Our 10 yr old dghtr has ADHD and PDD-NOS. She is high functioning in many areas. After YEARS of fighting to get her the right diagnosis, hours of our own research, and MANY specialists (medical and through the school) later....We just got a 3rd confirmation from a specialist through the school system in the fall to agree with other medical professionals that she does have an ASD and ADHD. She also has expressive and receptive language disorder. We were told by more than one specialist that many children can have both ASD and ADHD. Part of the problem of us not getting an accurate diagnosis was that we have had her in some form of therapy since she was 2 on our own. She has had the private therapy at the same time she has been getting minimal therapy through the school system. Speech, Occupational, and even Physical therapy. During the school year once a week and 2xs a week in the summer until she was 8. We also had her participate in group activities even though she did a lot of things on the side lines and wasn't very interactive with the other kids early on. Even though we didn't have an accurate diagnosis until this past October, we have always known something was wrong. All of these things have helped her appear to be high functioning even though she tests just barely above what is considered MR status. 2 supposedly Autism specialists said she wasn't on the spectrum although one couldn't deny she has many ASD behaviors and tried to give her another label that had similar behaviors to an ASD. 3 others said PDD-NOS. We have also worked with her wonderful pediatrician that has allowed us to have her blood work tested for numerous other disorders that have similar behaviors as hers. All this to say KEEP FIGHTING FOR YOUR SON. Go with your instincts and what you feel is best for him. Doctors are individuals with 1 opinion. Not everything comes in an easily diagnosed package, and if they are blowing you off, or making you feel uncomfortable, they are not the right doctor for your son. Good luck.

When my son was first diagnosed it was Aspergers PDD/NOS, a pon the next review I was finally given the diagnostic code for Aspergers along with several tier levels of other diagnostic codes , no one child is the same on the spectrum, I would find someone who will work with you,. One hour with a child is not long enough for all the behaviors to be seen, it took my school district several class visits and meeting with teachers to finally get an IEP. Best Wishes to you.

I understand needing a diagnosis so that you can get services (special Ed, etc). You didn't say why you needed the diagnosis... But, if it's just to understand what assistance/therapy/support you should get him, I'd focus on the things where he needs help relative to others his own age. I'm assuming from his multiple diagnosis that he has behavior/attention issues- so, see a behaviorist. If he has motor skills issues, see an OT or a PT. As long as your insurance covers therapy (it may actually help to have multiple codes - since some insurance excludes autism therapy, but may not exclude other things- read and understand your policy). Focus on his needs, not on his label.

There are written tests that you have to score a certain # of criteria in each category to meet the different DX on the spectrum. Google autism society diagnostic classifications and print out, then take to the different Doc. I did this and had them all on the same page. (for a while anyway)

The developmental ped was the one who said ADHD and not on the Spectrum even though our GP and Psychologist said on the Spectrum.