Aspergers and Comorbid Conditions

Filed under:Diagnosis — posted by admin on February 12, 2008 @ 4:24 pm

Children with Aspergers syndrome are known to have several comorbid conditions. Comorbid conditions are those conditions or diseases that go along with having Aspergers syndrome. One of these conditions is known as ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sometimes, these children can be misdiagnosed as only having the more common ADHD, with the Aspergers syndrome being missed.

Obsessive compulsive disorder can be a comorbidity with Aspergers syndrome. In some cases, this doesnâ€™t show up until the Aspergers syndrome individual is an adult. What both conditions have in common is the need for order, and the presence of compulsive, sometimes irrational, repetitive behaviors. Some scientists believe that there is a neurological relationship between the two conditions.

Because those with Aspergers syndrome know they are different and have difficulty relating to others, they often suffer from acute or chronic depression. Others can have anger or violent symptoms out of frustration for being â€œout of placeâ€. There have been reports of suicide and suicide attempts among those with Aspergers syndrome. The symptoms of depression can respond to antidepressant therapy and also to psychological therapy, aimed at helping the Aspergers syndrome patient feel more accepted and acceptable to others.

Seizures are a common comorbidity of Aspergers syndrome with some researchers believing that up to 30 percent of Aspergers syndrome children also have a seizure disorder. Medication can work in some cases, while other sufferers require specialized brain surgery to be free of seizures. While the Aspergers syndrome itself has no known cure or medications specifically designed for it, many of the comorbidities can be treated effectively. Not only can seizures and depression be treated, but the ADHD and obsessive compulsive symptoms have known medical therapies directed at helping them. Using these medications can often make the Aspergers syndrome symptoms more tolerable and increases the functioning of the individual who is experiencing it.

To discover All Natural Approaches to dealing with comorbid conditions go to: www.NativeRemedies.com

comments (25)

25 comments »

I guess I would like to know how to deal with a teenager that refueses to beleive she has a problem, is it too late? she is so hard to deal with & live with. She is tearing up the family. Im a single mom with 2 teens & she is always miserable. I need help!

Comment by Nancy Zinser — February 12, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
I can only read your blog in internet explorer, not in firefox. In firefox the blog part is partially covered by the stuff on the right.

Comment by Laura — February 12, 2008 @ 8:31 pm
Can you elaborate on diet for children with Aspergers- what not to eat etc. Also brain exercises which I can do at home. Handling tantrums which is now begining.My grandson is 6yrs and has been tested by about 10 specialists in the different fields through the school system. Signs are now becomming apparent. thanks for all your words of wisdom. marie

Comment by marie youksee — February 12, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
Since I have found this website, I have learned alot about Asperger. My son was diagnosed a year ago and struggles with school. I did not even know what Asperger was, even though I knew he my special little boy. He does have comorbidities. One is focusing especially at school. I decided to try the focus formula from nativeremedies and the 1st day I seen a difference. His teacher is impressed with him as well as the other teachers. His cousins have also seen the difference in him. He has even scored higher in his reading. He even has a better self esteem. At home we let him be himself which I feel is important. Thanks and I will continue to support this blog

Comment by Ruby Torres — February 12, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
Dear Dave, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.I down loaded vol 2 and took it to Staples they copied it both sides and put it in book form for 19.95 good deal. now I need vol. 1 Help Rea Ottinger God Bless you Dave.

Comment by Rea Ottinger — February 12, 2008 @ 11:00 pm
Hi David,I have a nine-year old son with AS. The picture of a lonely boy on the top of this page really breaks my heart. Other parents and adults with AS may feel the same.
As you are a person trying to support us, could you please change the picture with a more positive one?
Thanks for your help, MÃ¼ge

Comment by MÃ¼ge — February 13, 2008 @ 7:20 am
Hello. Thank you for another interesting article. My step-son has several comorbidities including ADHD, OCD and Tourettes. He has many ticks that have been another difficulty for him at school. He is a very sweet child and never has tantrums but I am concerned as he gets older it will become more difficult. He will begin middle school in September so we are very concerned about keeping him mainstream right now.

Comment by Sue Uvino — February 13, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Have learned a lot from all your emails. Have you heard anything about Fragile X? There is an interesting article about Fragile X and aspergers.
Web address is http://www.fraxa.org. I found it very interesting.

