Expert: James Michael Roan - 11/15/2005

Question
Dear Sir,

Let me first give you a brief history. My son August is 7 years old. He has struggled since he was a toddler with his behavior, social skills(i.e. biting,hitting,kicking you name it he did it)and language delays (understanding and speaking)until I got a Doctor to listen to me and he was enrolled in a special education Preschool at age 3. At first they thought that he had PDD then after a month of observation they decided that he didn't. At a children's Special Health Care Clinic I was told that he had Auditory Processing delays and that he had ADHD. Then toward the end of the school year in Kindergarten I was given two questionnaires to fill out by his Speech and Language Teacher, one was on Autism (GARS) and the other on Aspergers Syndrome (ASDS). I didn't get the results of the tests until this year when he transferred schools. The results showed that he had a Autism Quotient of 74 low probability of having Autism. The results of the ASDS showed a higher probability of autism, specifically higher functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome (I never did get to see the rating scale for this test). Now at his new school in 1st grade his teachers are calling it Aspergers and treating it appropriately. I struggle with labeling him as Aspergers because I have too many unanswered questions? My son always uses eye contact when you can capture his attention, He loves physical contact, expresses a whole array of emotions and facial expressions, he had significant speech and language delays, and he scores low on IQ tests but I don't think they reflect his IQ accurately because he doesn't stay focused and constantly needs to be redirected and have questions explained several times or rephrased before he will give you the right answer. All which don't seem to fit the profile of Aspergers at least from what I've read about it. The only areas that do seem to fit are the social development, he loves other kids but doesn't seem to relate to them on the same level ,he just doesn't get it. The similarity other is his obsession with Dinosaurs but that's it. I have no problem excepting the fact that he has Aspergers if that's what he really has. I just want to know  what is wrong with him so he can get the best care at school and at home. Which brings me to my questions: Are the Questionnaires that I filled out an actual diagnosis? If not where would I have to take him too or what kind of Doctor would we have to see to have him properly diagnosed?

Thank You,
Courtney Villanueva

Answer
Hi Courtney;

I'll do my best to answer all of your questions:

1. The questionnaires you filled are NOT a diagnosis, but do accurately describe those behaviors that meet the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria used for a diagnosis of autism and Asperger's Syndrome. A diagnosis includes more testing, observation, and skilled analysis by a team.

2. Most of the information you have provided me are consistent, in my opinion, with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), however, has a Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) been ruled out? They can look very similar to one another but are quite different in many ways for different reasons.

3. It is essential that a qualified team of professionals thoroughly knowledgeable about autism spectrum disorders evaluate your son. I would look for a Children's Hospital near you or the autism clinic in a university setting.

If I can help you further, please let me know.

Kind Regards,
James