I think my son might have Asperger's.

[Liberty Belle]

I've posted about him on here before. He was diagnosed with ADHD and the clinician said he saw a lot of sensory issues. The OT at his school did a screening and said she saw no sensory issues (didn't even ask us any questions or even talk to us, though).

Well, in a nut shell, he's a very bright child (scored 99% on his last MAP test in reading and math), is verbally advanced, likes to make detailed drawings, loves to play with any liquid (really loves it, almost obsessively so), has a wonderful memory, is not the most coordinated boy, has anger outbursts, has many sensory issues (craves vinegar and mustard, can't wear certain fabrics, socks, or shoes, is very loud, but does not like loud noises that he does not create or control, etc), etc.

Several people whom I've explained his behaviors to have said they're certain he has SID and it sounds like he has Asperger's. I've been thinking that myself.

I'm making an appointment tomorrow to get a private sensory evaluation for him. Should the evaluation show Aspie traits? Do the OTs usually pick up on this and talk to the parents or do we need to call the person who diagnosed him with ADHD?

At first I was certain that it was just ADHD and anxiety, but now...I don't know. I'm almost as certain that he has Asperger's. The thing is, he's a social kid and besides being very loud, he seems to be well-liked. I'm just confused I guess.

I've googled some, but is there good info online that someone here can direct me to? I'm just confused and nervous and wondering what to do next.

Thank you!

 

[iwrbnd]

Your son sounds very similiar to mine! When he was 15 he got an "aspergers probable" diagnosis...whatever that is! He's very mild and not super obvious (has friends and can seem "normal") but he also had ADD, some sensory issues and also scored 99% on the map test! There are days where he seems more "aspergery" than others. I don't think he would be diagnosed if I didn't tell his doctor all the things. He can appear fine in a doctor's office setting. I would make a list of all the things you see that concern you and share it the OT/doctor/whoever you see. Good luck. Mild aspergers is hard to diagnose. I still question ours sometimes.

 

[ratlenhum]

It does sound like SID. I recommend the books The Out of Sync Child and The Out of Sync Child has Fun. I'd offer to send you mine but I've passed them along.

How old is he? How is he in social settings with same aged peers?

 

[Liberty Belle]

It does sound like SID. I recommend the books The Out of Sync Child and The Out of Sync Child has Fun. I'd offer to send you mine but I've passed them along.

How old is he? How is he in social settings with same aged peers?

He's seven. He does pretty well, but is loud and just kind of over the top at times. He does have friends and he's flexible on what they play. He always seems older than the kids his age, though.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Your son sounds very similiar to mine! When he was 15 he got an "aspergers probable" diagnosis...whatever that is! He's very mild and not super obvious (has friends and can seem "normal") but he also had ADD, some sensory issues and also scored 99% on the map test! There are days where he seems more "aspergery" than others. I don't think he would be diagnosed if I didn't tell his doctor all the things. He can appear fine in a doctor's office setting. I would make a list of all the things you see that concern you and share it the OT/doctor/whoever you see. Good luck. Mild aspergers is hard to diagnose. I still question ours sometimes.

Wow! They do sound similar! Thank you. I'll be sure to tell the OT. Wonder if I should make another appointment with the clinician or just wait to see what the OT says.

 

[CMHusband]

Sounds a lot like my son. He's 10. We recently had him evaluated for Aspbergers by a child psychologist. We always thought he struggled with anxiety but could not figure out why. Now the puzzle is all fitting together as he get older. I'm no expert, but I don't think the OT will diagnose this, maybe offer an opinion. (our OT here is useless)

He's very bright and friendly, but also like to talk about what interests him and draws detailed pictures of robots all the time. you would never know he has a problem - except you might notice he doesn't give eye contact when he talks to people, blurts out random "off topic" stuff in conversations sometimes. Social situations are always challenging for him as is variety or changing routines. Oh and has major issues with socks and shoes (certain fabrics)

But, he is who he is. so we learn to deal with it and love him the way he is. He's an awesome kid, just kind of quirky.

