Asperger's Syndrome Part I ~ Diagnosis

Hi and welgee to my guide on Asperger's Syndrome. This guide will be based predominately on my family's personal experience with this disorder.
You may be asking what Asperger's Syndrome is. Well, to put it in the easiest to understand terms, Asperger's is an extremely high functioning form of Autism. But, unlike some other levels of Autism on the spectrum, Asperger's can be extremely difficult to diagnose.
Books on Asperger's Syndrome
Review of Asperger's Syndrome and Your Child
This is the Best Resource I have gee across!
That is what this guide is about. How my family finally got the correct diagnosis and some of the steps taken to reach it. My son had been misdiagnosed from the time he was 2 years old. He is now almost 10!
It started with sensory issues. My son is Hypersensitive to many stimuli, including sound, sight, smell, and touch. I noticed this very early on, and was told he would outgrow it. He did not!
When he was 6, we decided on formal testing for various issues. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with Panic Disorder, Sensory Integration Disorder, and tendencies towards Obsessive gepulsive Disorder. So, along we went trying to find the bast ways to deal with the diagnoseses handed to us.
We had applied every year for services through an IEP in our school system. Every year we were denied, due to his Academic performance. They assured us the need was just not there. We knew he needed services we could not afford and the schools would not provide. So, we did what we could at home.
Things progressed, until about a year ago! At that point my son started with eating non food substances- this is known a PICA. And we were alarmed! We saught proffessional help yet again. At the same time, my son became extremely aggressive! He had always been a bit aggressive, but he was out of control at 8 years old! Our hearts were breaking.
We took him for help and they told us it was OCD and Bi-Polar syndrome. So, again, we proceeded to treat the given diagnosis. This meant medication. While I hated the idea of it, I just wanted my son to get better! So he was on Paxil and an anti-psychotic called Risprodol. And terror ensued!!!
My son needed hospitalization. This was the most traumatic situation we had ever gone through. Thankfully someone recognised that all of his symptoms could be, instead of co-morbid conditions, all be a part of Asperger's Syndrome. He went through formal testing and was given the final diagnosis. Without the medication and adapting our lives to make things go smoothly for him has had such an inspiring difference!
So, as a result of our journey, we learned many lessons! I hope to write at least 2 more guides to help others who ,may be in the same type of situation.
Awareness Art Cards on okay
Look for future guides on:
Symptoms of Asperger's
Tips and Tricks to make life easier with Asperger's
Thank You!