complaining.

What has helped your children communicate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes.

But then, your doctors probably spent more than 30 minutes doing the evaluation.

+1, our insurance is very limited in what they will pay for and who they will pay. We had a bad experience at Children's, which is one of a few that take it. They told me my child was ok and he had "good" parents to work with him so they wouldn't provide therapy. The second opinion was very different and recommended therapy.

So, if we are going to private pay, you might as well travel to the "expert" in your child's needs, especially when travel costs and fees are much less than providers in our area.

For some kids, its very clear what is going on and for others of our kids, it isn't clear until they are older.

[Anonymous]

From your description, it sounds like my DS is similar to yours. We've never gotten an ASD diagnosis from the private professionals or NIH. It's been the schools that have advocated/pushed for it. It's been 2 years since the last time it came up. I think it was the IEE I got that finally shut them down. But, until then, we were under a lot of pressure by the schools to accept it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From your description, it sounds like my DS is similar to yours. We've never gotten an ASD diagnosis from the private professionals or NIH. It's been the schools that have advocated/pushed for it. It's been 2 years since the last time it came up. I think it was the IEE I got that finally shut them down. But, until then, we were under a lot of pressure by the schools to accept it.

Is this DCPS? Is it the school teachers and administration that pushed for it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From your description, it sounds like my DS is similar to yours. We've never gotten an ASD diagnosis from the private professionals or NIH. It's been the schools that have advocated/pushed for it. It's been 2 years since the last time it came up. I think it was the IEE I got that finally shut them down. But, until then, we were under a lot of pressure by the schools to accept it.

This has been our experience, too. The schools really, REALLY pushed for the ASD label, to the point of threatening, practically.

[Anonymous]

This is a misdiagnosis story that resonated with my family. It's long, but worthwhile if you have a child with a speech disorder.

The children's hospital got the diagnosis very, very wrong (said her son had low functioning autism). Her struggles and the fact she never gave up are very inspiring.

http://writermotherwifeme.blogspot.com/2007/03/saving-world-1-stand-up-for-what-i.html

[Anonymous]

This reminds me of posts from idiots who brag that their kids never had a problem sleeping through the night. Or are not picky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From your description, it sounds like my DS is similar to yours. We've never gotten an ASD diagnosis from the private professionals or NIH. It's been the schools that have advocated/pushed for it. It's been 2 years since the last time it came up. I think it was the IEE I got that finally shut them down. But, until then, we were under a lot of pressure by the schools to accept it.

This has been our experience, too. The schools really, REALLY pushed for the ASD label, to the point of threatening, practically.

what was the medical diagnosis?

we had the experience of the school pushing an ASD diagnosis as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From your description, it sounds like my DS is similar to yours. We've never gotten an ASD diagnosis from the private professionals or NIH. It's been the schools that have advocated/pushed for it. It's been 2 years since the last time it came up. I think it was the IEE I got that finally shut them down. But, until then, we were under a lot of pressure by the schools to accept it.

Is this DCPS? Is it the school teachers and administration that pushed for it?

It was FCPS. One of his teacher's pushed for it (she was also the special ed chair and attended all the meetings even when she wasn't his teacher), the Procedural Support Liaison and the school psychologist. One year, it included staff from central administration who also told me that my expectations for DS were too high - that I will never forget. My DS will never be the top of his class (not in this area) but he is easily intelligent to be at least average.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From your description, it sounds like my DS is similar to yours. We've never gotten an ASD diagnosis from the private professionals or NIH. It's been the schools that have advocated/pushed for it. It's been 2 years since the last time it came up. I think it was the IEE I got that finally shut them down. But, until then, we were under a lot of pressure by the schools to accept it.

This has been our experience, too. The schools really, REALLY pushed for the ASD label, to the point of threatening, practically.

what was the medical diagnosis?

we had the experience of the school pushing an ASD diagnosis as well.

I'm the first PP that's quoted. My DS as apraxia of speech, ADHD and a language disorder. He is of at least average intelligence, capable of performing at/above grade level. One of the reasons ASD was pushed is because the impact that his language/communication challenges have on his interpersonal interactions is similar to kids on the AS. However, the causes of the symptoms are vastly different. Have you ever been to a social event where you weren't proficient in the language that was being spoken? You know how you get bored, get tired, don't follow conversations or change the topic to one you're capable of speaking about? That's what it's like for my DS.

Ever since we 'won' the battle for additional support, he's been making incredible gains. He's in upper elementary school and has passed all his SOLs, some Advanced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From your description, it sounds like my DS is similar to yours. We've never gotten an ASD diagnosis from the private professionals or NIH. It's been the schools that have advocated/pushed for it. It's been 2 years since the last time it came up. I think it was the IEE I got that finally shut them down. But, until then, we were under a lot of pressure by the schools to accept it.

This has been our experience, too. The schools really, REALLY pushed for the ASD label, to the point of threatening, practically.

what was the medical diagnosis?

we had the experience of the school pushing an ASD diagnosis as well.

I'm the first PP that's quoted. My DS as apraxia of speech, ADHD and a language disorder. He is of at least average intelligence, capable of performing at/above grade level. One of the reasons ASD was pushed is because the impact that his language/communication challenges have on his interpersonal interactions is similar to kids on the AS. However, the causes of the symptoms are vastly different. Have you ever been to a social event where you weren't proficient in the language that was being spoken? You know how you get bored, get tired, don't follow conversations or change the topic to one you're capable of speaking about? That's what it's like for my DS.

Ever since we 'won' the battle for additional support, he's been making incredible gains. He's in upper elementary school and has passed all his SOLs, some Advanced.

That's great he's doing so well!