We took Nathan in to see his new developmental pediatrician (considered one of the best in the state for autism spectrum disorders:). He asked us a bunch of questions and looked at Nate's school and medical history. He also spent a little time asking Nate some questions to see how he communicated and socialized. He told us that he agrees that Nate is definitely on the spectrum. He says that Nate can be considered Aspergers (because of high IQ) but also falls under what is called PDD-NOS. The autism spectrum consists of different labels to describe the severity. Aspergers is considered the mildest, then PDD-NOS (most often called Atypical Autism), and then Autistic Disorder. PDD-NOS basically describes a child who has symptoms of autism but has milder delays than what is seen in Autistic Disorder. He says that kids with Aspergers usually don't have any history of developmental delays (they walk, talk, etc on time). Since Nate had what he calls "significant developmental delays" he feels Nate is more affected than what he usually sees in Aspergers. He feels it would be better to keep the dx of Aspergers though because Nate is now showing an interest in other kids (he now plays with another boy at school who is also autistic :) he is doing well in school without special ed, and because he has been able to handle skating and soccer (team sports).
The doctor says that he is dropping the label of ADHD because the dx of autism covers those same behaviors. He decided it would be a good idea to try Nate on meds again but to approach it much slower. He is now on Strattera again (non-stimulant) for a trial run of 3 wks, he is also going to have a more thorough EEG where he will be sedated and have some newer tests than what they did when he was younger. There is a possibility he will be put on an anti-seizure med soon too. He is also being referred to a pediatric Neuro at Children's to deal with the hypotonia and the seizures. The doctor also said he is going to see what he can do to get Nate more help at school for his social skills and physical delays. He hasn't been on the medication long so we don't really know if it will help. We'll keep you updated on what happens.
Here are some pictures I felt like sharing. Nate is doing good and keeping busy as usual. He is very excited for Christmas. We went to Wal mart yesterday to get some lights and he got a picture with Santa, which I will add once I get it. He asked Santa for a Nintendo WII, typical boy! Anyways, he is counting down the days until winter break. He has been having fun playing in all the snow we have. He says he wants a White Christmas, maybe he will finally have one.
