Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional Autism?? Aspergers??

So I had my son tested back in December with the public school system because I thought he was autistic and/or gifted. He took the test, showed as "gifted" and the diagnostician said she didn't suspect him to be anywhere on the Autism spectrum.

However, I am having doubts about her evaluation... I don't know much about autism (other than what I find online). However, he does display some "not normal" behaviors: spinning, arm-flapping, gross motor skills that aren't anywhere near where they should be, flipping out about the smallest things, etc.

My question, should I have him re-evaluated next school year with another diagnostician (he'll be in a charter school in the neighboring community's public school system)? Or should I talk to his pediatrician whenever I get another appointment (no rush)?

I recommend to talk to the pediatrician. Schools are a wonderful resource, but I don't think that this sort of diagnosis, particularly in a gifted child, is the kind of thing they should be making.

Just my .02!
Grinity

The staff in public schools are not qualified to make a medical diagnosis. They will very often miss Asperger's or Autism in a bright child.

With the behaviors you describe, I'd go to a private practitioner (psychologist, neuropsych, or developmental pediatrician) who has a lot of experience with kids with autism, and get a thorough private evaluation. This will give you better information about how to proceed. If the issue is that you also need services (PT/OT/speech) from the school, you can take this info back to the school to persuade them to reopen the case and evaluate again.

You say "no rush"-- but if he's flipping out all the time, he may be under a lot of stress. If there's a chance of alleviating some of that stress, I probably would want to do that.

Thanks everyone! So should I go to his regular ped first to see if she recommends anyone? I don't need a "referral" to see a specialist, so that's not an issue.

The good thing is, at the school they're attending next year, they have a "therapy room" on-site. I don't know if that's different than regular schools, but it's certainly different than they have in the school they attend now.

He's not flipping out all of the time, just in certain occasions.

Thanks so much for your input, I've been debating this for a while (hence the reason we had him tested with the diagnostician in the first place). But ever since he's started other sports other than swimming, I've noticed it even more.

I would get a referral from your pediatrician for a visit to an occupational therapist, neurologist, or neuropsychologist.

I am just beginning this journey myself.

You might also want to pick up a copy of The Autism Book by Dr. Sears or some other book from the library.

If you have access to a developmental neurologist, I would go that route. That may not be an option outside major metropolitan areas, though.

The pede to whom I first expressed concerns told me my daughter was merely "undersocialized because you're a SAHM". (Gee, wonder where her biases lay?) The second allowed as how there might be an issue, and she'd make a referral, but she was mostly only doing it to appease a fussy mom. The behavioral neuro took one look at her, climbed under the table to interact, and three hours later ended the session by saying "oh, heck yeah there's something afoot".

FWIW, dd didn't flip out all the time either. Only when the lawn guys came (she was hugely stim avoidant, though she's far better now that she's older), or when there were dogs. Or bees. But boy, was she spectacular when she did.

And to all of you just starting out on the journey with all this, it really DOES get easier.

Mine too!
Chrys

Thanks everyone. I really, really appreciate all of the advice. I have an appointment for him next Tuesday to see his ped. When we had his 5-year appt in December I had mentioned to her about getting him tested (for gifted), she did a few quick "tests" and said he's definitely bright. It'll be interesting to see how this appointment goes though.

Thanks again, you guys are awesome.

Well, the pediatrician doesn't suspect autism or aspergers at all. She said he may have ADD, but that she wanted us to fill out some paperwork about him and to have his teacher do the same. She also wants to run some lab work to check for anemia, thyroid (he's very small for his age) and some other things. She said that if nothing at all turns up and the tests/papers prove her wrong, she'll refer us to a psychologist (or a psychiatrist?).

Hi kd:

Per the other posts on this thread, I would not be relying solely on a pediatrician's suspicions and instead would be raising my concerns with someone with extensive experience in developmental issues like ASD and ADD (a psychologist, neuropsych, or developmental pediatrician).

Both when we were living in the U.S. and now that we are in Australia, we found that there are often waiting lists for getting in to see the highly recommended professionals. Thus, if you have any concerns whatsoever about your son, it's better to start the process now.

Best of luck & hope you are able to get some answers!

Cheers,

Kristen