 

[bookwormde]

Yes every child with SPD should be evaluated for the other 2 major characteristic areas of social skills and EF (executive function)
Is your child hyperactive (not just socially atypical in his presentation or a manifestation of anxiety)) since a large portion of aspies get misdiagnosed as ADHD. The best way to tell is that if he can focus for exceptional period of time on his areas of interest then he is not ADHD.
Well he is definitely an aspie, if he would get a full diagnosis is dependent on 2 things, his level of self adaption and the competency of the evaluating clinical group (no individual clinician is really qualified to do a diagnosis).
Since the SPD is known it comes down to social skill which the best 1st screen is the WPS SRS questioners, followed up by a one on one clinical "interview".
EF generally start with an IQ evaluation and a review of the differential in the subparts. A auditory processing evaluation is typically second and then a clinical session to evaluate perceptual preferences and an analysis of linear vs non liners processing strengths.
The best starting point is to get a copy of Toney Attwood's " The complete guide to Aspergers" which is available on Amazon for about $17 and read it asap.
I am a vinegar/mustard person myself and most of my other SP differentials are beneficial.
bookwormde

 

[Liberty Belle]

Yes every child with SPD should be evaluated for the other 2 major characteristic areas of social skills and EF (executive function)
Is your child hyperactive (not just socially atypical in his presentation or a manifestation of anxiety)) since a large portion of aspies get misdiagnosed as ADHD. The best way to tell is that if he can focus for exceptional period of time on his areas of interest then he is not ADHD.
Well he is definitely an aspie, if he would get a full diagnosis is dependent on 2 things, his level of self adaption and the competency of the evaluating clinical group (no individual clinician is really qualified to do a diagnosis).
Since the SPD is known it comes down to social skill which the best 1st screen is the WPS SRS questioners, followed up by a one on one clinical "interview".
EF generally start with an IQ evaluation and a review of the differential in the subparts. A auditory processing evaluation is typically second and then a clinical session to evaluate perceptual preferences and an analysis of linear vs non liners processing strengths.
The best starting point is to get a copy of Toney Attwood's " The complete guide to Aspergers" which is available on Amazon for about $17 and read it asap.
I am a vinegar/mustard person myself and most of my other SP differentials are beneficial.
bookwormde

He's pretty hyperactive, yes. Yes, he can focus extremely well when he is interested in something. Actually his focus isn't really that off for other things. Mine is. I find myself drifting in conversation and such, but I've never noticed my son doing this. He likes nonfiction and if I'm reading to him about an area of interest (and he is interested in many different things), he will sit very still and listen to every word (and then remember everything months later).

I've been wanting him to get an IQ test and evaluated for any learning disorders. Last year was a disaster. His teacher made things worse every day, behavior-wise, and she would not acknowledge his intelligence, even when other teachers/administrators were. She pooh-poohed his MAP test scores, which were really phenominal (the enrichment teacher approached her to ask her about my son and from what administrators say, she never does that).

I guess I'll contact the clinician who diagnosed him with ADHD and ask who I talk to about getting a full evaluation? His pediatrician is very old school and, while we love him for other reasons, is not really too informed about/involved with neurological disorders.

Thank you for the book reccomendation. I'll definitely get that.

The funny thing is, I remember as a child wanting to drink the vinegar we used for Easter egg decorating. I also craved pickles and would drink the juice and I loved mustard, too (just not to the extent my son does). And in speech, I've noticed I'm a little different, too. I remember in college I was talking to a friend and telling her about a letter I received from my dad. I told her he said, "I got your letter yesterday and before I could pick up pen to respond, alas, another letter from you arrived." She laughed and said, "Now I know why you talk the way you do." Which, at the time was a "huh?" moment for me, but now I recognize it.

Also, I see some traits in my older son, who is not as social as my youngest, but his behavior was always perfect, so I wasn't pushed to get any diagnosis, unfortunately.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but this is so interesting to me. I love my little booger. He's a wonderful, beautiful child and I want to figure out what he has going on so I can help him.

