UCLA study on Asperger’s and focus — Intuniv

It’s been awhile since I wrote here. I’ve been in a state of confusion and a bit vulnerable, but now I’m ready to spill my guts!

As I mentioned in my last post, I wasn’t ready to put Stink on any kind of meds. It just didn’t feel right. He’s not complaining about his tics. His doctor doesn’t see any reason to use meds, so why bother? (Other than they sometimes can be frustrating for me. Not a good enough reason.)

After our last visit to UCLA, however, the idea of possible Asperger’s came up. Combined with many visits with teachers over the past few years, I decided to look into it more via a UCLA diagnostic study. Shock of all shock, Stink fits the description for being on the spectrum and is a candidate for their drug study — one that uses Intuniv (ADD medication) and sees if it helps with symptoms of Asperger’s.

I found this disconcerting for a few reasons:

1. I don’t feel the diagnostic was in depth enough to warrant a diagnosis.

2. Even if Stink has a diagnosis for Asperger’s, it’s high-functioning enough that do I really need a diagnosis? What happened to just having a kid with some quirks? Do you think next year he’ll be diagnosed with EPID — Extreme Pistachio Intake Disorder? I mean, he does eat them by the fistfuls. It could be considered compulsive. Call the shrinks at Costco! He might need meds!

I’m irritated, because while I will of course help my kid any way I can, I’m also annoyed at how quick we are to throw pills down our kids’ throats in this culture. I want my son to be the best he can, but he loves himself the way he is – tics and all. He’s happy. He’s content. When is that enough? What is the balance between “getting the best for our kids” and “this is too much?”

If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to take a pill. I suffer from DAYS Syndrome – Drinks A lot of Yuban. It’s a real sickness. I better call UCLA.

How are you all? What’s new in the world of TSParentsOnline? Talk to me people!