Introduction
david_n_cole
member
My name is Nicole and I am the mom to a wonderful 6 year old boy who has been diagnosed with ADHD, an unspecified mood disorder, anxiety disorder, SPD, dyslexia and possible OCD. We have been seeing various therapists for over a year and he?s been on medication for almost a year and a half. Though we have seen significant progress, there still feels like a piece of the puzzle is missing. We are missing something that would explain some ?quirkiness? or ?oddities? that we have seen develop over the years. We are still undergoing evaluations at the urge of our family therapist who thought that my son may land further up the ASD scale than just SPD, i.e., Asperger's.
After going through the process for over three months, the evaluation comes back with very little new information, but the possible OCD. My family therapist thinks that perhaps the Dr. was reluctant to give an Asperger's diagnosis. She has suggested that if we want a second opinion that the Children's Hospital and/or a certain specialist who focuses on brain imagery/scans would be the next option. My husband does not understand why I need to take this any farther, not that he supported doing an evaluation in the first place. He just seems to get our son, but I need to know the parameters of what he is capable of so that I can adjust my expectations to be both realistic and supportive. I know that may sound horrible and judgmental to some people, but I am a very analytical person who needs things to make sense.
I am wondering if anyone has gone this route of seeking a second opinion or having brain scans to answer questions regarding their children. Was it worth knowing? Did it help with treatment?
I am sure that I will be on the boards more as this has been very challanging for me and our family. It is always nice to find others who have a shared experience to find our way through and triumph through the forest.
Re: Introduction
Welcome! Hope you find this board to be helpful.
I can't say for sure what I'd do in your situation, but brain scans on a 6-year-old to me just sounds like a little much unless it will give you a lot of information about how best to help him. I know that you said that you're an analytical person who likes things to make sense, but there is a lot about any kid, let alone a kid with SN, that just doesn't make sense. I'm like you in that I like to know all the "why"s.
But if you feel that you *need* another dx to get him what he needs, do what you have to do. If you don't *need* that dx and can just continue to help him as you are, I would skip it.
Hi Nicole. I can totally relate to you need for more info. My son Brady is 3.5 yo - was diagnosed w/ ASD.
I feel like I "learn" is a lot about ASD in general - but what I am really looking for is how ASD effects Brady. I want something more personal - so I can understand him and address his needs better.
They say no 2 kids on the spectrum are alike - but I feel like when it comes to a Dx and reporting - lots of reports read the same.
Why not get a second opinion? right? it doesn't hurt and can only help.
I am getting on myself. Good luck