Thank you so much for the insight and info.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Sounds a lot like my son. He's 10. We recently had him evaluated for Aspbergers by a child psychologist. We always thought he struggled with anxiety but could not figure out why. Now the puzzle is all fitting together as he get older. I'm no expert, but I don't think the OT will diagnose this, maybe offer an opinion. (our OT here is useless)

He's very bright and friendly, but also like to talk about what interests him and draws detailed pictures of robots all the time. you would never know he has a problem - except you might notice he doesn't give eye contact when he talks to people, blurts out random "off topic" stuff in conversations sometimes. Social situations are always challenging for him as is variety or changing routines. Oh and has major issues with socks and shoes (certain fabrics)

But, he is who he is. so we learn to deal with it and love him the way he is. He's an awesome kid, just kind of quirky.

The clinician gave us the name of an OT and said she was really good, so here's hoping. Although, he also said the school OT was good.

My son loves to draw pictures of pirate ships (even though he doesn't seem overly interested in pirates, which is weird). The pictures are very detailed, for a 7 year old. It's always pirate ships, too.

I have never noticed the eye contact thing. I'll have to watch today and see what I think.

I'm the random off topic blurter. Things just pop into my head a lot and sometimes it's hard to keep them stifled. I'll have to see if I notice my son doing it.

 

[deerhart]

Y
Is your child hyperactive (not just socially atypical in his presentation or a manifestation of anxiety)) since a large portion of aspies get misdiagnosed as ADHD. The best way to tell is that if he can focus for exceptional period of time on his areas of interest then he is not ADHD.

bookwormde

This is clinically incorrect. Part and parcel of ADHD is the ability to hyperfocus. A very very large portion of people with ADHD have the ability to hyperfocus on items, especially things that are of interest to them. Further, The hyperactive-impulsive branch of ADHD has NOTHING to do with the person's ability to focus or not focus. Therefore, a person with ADHD who can focus for an exceptional period of time does not defeat the diagnosis. It only rules out innatentive and combined types.

Both myself and my oldest child are HI type ADHD. We both have the ability to hyperfocus. I can actually induce a hyperfocused state at will (great tool for school). It is especially easy to hyperfocus when reading or playing certain games. I can also do it when writing (though typing more then physical writing).

As for autism, the OP has not listed a single item that fits in with any of the diagnostic criteria for an aspie dx. There is no mention of severe social delays, no mention of severe non functional routines or self stimulating behaviors etc.. If you haven't noticed the eye contact issue, then its likely not there. It is pretty easy to see that the child won't look you in the eye ever when your at his level (my oldest son lacked eye contact until he was almost 5 year old, but most of it was due to trying to lip read). I even have pictures of my son at around age 2.5 where he refused to make eye contact with the camera.

While sensory issues are associated with autism, it is not the only thing sensory issues are associated with. Further, everyone has sensory issues to some degree, it is the extent that these issues interfere with normal life that is important. For example, tags bother me (and 1 of my kids), I HATE socks with a passion, I can't sleep without a heavy blanket on even in 100 degree temps and my ac broke.

As for volume level, I would ask that you look at the environment he's in when he is loud. If the environment is loud and he's talking over it, this may be an auditory processing issue (my oldest son does this due to his CAPD) with a delinquency in his ability to screen out background noise.

With an ASD child, in a conversation with them, they will always try to turn it back to their interests. For example, you could be asking them about a dog they saw and they would talk about their "thing" instead of the dog. This is much different then kids who just really really like something (both my boys are star wars, pokeman, and spore geeks and can go on and on for hours about them and constantly talk about them, that doesn't make them on the spectrum).

BTW my oldest son loves nonfiction and is what he usually checks out the library. He is a naturally anxious person (think type A perfectionist personality in a non so perfect mind) and one way for him to relieve his anxiety is to learn everything he can on a certain subject, like snakes, spiders, the weather etc.. He is also like me and plans and plans as a way of dealing with the anxiety.

Thankfully, we are in a school that has recognized my son's gifts and used them greatly to his advantage. Instead of trying to force stuff verbally through him when it was obvious it wouldn't work, they easily transferred almost everything to a visual/written form and played to his strengths. For example, when he became upset, instead of trying to talk him though it, they would talk to him, but also use visual cues and charts. They would allow him to write out his problems (and as it went along he would then dictate some things to him). For this process they used both computer programs (typing, symbols/pictures) and hand writing it out.

Today, it is a much more traditional approach (but now the estimate between his verbal skills and nonverbal skills is only a 15-40 point gap (depending on which tests and which scores you use) instead of the 70-80+ gap we were looking at in Kindy.

