ASD, PDA & SPD dx now ADHD too???

[popgoestheweezel]

Just been to camhs and psych is putting forward the hypothesis that besides ds' diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, specifically Pathological Demand Avoidance and Sensory Processing Disorder, he believes that ADHD might be in the mix too.
Not really got that much knowledge of adhd as we've always been so focussed on the pda-type behaviours. Although we know that ASD/PDA is the correct diagnosis we also know that pda strategies were very, very helpful in the past yet even they are not enough right now.

Psych is going to review all their notes as well as the diagnostic report and ds' school reports and then we go back at the end of the month to see what he concludes. If he feels adhd is appropriate he says he will suggest a trial of medication.
I'm a bit shell-shocked really...

They have also suggested we get social services involved for some support and respite, not sure how I feel about having a social worker... I know a few socially! I know that is a really prejudiced way to look at it, there shouldn't be a stigma, here's one of the times when you hear the 'daily mail' voices in your head judging you.
Can't believe we might be looking at another diagnosis, we've waited all this time for one and now we might have three in the space of two months- it's all very strange.

Thanks polter, I could do with all the above. I am also glad CAMHS are on the ball here, I think from what he said and knowing the evidence base, that he almost certainly will diagnose ADHD.
I've got to head off to the dentist now for a filling! Bloody hell! Serious wine in order tonight.

Flowers and hugs from me too.

I don't know if this helps at all, but maybe think of it in these terms... Your son is still the same as he has always been, it's the fine tuning of the diagnostic description that's changed and expanded a bit. There are so many overlapping links between developmental conditions, and obviously the more accurate the diagnosis, the easier it is to support him. I know that's pretty obvious - not trying to minimise how you feel, I think I'd be shell shocked too.

Thanks, you are right, this is good news on a way. At least with ADHD there is a potential for medication and it does explain why it has been so hard to deal with- there's quite a lot going on here.
I need to switch up in ADHD now too- anyone got any good links to start me off?

Adding more (((hugs))).

I think singysongy's way of looking at it is a good one.

Thanks, feeling like I am getting my head round it a bit more today. The more I think about it, the more it seems to fit, I used to think lots of his hyper behaviours were his way of dealing with the anxiety and/or his way of avoiding demands. I also think the ADHD is more evident at school where they ask so much more in terms of sitting still and concentration.
He can though concentrate for fairly long periods of time at home especially when it comes to lego etc. but his teacher says that at school he can't even stick with his favoured activities for very long, there's very little chance of them engaging him in something he hates (like maths).
So who knows, they may say it is the hyper/impulsive type without the in attention or they may think he is in attentive as well. it might be that my idea of what the typical 7yo boy is capable of is much more than ds can manage- thinking about it, I am sure that's true.

Just back from hols and have seen your post: you are not alone. I could identify with so much of your last message. My ds has a very similar diagnosis. In our house, we call it "our normal"! We have found that it helps to read as much as possible (as you probably know already): sometimes a diverse diagnosis confuses things, particularly in meetings with lots of professionals, and it's difficult for everyone to agree or to understand what's causing what or which bit of the diagnosis is 'responsible' for which bit of behaviour, etc. My dh and I found doing a mind map of the key issues and support areas really helpful and we noticed a gap that has been filled through some OT input, as well as some psychotherapy. Have you linked into any local support networks, as you may well get some really good advice there, too. Just a thought!

I fully support Chris Greens book. Specially the first chapter which dispels all the myths about bad parenting and ADHD. I have been a facilitator for 'The Parent Factor in ADHD' an 8 week course designed by Barnardos for parents of children with ADHD for some years now. I volunteer in Tower Hamlets where the courses are held regularly. The course provides strategies, explanations, help with school, SEN, support and so importantly for much maligned parents, relief that they are not at fault for the behaviour and the self confidence to carry on. As Chris Green put it, a child with ADHD can make the most competent parent or teacher look hopeless. Unfortunately there are many myths round ADHD, bad parenting, American import, middle class problem, parents drugging their kids, I've heard them all and the recent report about the growing use of Ritalin is simply encouraging them. Appropriately prescribed Methylphenadate (Ritilin) transforms a child from a wild tornado to a cooperative child, ready to learn and able to listen within 20 minutes, is non-addictive and can be started and stopped at will, but contrary to popular belief it does not cure learned bad behaviour. Many of the symptoms of ADHD are similar to ASD and other conditions so do not worry too much if CAMHS are exploring a range of other conditions during the diagnosis stage, but I have experienced a reduced ADHD diagnosis (5% in a normal population) and elevated ASD diagnosis so read up and help your psychiatrist explore the options. ADHD is a life long condition and you owe it to your child to get to the root cause of their problems while they are still in full time education and can take advantage of what's offered. I believe there is little truth in the belief that ADHD cures itself in late teens. I think most adults learn to live with their condition and develop strategies to minimise risk.