Autism and ADD-are they linked?

[jcmum]

My eldest has PDA, but also when I look at the DSMIV criteria for AHDH I can tick all the boxes for the inattentive type, and some though not all of the hyperactive impulsive type. From what I read many of these things overlap so how do you know whether it is part of autism, or whether ADHD is also a possible diagnosis as well? I have asked the school by sending them a long list of the behaviours I think fit and asking them to consult someone from autism outreach to see what they think but waiting for reply... I get impression they think I am fussing over nothing but I think he will have real problems in secondary school...

[Janice Adamson]

Four of my five children have neuro-developmental/biological disorders, three of them also have varying degrees of ASD's, all four of them as well as myself have AD/HD as well. Only three of my children are on medications (stimulants, and depending on the severity of their AD/HD, melatonin as well as Seroquel.)Not all medications work the same for every individual, and having AD/HD myself I can give an adult perspective for those who are wary of the medications offered. Unfortunately, there is a huge stigma attatched to medications when it comes to behavioral or mental health issues.No one considers the benefits of the medications.If your child had Athsma, or Diabetes, no one seems to think twice about medication for their child.There is also a huge difference between hyperactivity, and attention deficit (with or without hyperactivity.) Essentially it is (ADD,AD/HD,ADHD-apparently an individual can have both, such as myself) the inability to not pay attention, but rather MAINTAIN attention.Often a child will do things before realizing the ramifications, even if it is something they have done before ie) crossing the street on a red light. Most of thses children do not have sufficient coping mechanisms that come naturally to other children and must be learned. Many of these children suffer from emotional lability because they react to what they are feeling, before they even realize what the feeling is, if they even know what the feeling or emotion is.I am on a high dosage of Concerta (essentially a long lasting ten hr.Ritalin, as well as Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant also known to help with the effects of AD/HD)as well as a secondary dosage in the late afternoon. I am not addicted to these medications, but they do help with concentrating, completing tasks, emotional lability, and hyper-focusing.I do believe there is a high correlation between many neurological disorders and/or syndromes.Biologically it is very prevalent within my family. -Janice

[franmcgowan]

I am trying to get melatonin for my son. I don't want him on Ritalin. The gp wont help hopefully the paediatrician can do something. He is very hhyper especdially at bedtime

[Janice Adamson]

Melatonin helps with regulating sleep patterns. Usually there are other conditions that co-exist with ASD's, so during assessments each are then determined and dealt with differently. Many parents do not want their children on medications, there are other alternatives to stimulants,though. I was only refering to what has helped my family, not suggesting that you use Ritalin or Dexedrine. That was and is a personal choice, I also offered my own personal experience as an adult being on Ritalin, myself. This was only to inform you of the benefits that I have personally found helpful in my own situation. Not all medications work for everyone, but the success with them is about 80%, and of course having adaptations and strategies to help work on issues with ADHD.ADD is harder to diagnose, especially the mainly inattentive type, often not going diagnosed until adulthood, when an adult can explain symptoms a child cannot, if the individual is capable of doing so.Attention deficit does not go away as many people believe, and one is born with it, although the onset can occur later, usually triggered by major change or trauma. I belong to an ADHD site as well. Usually dependant on the severity of such, many develop patterning behaviors and alternate ways of coping.(If ADHD is mild or moderate symptoms are much less noticable in later years, albeit still there.)Routines are important, and I have also located a site for sensory products to help with sleep as well, namely weighted blankets...for both myself and my children affected.Sensory Processing disorder is also much more common with those with neurological disorders and/or syndromes.I hope you find some of this information helpful! Good luck with your pediatrician visit, and remember if you are still not satisfied, seek a third opinion if you must. Parents are the most familiar with their children and are the "experts" on them. This site supports and /or possibly offers alternatives that we have found that works or has worked for our families.Keep us posted! -Janice

[tayomismo]

my son doesn't like to go to school.. he just want to go to school because of the canteen
he likes to read but very lazy to write.