A final note on behavior. One thing to always remember is that an individual basis what they consider to be normal or abnormal behavior on what they know. I have met people who claim their children are hyperactive and these kids make my kids look like absolutely monsters (I have one mild to moderate hyperactive kid and one moderate to severe hyperactive kid. I also have a cousin who has a very severe case of ADHD). On the other hand, most of my family do not see my kids as being very hyperactive at all. They seem perfectly normal because, well most of my family is slightly hyperactive anyways so my kids don't seem all that different. On both of my kids conner charts and such, we constantly ruled them less hyperactive then the teachers and other providers did, because we saw the behavior as more normal because that is the activity level of the kids we are around. Vice versa if the kids your used to seeing are subdued and quiet types, a child who is a bit more rowdy will seem to be extreme rather then just on the other side of the middle.

When I saw my kids bounce off the walls, its a literal statement. My kids will run up and down the hallway throwing themselves from one wall to another (or roll, or walk and roll etc). My youngest son is always climbing all over the furniture. My oldest child cannot actually sit on a leather chair or couch, he has to slide and slither and move his body all over it (that is his one real remaining life bothering sensory issue)

 

[Minniemama350]

One thing to keep in mind:the label that you call "it" is not important UNLESS it will open up the door for your child to get the help they need. I'm not saying don't worry about it, just don't get consumed "with what do we call this." If at some point you can step back and observe that he is getting what he needs to be successful, then it doesn't matter if you have the correct label or not. I don't know if my ASD child is labelled 100% correctly. I do know he is getting what he needs. No need to look for the exact name of "it" any longer for us. I wish you the same peace of mind in the future.

 

[Liberty Belle]

One thing to keep in mind:the label that you call "it" is not important UNLESS it will open up the door for your child to get the help they need. I'm not saying don't worry about it, just don't get consumed "with what do we call this." If at some point you can step back and observe that he is getting what he needs to be successful, then it doesn't matter if you have the correct label or not. I don't know if my ASD child is labelled 100% correctly. I do know he is getting what he needs. No need to look for the exact name of "it" any longer for us. I wish you the same peace of mind in the future.

Last school year was hell. Even with his medication, most days were bad. I'm trying to figure out exactly what he has going on, so I can help him.

At first I dreaded certain diagnoses, but now I don't care. I just want him to be successful.

 

[Liberty Belle]

This is clinically incorrect. Part and parcel of ADHD is the ability to hyperfocus. A very very large portion of people with ADHD have the ability to hyperfocus on items, especially things that are of interest to them. Further, The hyperactive-impulsive branch of ADHD has NOTHING to do with the person's ability to focus or not focus. Therefore, a person with ADHD who can focus for an exceptional period of time does not defeat the diagnosis. It only rules out innatentive and combined types.

Both myself and my oldest child are HI type ADHD. We both have the ability to hyperfocus. I can actually induce a hyperfocused state at will (great tool for school). It is especially easy to hyperfocus when reading or playing certain games. I can also do it when writing (though typing more then physical writing).

As for autism, the OP has not listed a single item that fits in with any of the diagnostic criteria for an aspie dx. There is no mention of severe social delays, no mention of severe non functional routines or self stimulating behaviors etc.. If you haven't noticed the eye contact issue, then its likely not there. It is pretty easy to see that the child won't look you in the eye ever when your at his level (my oldest son lacked eye contact until he was almost 5 year old, but most of it was due to trying to lip read). I even have pictures of my son at around age 2.5 where he refused to make eye contact with the camera.

While sensory issues are associated with autism, it is not the only thing sensory issues are associated with. Further, everyone has sensory issues to some degree, it is the extent that these issues interfere with normal life that is important. For example, tags bother me (and 1 of my kids), I HATE socks with a passion, I can't sleep without a heavy blanket on even in 100 degree temps and my ac broke.

As for volume level, I would ask that you look at the environment he's in when he is loud. If the environment is loud and he's talking over it, this may be an auditory processing issue (my oldest son does this due to his CAPD) with a delinquency in his ability to screen out background noise.

