Article: Girls With Autism or ADHD Symptoms Not Taken Seriously, Study Suggests
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004101332.htm
This may have been already posted but it can always be removed later
" When girls with symptoms of autism or ADHD seek professional medical help, their problems are often played down or misinterpreted, and there is a real risk that they will not get the help or support they need. As such, more training is needed in this area, particularly in the public sector, reveals a thesis from the University of Gothenburg."
I keep hoping things will get better for the girls of today
Thanks for the article Newnoz!
Hopesmommy, while not a mother myself, I kinda understand where you're coming from. Looking back at my own childhood, my mom had the same kinda whirlwind, as we're pretty sure that every member of my family is somewhere on the spectrum. Not only did she have to get my ADHD/LD brother out the door, she had to get me out the door and everywhere as well, and she taught high school.
So your feelings are understandable.
As for your son, there are some reasons why an autistic would "regress" or become worse. Some of it is that there's a more noticeable difference between him and his peers, but nothing has actually changed, and sometimes it's dealing with, well, the stress of growing up, learning new skills, becoming more independent, etc etc, that can develop in more autistic coping behaviours. There's also the fact that he's what, 15 years old? Despite our mental/emotional development, our physical development is often right on schedule, so puberty is another factor.
Personally, if he's not hurting himself, or having mental health issues such as Depression and Anxiety, and is displaying development and skills building, then the doctors are making noise about the fact that he's on a different developmental track than his peers. And personally, given that he's a teen, and the wonders of puberty, I wouldn't press the issue too much. But then, that's me.
I am so enlightened to read this post. I have an almost seven year old girl who they refuse to diagnose with autism. Her brother - who is 20 months older - is a classic case of autism. My daughter also has an uncontrollabe appetite! We almost feel there could e a co-morbid diagnosis somehow. I would love to share stories with you and keep in contact. I need someone who understands these issues because it seems no one does.
Thanks newinoz :) ... this article pretty much confirms what most of us already knew. I, too, hope things will get better.
And welcome to the forums, Hopesmommy. I have 2 autistic children (as well as being on the spectrum m'self) and they manifest quite differently - just as all autistic people do, I guess. My eldest also has a 'bottomless pit' appetite, and he's 5! Bottom line is that if you're worried about your daughter, then you should definitely pursue that. I also know the feeling of not wanting to go down that road *again*. :( Best of luck to you.
That article is pretty good to know about autism. These things are defiantly works very well and these are very effective. Every child with autism has different behavior. So select a treatment for this disease according to Autism Symptoms.
This subject is exactly why I am here. My son is 19 and he was diagnosed just over 15 years ago. Currently, I am concerned about my daughter Hope. She is exhibiting symptoms that are pretty close to the same as my son, but instead of being socially withdrawn, she is inappropriate socially. Hugging people she doesn't know. Invading her peers 'personal space'. Issues with transition ... just to name a few. She has absolutely no cognitive impairment that I am aware of. These symptoms have emerged in the last year. (perhaps in the last 10 months). I have been out of the loop in relation to the diagnostic criteria since I have moved forward with each milestone and had no reason to think I would have a 3rd child (my "middle" child is male and adhd with unspecified learning disability) that would exhibit symtoms. Quite honestly, 19 years ago is a long time in regard to the things that have changed. So right now, I am on a search to find information and hopefully help my daughter. Especially before Kindergarten next fall. Every morning is a fight with her socks...and a fight to get her to school (pre-school). Then when I get there to pick her up for home, she doesn't want to leave. At home I feel like my whole time with her is like running around in circles.... either cleaning up after her, or trying to sway her to stop eating. She likes to eat....and she would eat everything here if I would let her. I have never witnessed an appetite like this that goes on throughout the day. My son who is diagnosed eats large amounts, but not throughout the day. I have to try to limit is quantities and not leave food easily available other than 'snacks'. So, I have seen this before as well. But I just don't know.... could this be that she is affected as well? Is it something else? I just really don't know. All I know is something is different. Something has changed. I have been down this road before....and it has been tough. I want to know and yet I don't. :( I am not sure how I feel. Anyway, this is my first post and my mind is going in circles. Probably best to come back tomorrow when I have cleared my head and can somewhat feel calm and collected.
I was told my son was "mildly autistic" when he was first diagnosed. By the time he was 15, they were telling me he was borderline impaired (cognitively) and that he was moderately affected. I wish now that I had asked more questions. How did this change? Everything i've known has been that after 3 to 4 years, we should have seen something as far as the 'manifestation' of autism. Is this possible that we get to 5 years and someone who has raised a child with autism didn't "clue" in on this before?
Yes. Going to bed. Clearing out my mind. Thanks for the info above. I will return :)
There is nothing that can not be done when love is your foundation, strength brings you peace, and determination fills our day.... and understanding becomes our Hope. Regardless of the hurdles, despite the disabiltiy, we will move forward.... and I will hold my childs hand for as long as he wants and when he is ready to let go, I will be there to encourage him and then stand back and smile. Indeed the journey has been amazing. Indeed, worth it. Indeed I have experienced what it is to love with all my heart. And indeed it has been incredibly difficult and painful. Ironically, he has become my teacher, and one of the greatest men I know. He is my son, and we are in this together!