Anyone here in special ed?

amother

↑ RosePink ↓

Sun, Jul 21 2024, 1:43 pm

amother Forestgreen wrote:

Yes, I do agree. But many disorder have overlapping issues. With these two, the PRIMARY symptoms of autism, like delays in communication, socialization, and language skills, do not NEED to overlap. Meaning, if a child has delays in all three areas, they will end up with a diagnoses of autism. Not ADHD. And the same goes the other way around. When the primary symptoms are not similar, they should not be under the same umbrella.

I think you have some misconceptions about how adhd and autism present in different kids. They are both a spectrum, both can look wildly different in different kids, and depending on the particular flavor there can be a whole lot of overlap.

My dd was diagnosed adhd-I when she was just five years old. When she was ten years old she was diagnosed with autism level 1 as well. Because she is so high functioning her ASD specific deficits didn’t stand out until she was a tween.

Going through the diagnostic process with her so many times, with so many specialists, really drove home for me that asd and adhd are just two sides of the same coin.

amother

↑ Outerspace

Sun, Jul 21 2024, 2:43 pm

I’m not sure what you mean by two sides of the same coin. They are very different.. Speaking as a person with ADHD who works with many autistic children.

Autistic people perceive people, interactions, and social norms differently than non-autistic people. People with ADHD might not follow social norms but it’s because of impulsivity or restlessnessness, not because they don’t understand neurotypical norms. They naturally “get it” regarding social norms, just sometimes can’t stop themselves from talking too much or whatever.

Autistic kids often have to be taught very explicitly about social skills because they don’t “get it”. If they choose to follow those norms it’s because they decided to follow what they see as arbitrary rules, not because it makes sense to them.

amother

↑ RosePink ↓

Sun, Jul 21 2024, 4:46 pm

amother Outerspace wrote:

You are incorrect, as I have been to many highly regarded specialists over the years and they have all told me otherwise. Perhaps do more research.

amother

NeonPurple

Sun, Jul 21 2024, 5:03 pm

amother Bisque wrote:

Getting an evaluation through early intervention in the US is easier than trying to do it later. They won't diagnose him, but they can give you services if there's a delay. They're usually free and they're usually provided in your home. Why not try? Best case scenario they tell you he's doing well and then you feel better.

This. I surprised that your pediatrician didn't recommend EI eval by his 18 month well visit if he doesn't say words. At this point he is 20 months, which means he has only 16 months left to get early intervention (Early intervention stops at 3). The therapist come down to your home and teach them so much. Please call your local early intervention department and request an eval. Im guessing he will be eligible for Speech therapy.

amother

↑ Forestgreen

Sun, Jul 21 2024, 5:16 pm

amother RosePink wrote:

You are speaking as someone who has a daughter with both disorders. Therefore, it is easy to say the 2 overlap.
I am a psychologist. I see preschool children with ADHD and Autism, many times both undiagnosed regularly. I frequently am the one recommended ingredient neurologists for diagnosis. In many cases they can be similar, most often when they appear comorbidly. But when they do not, they are wildly different.
Oh, and I have ADHD. And am incredibly socially aware. A hallmark trait of ASD is the socialization peice which Is NOT a hallmark trait of those with ADHD. It can be. Or it can not be. And you are likely speaking of those with very high functioning autism. To compare a child who is non verbal with autism to a child with ADHD is wild.

amother

↑ RosePink

Sun, Jul 21 2024, 5:22 pm

amother Forestgreen wrote:

OP’s child is very high functioning! We are not discussing nonverbal ASD here. Not at all.

And you may have ADHD and be very socially aware, but many people with ADHD are not. Surely, as a psychologist, you’re aware of this.

mom24b

Sun, Jul 21 2024, 7:23 pm

Every opinion stated is both correct and incorrect. “If you met someone on the spectrum, then you have met ONE that is on the spectrum “ because every person on the spectrum is a world onto themselves. The word spectrum in itself is used because there is an incredibly wide range of variables and variations of symptoms that qualify one for an ASD diagnosis. The DSM 5 abolished the dx of PPD and Aspergers and include it all under the umbrella of ASD now. Drs and psychologists came to realize the previous DSMs qualifications for a specific diagnosis of Asperger’s/PPD were too rigid and incorrect to require such specific criteria, as each person presents differently. For this reason the DSM5 includes a much larger range of symptoms and now all are included under the umbrella of ASD as opposed to trying to isolate specific criteria for diagnosis of PPD and Asperger’s. This is definitely NOT in the realm of special Education teachers to comment on. While it is true that many on the spectrum may require special education instruction later on , I have never heard of a special education teacher certified to perform the ADOS which is the only true way of evaluating for ASD. It is completely irresponsible for anyone to comment on wether or not a child you have never seen may be exhibiting signs of ASD. OP if you are concerned please discuss with your pediatrician and if you are still not satisfied with pediatricians view listen to your instinct and find a developmental pediatrician to consult with. Please do not use anything written here as an indication one way or another . Ppl are merely answering based on their experiences, but it is just that - THEIR experiences which may be completely irrelevant to your child. Some kids who point as a means of communication will get a dx of ASD due to other symptoms, and some won’t. Some kids who spin car wheels will qualify for an ASD dx and some won’t. Some kids with ASD are very social and super sensitive to others emotional states and some aren’t. The answers you have received are both correct and incorrect. If you have concerns please discuss with your doctor and take it from there. Nobody not even someone who is certified to perform the ADOS and dx autism would ever give any recommendations based off of your post. The only thing anyone competent to advise would advise based of your post is to speak to your pediatrician. Good luck . I know it’s scary and your worried, but asking on imamother is only going to cause you unnecessary confusion and fear. Please consult with the appropriate medical professionals starting with your pediatrician.

amother

Blush

Mon, Jul 22 2024, 7:10 pm

When my daughter was very young we had many concerns, including delayed development, spinning wheels as well, low muscle tone. I got her evaluated through EI and got approved for services, but I had begged them then to do a special Ed eval because I had many concerns. And they just didn’t do it. Didn’t see the need (even though there were many delays!). I’m still bothered by it now that she’s turning 4 and we just got a diagnosis of mild ASD (and seizures but that wasn’t a concern yet back then). She’s very smart ka”h but there were warning signs that I knew and felt back then but was overlooked by agency. So I’m hoping you can get all the evaluations you need if you decide to go ahead.