I've read a lot about Aspergers, snd I think things would be easier in some ways with that diagnosis. This is why I don't think it's Aspergers. He does not have language issues (unless dysgraphia counts). His non-verbal and verbal scores are very similar. His thinking can be pretty concrete, but he understands - and uses - itioms, sarcasm, jokes. He makes eye contact, uses appropriate facial expressions, body language. He spoke early and met milestones on time or early. His reading comprehension is very high. He doesn't stim, but he's very into video games, math, and whatever he's reading. When he was little, he was the sweetest, most caring child around. His birthday is on the late side for his grade, but when I asked his preschool teacher about maturity for entering K, she said he was mediating arguments on the playground. He really didn't have problems socially until he started regular school, and even then, it was mostly impulsivity, perhaps because of ADHD. He started acting out in school last year and then the depression was diagnosed. I'm sure there are a lot of reasons for the depression, but some of it is due to his dysgraphia being ignored and even punished at school. He also has diabetes and a growth delay. The psychologist thinks the depression is resolving itself and doesn't think he has anxiety issues. He doesn't think it's Asperger's, but there are some Aspie-like characteristics. He said he thinks ds has found his own voice during all of this depression treatment and that's why he's so irritable. His teacher said maybe he has it, but if he has Aspergers, he's the highest functioning Aspie she's ever seen.
Even if he doesn't meet the criteria for Aspergers, that doesn't mean some of the same techniques won't work for him. Thank you for all of your input. I will check out the suggestions.
