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Confused by today's assessment and diagnosis

Syrilsquirrel

Hi, I'm new here.

Our 9yr old son had his assessment today.   We went expecting, if anything, an Aspergers diagnosis but have come away being offered an atypical autism diagnosis.  My initial research of the 2 conditions would suggest that the difference is that people with Aspergers have higher intelligence and better language skills.  Now, the psychologist we saw commented on his excellent vocabulary and understanding and he is obviously of above average intelligence and in achieving well above average at school so I am a bit confused.

The psychologist said his imagination was too good and his interests were not obsessive enough for him to meet all the criteria for an ASD diagnosis.  

We have been given a month to go and do some research and thinking and decide if we want the atypical diagnosis.

Hope someone has some advice.  Thanks.

Parents

  • Hi, like you, our son has a diagnosis of Atpical Autism and was also nine when diagnosed. I was really confused as I'd never heard of this before and the doctor then gave us literature about Aspergers Syndrome. From what I can gather some doctors are trying to move away from Aspergers as it will be replaced on the DSM in 2013 with Austic Spectrum Disorder. What I found hard was when we told people about Atypical Autism they didn't know what it meant but when I said Aspergers they knew immediately. On reading Aspergers literature a lot of it does explain my son's behaviour patterns though like any diagnosis not all of it. I really do sympathise as its a real mind field out there. My son is in a 'special' school as he could not cope with Mainstream. The school advertises itself as a school for emotional and behavioural disorders but most of the children have a Autistic diagnosis. The school use the term being on the Autistic Spectrum and personally this is the one explanation that I feel most comfortable using. Though not all professionals understand this and will deem a child with AS to have a severe cognitive disorder. I then need to explain the term to them. My advice is not to get too overloaded with the actual wording of the diagnosis. After 2013 all children will be diagnosed with ASD; which will help, I think (I hope). I would again advise to read about Aspergers (there's a lot of research on Aspergers, Atypical is a newer term and not so much) and see if you think these patterns explain your son's behaviour. Personally I found a diagnosis a relief as it as helped me learn and understand about my son. There's also a huge wealth of support out there and that's what we and our children need. My son will be moving to secondary school next year and I am adamant that he is taught by teachers trained to work with children on the spectrum, but I can already feel a battle coming on with the authority who want him to go to the most cost effective school. Good luck with it all.

Reply

  • Hi, like you, our son has a diagnosis of Atpical Autism and was also nine when diagnosed. I was really confused as I'd never heard of this before and the doctor then gave us literature about Aspergers Syndrome. From what I can gather some doctors are trying to move away from Aspergers as it will be replaced on the DSM in 2013 with Austic Spectrum Disorder. What I found hard was when we told people about Atypical Autism they didn't know what it meant but when I said Aspergers they knew immediately. On reading Aspergers literature a lot of it does explain my son's behaviour patterns though like any diagnosis not all of it. I really do sympathise as its a real mind field out there. My son is in a 'special' school as he could not cope with Mainstream. The school advertises itself as a school for emotional and behavioural disorders but most of the children have a Autistic diagnosis. The school use the term being on the Autistic Spectrum and personally this is the one explanation that I feel most comfortable using. Though not all professionals understand this and will deem a child with AS to have a severe cognitive disorder. I then need to explain the term to them. My advice is not to get too overloaded with the actual wording of the diagnosis. After 2013 all children will be diagnosed with ASD; which will help, I think (I hope). I would again advise to read about Aspergers (there's a lot of research on Aspergers, Atypical is a newer term and not so much) and see if you think these patterns explain your son's behaviour. Personally I found a diagnosis a relief as it as helped me learn and understand about my son. There's also a huge wealth of support out there and that's what we and our children need. My son will be moving to secondary school next year and I am adamant that he is taught by teachers trained to work with children on the spectrum, but I can already feel a battle coming on with the authority who want him to go to the most cost effective school. Good luck with it all.

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