How do I get the right diagnosis?

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aaamom
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14 May 2009, 8:56 am

My son is 5 he has been diagnosed with OCD and ADHD but i am sure this is wrong. I might be crazy but I have 2 other children and my son is no where close to being like the other two. But thats not the issue I dont want him to change I just want others to know how wonderfuly specail he is.My husband doesnt believe theres anything wrong so its hard, he is the loudest kid on the face of the earth lol. He has a very proper tone when he speaks ,he takes everthing you say like it is the truth, which can be bad . He has a hard time with food he is very limited he like cheeses and breads. He can throw some awful awful fits , one of his teachers said he is a baby I guess meaning I baby him..? I guess my question is what do I do now? He has this ADHD thing labled to him that I know is wrong.



Zsazsa
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14 May 2009, 9:00 am

Start with your Pediatrician...and express your concerns to him/her.



jat
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14 May 2009, 9:57 am

How you deal with it depends in part on where you are - the system in different countries is different.

If you're in the States, my first question would be who did the diagnosis? Was it done through the school district? If so, say that you disagree and ask (in writing!) for an independent educational evaluation. The school district would be obligated to provide one unless they can prove that their evaluation was proper. You would then have the right to choose an evaluator - don't choose someone from their list; choose someone who is truly independent - get referrals from doctors or parents you can trust; someone who is known to produce educational evaluations that provide good recommendations and strategies.

If the diagnosis was not done through the school district, get a second opinion from a different, unaffiliated provider. Many children get mis-diagnosed the first (or second, third) time they see someone.



whitetiger
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14 May 2009, 11:02 am

I'd go to an expert in ASD's. You should be able to find one in your community. This could save you the heartache and money spent on assessment after assessment until you get the right one.


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natesmom
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14 May 2009, 8:27 pm

Who dx him with ADHD and OCD?



aaamom
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15 May 2009, 9:09 am

His doctor refered me to university of louisville for testing they then diagnosed him with OCD and ADHD.



jat
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15 May 2009, 9:26 am

Do you know whether the doctor you saw has expertise that includes ASD? You might want to check out WrightsLaw - go to the Kids Yellow Pages, and search through your state, and see whether there are any providers that you might want to use for a second opinion, or any parent groups that you could contact to find out whether either the doctor you used is one they have feedback on, or whether they have other recommendations.



DW_a_mom
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15 May 2009, 1:27 pm

AS commonly misdiagnosed as either or both OCD and ADD so it is definitely worth getting a second opinion. I wish I could offer you more specific guidance on obtaining that, but we were lucky enough to get it right the first time.

The only other thing I can say is this: when your child's diagnosis is right, you will KNOW it, I truly believe that. It will add up. Things will feel like they've fallen in place. So keep pursuing information and additional opinions until you can acheive that level of comfort with the label. Trust your instincts.


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