With an ASD child, in a conversation with them, they will always try to turn it back to their interests. For example, you could be asking them about a dog they saw and they would talk about their "thing" instead of the dog. This is much different then kids who just really really like something (both my boys are star wars, pokeman, and spore geeks and can go on and on for hours about them and constantly talk about them, that doesn't make them on the spectrum).

BTW my oldest son loves nonfiction and is what he usually checks out the library. He is a naturally anxious person (think type A perfectionist personality in a non so perfect mind) and one way for him to relieve his anxiety is to learn everything he can on a certain subject, like snakes, spiders, the weather etc.. He is also like me and plans and plans as a way of dealing with the anxiety.

Thankfully, we are in a school that has recognized my son's gifts and used them greatly to his advantage. Instead of trying to force stuff verbally through him when it was obvious it wouldn't work, they easily transferred almost everything to a visual/written form and played to his strengths. For example, when he became upset, instead of trying to talk him though it, they would talk to him, but also use visual cues and charts. They would allow him to write out his problems (and as it went along he would then dictate some things to him). For this process they used both computer programs (typing, symbols/pictures) and hand writing it out.

Today, it is a much more traditional approach (but now the estimate between his verbal skills and nonverbal skills is only a 15-40 point gap (depending on which tests and which scores you use) instead of the 70-80+ gap we were looking at in Kindy.

A final note on behavior. One thing to always remember is that an individual basis what they consider to be normal or abnormal behavior on what they know. I have met people who claim their children are hyperactive and these kids make my kids look like absolutely monsters (I have one mild to moderate hyperactive kid and one moderate to severe hyperactive kid. I also have a cousin who has a very severe case of ADHD). On the other hand, most of my family do not see my kids as being very hyperactive at all. They seem perfectly normal because, well most of my family is slightly hyperactive anyways so my kids don't seem all that different. On both of my kids conner charts and such, we constantly ruled them less hyperactive then the teachers and other providers did, because we saw the behavior as more normal because that is the activity level of the kids we are around. Vice versa if the kids your used to seeing are subdued and quiet types, a child who is a bit more rowdy will seem to be extreme rather then just on the other side of the middle.

When I saw my kids bounce off the walls, its a literal statement. My kids will run up and down the hallway throwing themselves from one wall to another (or roll, or walk and roll etc). My youngest son is always climbing all over the furniture. My oldest child cannot actually sit on a leather chair or couch, he has to slide and slither and move his body all over it (that is his one real remaining life bothering sensory issue)

My son is pretty hyper. His teacher did score him somewhat more hyper than we did. It doesn't sound as if he is as hyper as your children. He's not as physically energetic, just more intense in everything.

You're correct, there are no severe social deslays, sever non-functional routines, or self stimulating behaviors. I think he does tend to avoid eye contact somewhat, but not severely so (probably not even moderately so). He has no problem looking into the camera for pictures.

He's loud almost all the time, no matter where we are. If asked to whisper or be quiet, he can, but his natural voice is very loud.

His sensory issues are huge. I have some sensory issues, too, as well as my older son, but we adapt. They do not change our lives the way my youngest son's change his. Forgot to mention he loves heavy pressure on him. He asks us to lay on him a lot. That's just one of the many sensory things he has going on, though.

Again, I'm not looking for an Asperger's diagnosis. From most of what I've read, though, it seems at least fairly likely.

 

[bookwormde]

Without getting into a deep clinical discussion, apparent hyperactivity from lack of social dampening and hyperactivity from direct neurological differences are quite different and it takes a highly qualified clinician to tell the difference, this is why those who have intermittent appearance of hyperactivity are misdiagnosed so often. Those who hyper focus for extended periods of time and are checked and confirmed for lack of social dampening are not considered ADHD by highly qualified clinician but instead are ADD with social deficits and the treatment protocols are completely different. Less qualified clinician who do not do the extra work and stick with the ADHD diagnosis and treatment protocols which in the long run is often very damaging to many of these kids.
While there are not exact statistics it is generally believed that more than 50% of people who eventually identified as being high functioning on the spectrum were initially misdiagnosed as ADHD.
Whether you can pick on the indicators of spectrum characteristics depends on if you just read the basic criteria or have experience and have read the best practices information on Aspergers. If you try to relate the typically identifiable manifestations of classic autism to Aspergers I can see the confusion.
Bookwormde

302-420-6180

 

[deerhart]

sorry but in all my research I have never heard the term social dampering, so not sure what you mean by that can you please explain?

