subjective dx / forgetful parents

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I posted before when we decided to have our nearly 6year old son assessed. Now we've been assessed, and have been told he's borderline. A 12, but possibly a 15. I think it was labelled CARS and the woman told us that 10-15 is mild, with anything above 15 indicating a somewhat more serious case. (I don't live in the US, so I don't know if all the numbering systems are the same)

We were expecting this outcome, but still feel like we've been hit by a freight train. We've been educating ourselves gradually for this and I honestly believe we can deal with it effectively. But we're worried about how subjective the test is. There were so many points where it was VERY difficult for us to remember if our boy points with his finger, if he coordinates eye contact with us when he points at something he wants, for example. I eventually said he will often point without looking at me. But the first thing he did when he came home was point at something and my wife realized he'd looked directly at him.
Still, though, he gets hysterical when he loses or when things don't go his way, he's somewhat rigid in day planning issues (i.e. needs management), has bed wetting problems, echoes our words days later, etc.

My question is simply: does it make a difference that I'm sure we got other questions wrong? I feel like we've "condemned" him to a diagnosis on false evidence. I guess I know that's not true, but it's important for us to accept this dx in order for us to be able to deal appropriately with him. Also, if he's "only" a 12, are we basically being whiners? Or are we "correct" in taking this very, very seriously? I don't have perspective yet on this whole thing.

I know what you mean! I did that test among others on my son (5 years) about 6-9 months ago and only now am I gettting anywhere. Not sure what he scored on the CARS test but on the Connors Rating Scale he scored 70. So far all I know is he has autism and adhd. I have know for a few years that he was on the spectrum so was able to get him good Early Intervention.
What country are you in?

We had our sons diagnosed in a specialist autism/asperger's clinic. I'm not sure if we did that test.

However the diagnosis never solely depends on what the parents say.

The professional making the diagnosis will make observations regarding speech pattern, gait, eye contact during the assessment, conversation skills of the child compared to peers etc. The psychologist noticed things about our sons that I hadn't noticed eg They speak in a foreign accent

It depends on whether you trust the experience of the person making the diagnosis.

In our case, our sons were diagnosed at Professor Tony Attwood's clinic. Not by Tony himself, but by another clinical psychologist who is another expert in this area.

A couple of questions shouldn't make a difference to the diagnosis if the professional is experienced and has a good knowledge about Asperger's.

You're right about not wanting to label someone if they're don't have Asperger's. On the other hand, not getting the diagnosis and help you need if you have Asperger's is a problem.

If you are really concerned, seek another opinion.

Helen

I had to answer questions for CARs and I felt like some of the questions were too black and white. He might do some of the behaviors some of the time, but not all of the time. I felt guilty for filling the thing out.....but, he's on the spectrum.

I don't even remember what the score was.

A single assessment, especially a rating scale should never be used alone to make a formal diagnosis. Were there interviews, observations, other assessments? I would not feel comfortable with a diagnosis that came from a rating scale alone.

for your own peace of mind, maybe you should consider a second opinion...