Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional OE's or ASD? questioning longstanding diagnosis

Botchan, My son was non-verbal when initially diagnosed, but by 3 due to ABA therapy was verbal. He does have some executive function deficits (problems with change in routine and transitions mostly) and I cannot tell about his theory of mind deficit. I've always assumed he had a theory of mind deficit since I've been living with the ASD diagnosis for years now, but I'm going to look with more of an open eye.

Artana, My son hates field trips and play days when they are on the horizon also. This time of year (end of the school year) is miserable. He had a field trip and wanted to stay home sick (he went and loved it); they are working on a play and he wants to say his line but not "act" (luckily the teacher is accommodating); recess is not fun anymore due to lack of structure and too many choices. And yes, he is a stickler for rules.

Thanks for the input everyone!!! Nan

Wow! Another similarity!
My son was verbal within 6 months of starting ABA also! (From non-verbal to verbal IQ 101 on the WPSSI-III in 6 months.)
Interesting.

Sorry I don't have the answer for the question since I was facing the same issue. DS8 also have some behaviors fit in ADHD or Asperger characteristics, especially when he was young. I didn't have him evaluate by psychologist because his behaviors seem on the borderline of problem and normal. And year by year, I can see him improved and without problem to fit in school. I found this article maybe it will help. http://giftededucation.suite101.com/article.cfm/highly_gifted_aspergers_or_twice_exceptional

We are in the same place with my daughter, who is 10. Based on a couple of behavioural characteristics they have suggested that she be evaluated for Aspergers. While I see the similarities, I believe it is more about OEs than an ASD. I am going to ask our pediatrian about an evaluation to rule it out, or in, as the case may be in a few weeks. My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6, and that diagnosis I am fairly certain is accurate as her executive functioning is really poor. And ADHD runs in our family. So I think that OEs combined with an accurate ADHD diagnosis is correct.

Thanks for posting this, it's been helpful to see this post, as well as others about Aspergers to help clarify the issue and how I perceive it. Will you pursue a second evaulation for ASD?

-Sky

Sky, I'm not going to pursue another evaluation mainly because with the autism label he currently has, his IEP is strong. He gets speech therapy, OT for handwriting and social skills, and his accommodations of sitting up front next to the teacher, having a squishy seat, being allowed movement breaks, etc, etc are all helpful to him and I'm not sure the school would give him an IEP that has those in there if someone told the school he has OEs because he is gifted! It is a struggle to get what he has even with the autism label. If we removed that, I do not think the school would take a second look at him...just label him a "bad kid." I was just curious, trying to get it all straight in my head. My son does not have any negative feelings about autism...he considers it somewhat of a superpower. I wish I could have a quarter of his self confidence. Nan

It seems to me that if there are behaviors that interfere with functioning in school or play environments, whatever the cause, those behaviors need to be addressed. Nan, your decision to keep the IEP seems smart to me.

Nan, yes, that is part of my concern. They are ready to jump through hoops to do what they can for her IF she has the diagnosis...but if not, well, they aren't sure if she'll qualify for any accomodations. And that is where the problem lies. She does need accomodation for her ADHD issues, but that no longer carries much weight if you child is not academically behind. ASD on the other hand, does. Those sound like wonderful accomodations. When talking to a lot of parents, the key is finding the strategies that work and that is what getting an appropriate diagnosis or label is helpful for. Thanks again for posting.