Adhd Ocd Adults
adhd ocd adults
Should I tell my 12-year old son that he has mild Asperger’s and, if so, how do I discuss it with him?
My 12-year old son has ADHD, OCD (chronic knuckle-biting), and a central auditory processing deficiency. About 18 months ago, a couple of members of his diagnostic team diagnosed him with mild Asperger’s. However, some members of his diagnostic team disagree with the mild Asperger’s portion of his diagnosis, so there isn’t complete consensus within the team. He’s doing quite well with his therapies, which consist of a psycho-stimulant for the ADHD, social skills therapy for the mild Asperger’s, and various classroom accommodations. It’s quite difficult for many adults to fully grasp the nature and scope of Asperger’s and how it relates to autism. Not only is it difficult to understand, it’s difficult to explain to others. With that in mind, should I disclose to my son the possibility of his mild Asperger’s and, if so, how should I explain it to him? Would it be better for me to wait until he’s a bit older, such as 14 or 15?
I would spend more time making sure your son realizes that his Differences (rather than Disabilities) make him unique, but they can be dealt with in a positive way.
My experience with kids is that they know they are different and it scares them. The actual medical label is less important to them than the knowledge that there are things they can do to help themselves be successful in school and life. They worry that they are broken, or retarded, or not normal.
If he is 12, he probably wouldn’t fully understand the specific details anyway. It may be a relief to him to know that his difficulties do have names and that they are simply a matter of how he is built and not his fault. (some people have cancer, some people need glasses, some people are not artistic, some people are not athletic, etc.)
I stress that being different can be a gift and we study all the famous people who are famous because of their differences. I work hard to try and get the students to become comfortable and accepting of themselves (I don’t always succeed). I also stress that they have the same rights to education as everyone else and it is their right to be taught in a way that they learn.
Asperger’s is a relatively new diagnostic category and whether one believes in it or not, there are strategies that can assist with the characteristics that are causing difficulties (like the social skills therapy).
Accommodations should be specific to the things that are problems for your son, regardless of their label.
Howie Mandel Says: Don’t Touch Me!
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