Working with undiagnosed autism
by Debbie
The media does a fantastic job on reporting the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment of autism, but the needs of older individuals have to be addressed too.
I’ve been working with individuals with disabilities for many years. About 10 years ago we had a huge increase of children being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many of these individuals were treated with psychotropic medications to control their behaviors. Many did not respond appropriately or learn basic academics. So then they’d get a new diagnosis: Cognitive Learning Disability.
These individuals are 18 years old and older now, and when we review their needs we see key characteristics of autism. Do they have the diagnosis of Autism? NO. But do they have the limitations/challenges of an individual with Autism? YES.
Locating long-term supports for these individuals is very challenging. They often become drop-outs, involved in the mental health or judicial systems, with no opportunity for career success that focuses on their strengths.
Our workforce is missing out on an incredible pool of individuals ready for detail, routine and process!
November 19th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Deirdre,
Your nephew has a pretty incredible aunt!
I am based in Cincinnati, OH, but there are adult services that should be available to your nephew in WA. I will send you a note to your personal email through my work email with some recommendations. Stay strong! As Patricia Wright noted in an earlier post…advocacy can be tiring…but absolutely worth it!
Debbie Smith/Easter Seals WRC
November 18th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I have a nephew who is now 25 years old, 5 months older than my only son. At about 18 months following an innoculation, he became very sick. All his milestones went away. He started falling over, could not walk or crawl, he stopped growing including his nails and hair. He was seen at Loma Linda Hospital in S. CA and they did not know what was wrong with him. We are in the process of getting his medical records which apparently say that they felt it was an adverse reaction to the shots her got. He had water on the brain too. All kinds of tests. Spinal tap, etc…it was horrendous. He had trouble all through school and was diagnosed with ADD, OCD that I know of. His deficits are terrible. He’s a man child, and it is so apparent to me since my son is the same age. He is intelligent enough to do certain things, but not mature enough to see it through or to make good decisions on his own when required within that task. His level of conversation is very immature. He talks and walks in his sleep, and has trouble sleeping. He can get a job and do VERY well for awhile, and then he’ll end up getting fired for not showing up for work when he begins to lose interest. He does not have the wherewithall to pull himself up by his boot straps and go into work anyway. He is living with me now and I hope to get him diagnosed so that we can apply for Social Security Disability so that way he has some money coming in and health coverage. I do not know what else to do, or where to go to get him diagnosed by someone who is knowledgable in dealing with adults who were misdiagnosed or who the medical field neglected to diagnose. 25 years ago there was no such thing as the Autism Spectrum and autists were only the ones who were exhibiting profound symptoms, so my nephew completely fell through the cracks. We live in Olympia WA, so if anyone has any help they can offer with the name of a specialist, please email me at mikedee84@yahoo.com we would very much appreciate any help or advise out there! Good luck to everyone else on this very difficult journey. ~ Deirdre
January 26th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
My son is 9 years of age and has been diagnosed with ADHD and has a cogitive score in the “superior” range, however is struggling at school. Needless to say, the school is giving him A’s and B’s despite the quality of work being delivered, number of incomplete assignments existing, additional time spent after school expected to compelte classwork, and not to mention the stress that he is under(stomache aches, low self-esteem, ect.). All of which the school claims is not a significant problem, becasue he is receiving A’s and B’s. I know for a fact that some of his grades are not deserved based on the quality of work being sent home, not to mention the numerous e-mails about behaviors, ect. Yet, the school insists there are’t any “problems”, thus will not procide some basic modifications in the classroom-I am in need of assistance in the advocating area (I am trying to do it all myself, but finding it quite challenging to keep up) I feel the school needs to be held accountable-thanks!
May 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Please contact me my son is 7 and was diagnosed with adha about 2 yrs ago. I feel like I am not getting help from anyone and I hate these meds. please calll me at 610-395-5482. thank u so much. Kim
March 28th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Debbie,
What an excellent point about individuals with Autism having similar challenges to those individuals living with ADD/ADHD and Cognitive Learning Disability. I’m so glad you brought this to light.
Many parents of young children ask about the connection between Autism and ADD and ADHD and I respond by saying what you have said here.
I know Easter Seals will continue to support individuals in the workforce that have all of these unique challenges!