I also have no idea what your actually referring to as high functioning as it has no set standard definition in the medical field (I have seen many people and practitioners use the term to mean very very different things, so i always ask a person for their definition of it) when you use it what are you meaning?

Under the DSM IV, a child that does not have a severe social delay, nor either a non-functional routine or a self stimulating behavior will not be diagnosed with any form of autism. All of the autism dx require 2 qualitative impairments in social functioning "1. marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity ( note: in the description, it gives the following as examples: not actively participating in simple social play or games, preferring solitary activities, or involving others in activities only as tools or "mechanical" aids )"

When my son was going through all his testing, the above and the lack of non-functional routines or self stimulating behaviors is what kicked him out (my son's social delays were deemed moderate, not marked/severe).

The volume level thing is very interesting and do not just over look it as a cursory glance. You really have to look at the enviornment. For example, you may consider your home environment to be fairly quiet, but it may not really. Your tv volume maybe set at a normal level, but then you may also have computers running, fans, the heater/ac, the fridge, etc.. all on as well. Further, other people may be talking in the room. If a child has difficulty dealing with processing sounds, especially in filtering out background noise, all those small sounds your brain is tuning out (computers humming, fridge running, fan moving, heater kicking on etc..) all end up being the same volume to this person. Thus, in order to hear themselves talk, they have to talk over the background noise. The other option maybe some hearing loss.

Has he had a comprehensive hearing exam?

Also, intensity can be a personality trait versus a part of a disorder. When looking at everything, you can't limit yourself to just disorders, but must consider the person as a whole, including personality, learning styles, areas of strengths and weaknesses etc.. These are things that are inherent in all persons regardless if there is another disorder. Also many disorders can intensify or worsen these other traits. My odlest son (the one who bounced off walls age 5) now at age 10 shows his hyperactivity through brain processing speed (off the charts high), intensity, and much smaller movements (hands moving fast, pacing, etc..) rather then the all out constant go go go he did as a youngster (or even he's almost 8 year old brother who we pray will start to mellow out like everyone else at age 8). Throw in some giftedness or high creativity and that just makes a further mess of things (as you know get to start adding in compensation techniques due to this etc)

I will tell you my oldest LOVES heavy pressure. He used to wear weighted vests in school, would be rolled up in blankets (like a cocoon), has 2 comforters on his bed (one in a heavy duvet), lots of bear hugs etc. We went through a whole sensory head/water thing when he was younger as well (all that remains of that is preferring snorkel mask for swimming).

Did your son have frequent ear infections as a child?

 

[Liberty Belle]

sorry but in all my research I have never heard the term social dampering, so not sure what you mean by that can you please explain?

I also have no idea what your actually referring to as high functioning as it has no set standard definition in the medical field (I have seen many people and practitioners use the term to mean very very different things, so i always ask a person for their definition of it) when you use it what are you meaning?

Under the DSM IV, a child that does not have a severe social delay, nor either a non-functional routine or a self stimulating behavior will not be diagnosed with any form of autism. All of the autism dx require 2 qualitative impairments in social functioning "1. marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity ( note: in the description, it gives the following as examples: not actively participating in simple social play or games, preferring solitary activities, or involving others in activities only as tools or "mechanical" aids )"

When my son was going through all his testing, the above and the lack of non-functional routines or self stimulating behaviors is what kicked him out (my son's social delays were deemed moderate, not marked/severe).

The volume level thing is very interesting and do not just over look it as a cursory glance. You really have to look at the enviornment. For example, you may consider your home environment to be fairly quiet, but it may not really. Your tv volume maybe set at a normal level, but then you may also have computers running, fans, the heater/ac, the fridge, etc.. all on as well. Further, other people may be talking in the room. If a child has difficulty dealing with processing sounds, especially in filtering out background noise, all those small sounds your brain is tuning out (computers humming, fridge running, fan moving, heater kicking on etc..) all end up being the same volume to this person. Thus, in order to hear themselves talk, they have to talk over the background noise. The other option maybe some hearing loss.

