I'm confused!! Treated for Schizophrenia and now diagnosed with Asperger's

[Mellorose]

I am in need of more information.
My son was diagnosed with ADHD at age 7. He was put into special education even though his IQ was 120. He had poor social skills, and had a hard time with simple tasks like dressing himself, and things to that nature. At age 17 he started talking to himself and became easily confused with simple tasks. The doctors determined that he was schizophrenic and for 4 years he was put on different medications with poor results. Now at age 21 while in a treatment center, professionals there say that he has Asperger's Syndrome. They want to remove him from any pyschiatric treatment because of this finding. But from everything that I have read about Asperger's, I cannot find schizophrenic like symptoms such as talking to yourself. I need information quick because today I have a meeting with these mental health professionals who intend on stopping medication and sending him out of the mental health system. My son cannot function on his own.
Thank you for reading this, and I would appreciate any opinions.

[Unregistered]

contrary to popular belief, diagnosis of disability and placement into special education is not governed by IQ scores. Instead, the practitioner looks at the gap between achievement and ability and provides the services the child of interest needs for support.

Furthermore, as a mental health practitioner, I have worked with countless kids and adults with ASP. Generally, the spectrum covers a wide array of behaviors/"symptoms" and I have personally seen the symptoms you've described in your posting - however, this may mean very little to you.

Educate yourself as much as possible about the change in diagnosis.

[Non Servium]

I have known people with symptoms of both schizophrenia and asperger's. Having both would not be impossible, and is probably more common than realized. Knowing some who have gone on to lead almost normal lives I'd recommend this ... do get him off the drugs, and try to give him a highly structured environment with set routines to follow. If he could find a very repetative job that did not require too much verbal or emotional interraction with people, that would be ideal. One person I know who has symptoms similiar to your son found a job as an inventory specialist and has never been happier, she is excellent at the repetative counting and filing tasks.

[Unregistered]

http://www.beyondhealth.com/articles/sugar-children.htm

do not feed that child milk or sugar.

[Unregistered]

Hello. There is nothing wrong with asking for time to gather more information or get a second opinion before you make your decision. One day may not be enough time to make a life changing decision for your son. There are alot of specialists out there and loads of information available on the internet. Unfortunately misdiagnosis is more common that alot of illnesses. Did you know that Bill Gates (Microsoft corporation) has Aspergers Syndrome? True. Best wishes! ~

[inotwakko]

has

he ever been on geodon??? my 12 year old son has aspurger also and geodon saved his life. he is now an almost normal kid.