Expert: Jene Aviram - 4/23/2009

Question
my daughter is 6 years old. at 4 yeaars old we had to take her to a psychiatrist and they diagnosed her as O.D.D.,ADHD, and generalized anxiety disorder.as of this school year i have noticed more issues with her that have always been a problem only now they are a little worse. She has several signs of aspergers(as i have been investigating several sites) the odd,ocd,adhd,anxiety and cannot handle change very well,cannot be around someone who is talking a little loud,doesnt make eye contact,very shy and does not like to talk infront of others or will not answer questions out loud in class or at church, she is very unsure of herself. she was put on vyvance and it only seemed to make her symptoms worse,she has always been a nail bitter,and recently has been chewing the tips of her fingers off(not until bloody but very sensitive to touch after the next day).she picks at her gums and scabs until they bleed. she is a very nervous child and prefers to be alone. i am taking her to a different doctor for this and want to know what you think of this. thanks for your help!

Answer
Melanie,

It sounds to me like you are doing all the right things.  Looking for answers is the hardest part.  It's just so difficult watching your child struggle and not knowing how to help.  Don't be afraid to take her off the meds if you feel they are having a bad effect.  Your daughter probably has a hard time expressing how she feels and they might be making her feel bad.  Of course, you should always do this under the supervision of a doctor.

Many of the symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder and Asperger's overlap.  This is why your daughter really has to see a professional and undergo some testing to get an accurate diagnosis.  The diagnosis does not determine your daughter, however it is required to get her the help she needs.  She might be exhibiting more symptoms now than before because as she grows, the demands on her have increased.  This can feel overwhelming and when she's not sure how to handle it, it is likely to be expressed in behaviors.  I'm not sure what doctor you are going to, however if I were in your shoes, I would get a full diagnostic evaluation again - just like you did when she was 4 years old.  She has grown and matured and you are likely to get greater insight from an evaluation this time.  If you really liked the previous psychiatrist, then stick with him, otherwise find a developmental pediatrician or psychologist that specializes in child disorders such as Aspergers and ADHD.  This way, you'll be assured that your daughter will get the help and services she requires.

I know this is a really difficult time for you.  The road sometimes feels very long but I can see that you will get your daughter all the help she needs.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com