Expert: Trey McGowan - 8/31/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I have an 8yr old boy that has previously been diagnosed with adhd (he doesnt bounce off walls) I was opposed to this diagnoses to start with. Our new peadiatrician wants my son to be screened for autism, which has raised lots of questions. A little bit about my boy: He is very loving, talks none stop mostly about movies or computer games, its very hard to change the subject and he quickly goes back to it. He has issues with friends, he wants to play but they tease him or dont understand him, they only put up with him in small doses.  He is extremely sensitive, he gets very concerned that he has upset me or may upset me, when Im not smiling or a little tierd.  He is very much in your face, and stands very close. He gets very distressed at raised voices, load noises etc. He plays well by himself. He over reacts to most things. He has a tendency to take things littrally. He prefers to use his fingers or a fork when eating and has problems with a knife. His writing is illegable and he avoids drawing. Ive been told he has an american accent (we are Australian) When he is distressed his hands tend to head towards his ears.  He has had lots of ear infection but no hearing loss, tasks need to be broken down into small step by step instructions. He can spend hours and hours in front of the pc or video games. He has a tendancy to watch the same movies over and over.  He has been labeled very immature for his age by his school. He is ocassionally rude (speaks without thinking) His behaviour is odd/eccentric. He talks to himself, the tv, etc.. He gives real emotions to inanimate objects. eg his school bag, teddy bear etc. He doesnt particully like his routine changed.  I've tried to include as much as I could. Please respond as soon as possible. regards Michelle

ANSWER: Hi there, Michelle!

I'm not sure I understand what the question is that you're trying to ask here. You've given me a lot of information but no actual question. Rather than me playing a guessing game, do you think you could articulate the question that you're asking a little better in a follow-up?

Regards,
Trey

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again ! Sorry I guess what I want to know does this behaviour sound like maybe it fits some where on the autism spectrum or is it adhd.  If it is possibly autistic where might it fit.  Or is it even possible none of any of those things. I know he needs specialized help in some areas, however it seams that until he gets a label no one is all that willing to help us.  thanks again michelle

Answer
Hello again, Michelle!

Well, obviously I can't offer a label legally. My word isn't going to be the one to get the help, so your new pediatrician's suggestion is a good one. However, I can at least help with peace of mind. Such as it is.

I will say again that I am not a doctor and this is not a diagnosis. The screening will be the big important part for getting yourself some professional aid. However, what you have told me here immediately brings up flags for 'ASD' on all sides. I am even going to go out on a limb and say that 'Asperger's' would fit it the best since you don't mention any speech disorder, other than the 'American accent', which, if I had to guess, is being caused by a lack of inflection in his voice. Very different from the very animated tones of the usual 'Australian accent'!

It is not at all uncommon for Asperger's and even Autism Disorder to be misdiagnosed as ADHD, particularly in children born before the turn of the century, since the diagnosis was just budding at that point. ADHD is a very common comorbid condition (existing along with Asperger's and Autism) as well, which doesn't help matters any!

Hope that helped answer your question,

Trey