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This is my first time posting, I have 'lurked' for a while here and have really learned alot of things from the people on this site. I don't feel alone anymore, I used to think no one else knew just what it takes to do what we do.. My hubby & I adopted our son from Foster Care 2 years ago. We have had him for 3 years, he came to us with a diagnosis of PDD/NOS, ADHD, PTSD and LOTS of meds (Vyvanse,Trazodone, Risperdal & Triliptal). I love him dearly and most days he is so funny & sweet but some days I feel like he may have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. If he doesn't get his way the melt downs are attrocious!! Hitting, screaming, biting and now he has started breaking things. I am so worried about him. I have asked all of his doctor's if any of the meds could be the cause of some of his aggression. We took him out of school last Feb. to homeschool. He has learned so much from his school and he LOVES his teachers and friends so we want him to go back in August, but the new principal wanted him to go to a Psycho Ed. School.. I have fought for an aide or a shortened day but the school will not budge and at every I.E.P. meeting we leave feeling defeated.. He has just been given the 'Autism' diagnosis in May after testing.. My question is how do you know the difference between Autism, RAD, ODD, PTSD? He was born in Foster Care, had several failed adoptions and several different foster homes.. I am sorry this is so long but if anyone has any advice please let me know!! Thanks and God Bless!!
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Not sure about how to diagnose Autism from RAD, ODD or PTSD but:
1. Has he been tested for anxiety disorder? My youngest was diagnosed ADHD, ODD, PDD but nothing for anxiety. I noticed it a bit when he talked and got him on Celexa and it's made a world of difference.
2. Did he have an IEP before adoption? If so, that should have stayed with him.
3. Does he act out in school? If so, he should get an IEP just for that.
4. Have you considered EMDR therapy? It's for PTSD and it has worked wonders.
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Hello Millie, Thanks for your response. Yes he did have an IEP before the adoption but he didn't go to school, he went to Easter Seals and the IEP didn't have anything about behavior in it. We did add a BIP in his IEP at school last year. He does act out in school, that's why we home schooled from Feb until May of last school year. He can be so very sweet but sometimes it's like he knows exactly what he is doing and gets in trouble on purpose..Can you please tell me how you knew your son had anxiety? I have often wondered if my son needs something for anxiety but I am scared to put him on more meds and at his last doctor's visit when I asked about an anti depressant, the doctor told me that an anti depressant would not help with the ADHD. I am leaning towards taking him off of the Vyvanse. I would much rather have a happy, hyper little 9 year old than an agressive, angry one.. Thanks again and God Bless!!