Has he had a comprehensive hearing exam?

Also, intensity can be a personality trait versus a part of a disorder. When looking at everything, you can't limit yourself to just disorders, but must consider the person as a whole, including personality, learning styles, areas of strengths and weaknesses etc.. These are things that are inherent in all persons regardless if there is another disorder. Also many disorders can intensify or worsen these other traits. My odlest son (the one who bounced off walls age 5) now at age 10 shows his hyperactivity through brain processing speed (off the charts high), intensity, and much smaller movements (hands moving fast, pacing, etc..) rather then the all out constant go go go he did as a youngster (or even he's almost 8 year old brother who we pray will start to mellow out like everyone else at age 8). Throw in some giftedness or high creativity and that just makes a further mess of things (as you know get to start adding in compensation techniques due to this etc)

I will tell you my oldest LOVES heavy pressure. He used to wear weighted vests in school, would be rolled up in blankets (like a cocoon), has 2 comforters on his bed (one in a heavy duvet), lots of bear hugs etc. We went through a whole sensory head/water thing when he was younger as well (all that remains of that is preferring snorkel mask for swimming).

Did your son have frequent ear infections as a child?

He's just had the school hearing exam in kindergarten and first grade. He failed his first kindergarten exam, but passed the subsequent one. Passed his first grade exam. No, only a couple ear infections. He does have allergies.

I am pretty sure he is gifted, too, so, yes, that does throw things a little.

 

[bookwormde]

TO OP I know this is more detail than you expected but I think it is helpful in understanding why it is so hard to get a "good" diagniosis, and why it is so important to educate yourself.

Typo "social dampening" (the constraints that innate genetic social programing and learned social skills place on behaviors).

If you are willing to accept the CHADD view of the world that is OK, but it is why CHADD is held in such significant distain by the HFA/Aspergers community. The one size fits all approach and unwillingness to even mention any other possibility is really damaging.
While there is no DSMV-IV HFA definition most clinician use a general set of criteria of about 100 IQ, verbally communicative and amble to make significant progress toward typical development of social and intellectual skills ,of course all the lines are getting blurred as the quality of therapies and accommodations are improving
If the diagnostic criteria interpretation was only the specifics what was stated 80% of the Aspergers kids would not have received a diagnosis, just had my child reevaluated by one of the top 3 center in the country and it takes someone who has lot of experience to understand the breadth of presentation that fit within the diagnostic criteria. I am sure if you only spent limited time with him in an environment that he is comfortable in you would insist that he was not on the spectrum, but the best clinicians in the world would tell you otherwise, and the less competent clinicians would agree with he is not.
bookwormde

 

[wlake]

I've been skimming over the posts about your son, and for what it's worth, here's my son's story, as parts of it sound similar to yours.

He's 8 and his first eval, at 23 months, was for autism. That's when we got the sensory diagnosis. We've learned that when he's exhibiting the control/rigidity features typical of the ASD spectrum, he's feeling very unregulated and that he can't trust the signals he's getting from his body. He then takes control of something he can control in order to try to make himself feel better. This has gotten better as he's gotten older and is more able to self regulate.

The other piece that's a problem for him is vision. He has a terrible time making eye contact with people and looking at cameras for photos. After being pushed for a couple of years by his OT and PT, we finally took him to a behavioral optometrist. While he has 20/20 vision, his eyes have a hard time tracking (as in following print to read) and working together properly. We have a daily home therapy program for this and follow up with the dr. every 6 months.

He had a wonderful kindergarten year and a wonderful second grade year with teachers who understood that he needed movement and vision breaks as well as challenging work to keep him busy. He had a terrible first grade year with a teacher who put him in a paper cubicle and insisted that he stay seated and focused at all times.

A good OT is worth his/her weight in gold. We've had a terrific experience with our PT (and in fact have seen her much, much more than the OT) although most people don't turn to them first for sensory issues.

I hope this helps you in some way. I'm a teacher and so I've read dozens of reports from experts talking about how a child has this disability or that disability, but it's still a huge blow to me when it's my child's name on the top of the report, knowing that life isn't going to be easy for him.