New mom with teenager with ADHD

[Teddybear318]

My son dx with ADHD and at times the psychiatrist/psychologist says he has the spectrum. What confuses me is how did he get to be 14 years old and no one else diagnosed this??

He was always a happy, smiley, baby who maintained eye contact. How come pediatrics doctor never dx or school never diagnosed??

Can these two therapist use the term autism spectrum loosely? My son was very upset and told them he does not have it.

My question: How is it possible to not have been diagnosed for 14 years? I just don't understand??

[JoyandFaith]

Are you in the USA? Some mental health workers believe there are two spectrums. I have found the Affective Spectrum which has a long list of conditions on it, including ADHD, Fibromyalgia, Narcolepsy, and I forget what else. I think you should have clarified what the doctor meant by spectrum and whether they mix ADHD with ASD. In US there is only 5 conditions on the Autism Spectrum list and I didn't think ADHD was on it.

[Teddybear318 in reply to JoyandFaith]

Thank you, I have never heard of Affective Spectrum I will look into it. The doctors said he has ADHD along with Austism spectrum but in the higher functioning degree (asperger's).

[JoyandFaith in reply to Teddybear318]

Yes, they can be two separate conditions and both are usually from birth. I wish they kept Asperger's separate from Autism because everybody seems to think Autism means you have low IQ but only a tiny percentage of Autistics actually do and it usually from another comorbid condition other than ADHD. Down Syndrome is not Autism!

[Jezzibird]

I have Adhd and my brother does as well, and was always considered aspergers. However eye contact or our overall happy demeanor was never a struggle. I would definitely talk more with your doctor but then also research, research, research. This is a tough road for a parent but your kiddo needs you to be armed in knowledge from reputable sources so that you can help him too.

[poodlesncats]

I am sorry that you are so confused!! I am also. My son, now 17, was diagnosed with ADHD at 7 yrs. The neuropsych said he may have autism (before he did the formal testing) but when done said he was not on the spectrum.

About 6 months ago I had him reevaluated because I was not convinced that he is not on the spectrum. Those results say there is reason to believe he is, but not enough info to formally diagnose him as such.

My son is very high functioning,..... so maybe that gets in the way of a diagnosis of Asperger???

His pedatrician has noted some things, for which we have done counseling and therapy, but none of it has seemed to help much.

His father and I get so very annoyed and overwhelmed with his behaviors at times. I wish a professional could live with us for a day or so. I think that would definitely be an eye-opener for him/her!!

[Wildbrain]

I was recently diagnosed at 40, and felt the diagnosis process was far too casual. I only answered some questions on a form and the psychiatrist said I have ADHD...

I started taking medication and it does have a positive effect on me.

So my conclusion so far is that this is a very vague thing with no clear boundaries. You just have tendencies of being more one way than another. But as soon as ADHD comes up as a potential issue, you should do research on what to do about it. There are many options available and just having the label “ADHD” does help dig up things that help.

Everyone has the right to chose how they want to deal with it, so I take the label ADHD as a helpful guide even if I doubt the diagnosis process.

I wish you and your son lots of energy in researching and coming up with solutions that work for both of you!