CAMHs - adhd kid with possible autism.

[Rosieatthenagshead]

Does anyone know - how is ADHD treatment a vital pre requisite for ASD assessment/diagnosis?

I don’t understand. CAMHS said they will assess my child for autism if necessary and child already has a diagnosis of ADHD.

CAMHS have prescribed adhd meds for 10 year old DD. They said they wanted to work with the ADHD before considering an Autism assessment.

what evidence will this uncover? I know those people are busy and there was a lot going on and it didn’t occur to me until later.

I have found CAMHS to be generally fantastic. I imagine it’s a very tough area in which to work. They have been utterly professional. I’m always aware of how under pressure they must be with time etc.

Anecdotally, at least, ADHD can 'mask' autism, so medicating ADHD can reveal autistic 'behaviours' of the sort that are typically required to be observed in order to reach the diagnostic threshold for autism.

Agree with @Yarnorama - it was only after we had the ADHD diagnosis for our daughter and started on the meds that we saw all of her ASD features come to the fore. The untreated ADHD covered/masked her other problems and made it very difficult to see the extent of her difficulties.

Best wishes xx

Thank you both so much

My DS was assessed for both at the same time and diagnosed with both.

DS was then medicated for ADHD, his ASD was then really pronounced.

ADHD assessments are generally less labour intensive that ASD assessments so it’s another reason why ADHD is prioritised.

Thank you everyone. The autism is feeling increasingly pronounced at home. I had thought of going private and spending money I don’t have for going private but if the assessment team are any way decent, it sounds like they would also have to establish what things were like with the meds.

What sort ofasd traits became more noticeable?

Yes, what traits became more obvious? How was the ADHD masking? I have child with possibility of both but he's 17 now. Probably too late.

It won't be any specific things, it's more a shift from sub-clinical to crossing the threshold for meeting the requirements for diagnosis.

My daughter's autistic 'traits' were definitely masked by her ADHD. They became more obvious once she was medicated.

I’m my DSs case his anxiety went sky high, he was super sensitive so someone brushing past him felt like an assault to him. Everything was just too much.

We stopped his medication as his ADHD actually helps him function better as it masks his ASD.

ADHD gives rise to very hyperactive behaviour, inability to sit still, constantly on the move, poor impulse control and very much living in the here and now without consideration of the consequences. Once all of that behaviour was under control we saw how our DD struggled with social interaction and communication, problems with two way conversation, very literal thinking, lack of imagination, lack of understanding of non verbal communication etc. - all the features of ASD. Not only was it easier to diagnose the ASD with the ADHD under control but it was also easier for her speech and language therapist to design a program of therapy to help with the ASD.

Hope that helps.

Not dealing well with a change in plan, meltdowns, Coke bottle effect after school, looking for lots of sensory stimulation, routines, not being able to progress with things unless strict conditions inside her head are met. Sometimes saying really clueless things to people and not understanding why it wasn’t a good idea.

It is the ADHD inattentive type. So she might just be looking out the window rather than flitting around.

And very extreme levels of anxiety. Now school refusing.

@Rosieatthenagshead everything you mention are features of ASD especially the high anxiety and need for routine. As she has ADD the meds will help her with her concentration so that she no longer "zones" out/ daydreams and as a result she will be more "present" and more aware of social communication/interaction going on around her and the expectation that she is to participate. She is probably already masking in school - desperate trying to fit in. I think this is especially more so with girls as their social communication becomes more complex as they get older and so there are more "rules" to learn and understand which for autistic girls can be a nightmare to navigate.

Does she have an EHCP? If not apply for one. If you are able to pay privately for SaLT and OT assessments then do so. The former will uncover the extent of her difficulties with regards to understanding language and the latter will help uncover any sensory issues that she has. These assessments will also help when you apply for your EHCP and they will help school ensure that the environment is right for her eg giving her extra processing time, reducing use of idioms or explaining them when used etc.

With regards to anxiety - medication can help with this but you will need the ASD diagnosis to obtain them.

Also ask Cahms when will they assess for ASD as she is struggling at school and that having a diagnosis will help with obtaining a EHCP. The EHCP will ensure that she gets the right support at school.

Don't forget to apply for DLA for her and this money could be used to obtain the assessments and also SaLT and OT therapy until you get it included in the EHCP.

In terms of home - my DDs anxiety gets dumped at home and so I deal with a lot of meltdowns/tantrums. I deal with it by removing all demands on her so if she doesn't want to eat at the table but by herself in front of the TV then I let her. If she doesn't want to brush her teeth then again I let her. She spends most of her evening playing on her iPad and again I let her as it helps her to reduce her anxiety.

Hope some of the above is helpful.

Best wishes xx

There is some crossover between ADHD and ASD traits, so I guess by medicating for ADHD, those traits that are associated with ADHD should be removed, revealing whether ASD traits are also present.

Again thanks everyone.

@Cheekychop i have got another child who has autism. I have already managed to get the ehcp and DLA. She is also having to wear pull ups at night time as she is still not dry. I think she is desperate to fit in with other girls, poor thing.

Good idea also about the OT and SALT assessments. She is more sensory seeking than the diagnosed sibling.