Comment by Myrna Perry — February 13, 2008 @ 11:07 am
After rather prolonged searching, this is the first time I have found anything specifically dealing with Asperger’s in ADULTS. I am still looking for how this and ADHD, and especially ADD, relate and can a person have both Asperger’s and ADD.

Comment by William P. Lemmond, Jr. — February 13, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
My son was diagnosed by the school as AS but he was never by a physician.How do I know for sure that he is or isn’t AS?He is an only child and very well behaved and does well in school.

Comment by kathy — February 14, 2008 @ 10:09 am
my son was just recently diagnosed and your articles do help a lot. I have so many questions and no one to talk to about it. It’s nice to know that there are people really trying to learn more about AS and how to help families cope with kids who have it. Thank you

Comment by Jennifer Downing — February 14, 2008 @ 10:59 am
Thanks for your books, they really explained a lot for me and helped me understand my 11 yo daughters actions. One thing I have a hard time with is drs. therapists and psychs. who told me to pick my battles when she was younger. Let some things slide because they were not important enought to handle a rage over. No my daughter does not like to hear the word “No”, she doesn’t like rules and because I didn’t want to handle rages all the time, she is now not accepting dicipline and I am back to raging. I guess I should have stayed tough all the time. She wants to run the show all the time. I can’t give her an inch. She has also be diagnosed with ADHD, she has a lot of OCD and a mood disorder. This is hard, she is so alone and no one wants to be around her and her rules. Thanks for everything you do, it really has helped. Barbara

Comment by Barbara Shea — February 14, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
My 17 year step son has attempted suicide 3 times, last week being the third. He also refuses to believe he has a problem, and his manipulative behavior is about all his Dad and I can take. Therapy seems to be the only save all at this point. He thinks he doesn’t need any help, but he can’t function in society. It is hard and frustrating…it seems as if there are no easy answers to this disorder, especially with the comorbid issues that go along with it.

Comment by Lisa — February 14, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
My son was diagnosed with ADHD at 6 y/o. He was not diagnosed with AS until he was 9. I always knew that there was something else, not just ADHD, that was affecting him. The ADHD is helped by meds. I have family that thinks if we just change his diet to gluten-free that he will be cured. They have a son that they think has been cured with the gluten-free diet but I don’t think it has helped–I see no difference in him whether he has pasta or not. I just wish that they would leave me alone about changing my sons diet. I know it does work for some children but not mine. Do they think that I did not try everything that I could prior to meds? Everyone knows what works for their child and while suggestions are appreciated hounding the subject is not. My son also suffers from depression but the thought of an anti-depressant especially after all the “side effects especially in children and teens” is scary. Anyone else have this particular problem? My son also takes Risperdal to help with certain tics and I have also noticed a change in his attitude; he seems calmer and not so frustrated.

Comment by stephanie — February 15, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
I HAVE A 9 YEAR OLD JUST DIAGNOSED WITH ASPERGERS. MY BEST ADVICE IS KEEP THEM BUSY AND COMPLIMENT, COMPLIMENT!!!! HIS GRADES AREN’T THE GREATEST, HE HAS ADD WITH IT, WE TRIED STIMULANTS AND IT MAKES HIM WORSE, THE NEXT DRUG IN LINE WAS STRATTERIA, I JUST COULDN’T GIVE IT TO HIM AFTER READING AND RESEARCHING THE SIDE AFFECTS. SO WE’RE ON NOTHING AS OF YET. BUT ON DAYS OFF SCHOOL I BRING HIM TO WORK WITH ME, AND MY EMPLOYEES KEEP HIM BUSY SWEEPING THE FLOOR OR WASHING CAR TIRES, AND HE JUST LOVES IT. THE GUYS TALK TO HIM LIKE ANOTHER WORKER, AND HE FEELS SO IMPORTANT. THEY REALLY DO NEED JOBS, IT GIVES THEM SELF ESTEEM AND CONFINDENCE. WHICH ALL AS CHILDREN NEED.

Comment by ELAINE — February 15, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
I was told this past Friday that the time has come for me to make a decision on “placement” for my son, Aidan, age thirteen and one-half. Does anyone know how much this is ripping me apart? Aidan is my son and my child! He is gifted beyond all reason and still unable to function in this life. Does God hear my plea? I would gladly give my life up to see him laugh and smile.

Comment by Christopher Sanchez — February 17, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
To Stephanie from 15th Feb
My son was also diagnosed ADHD at age 5 and only after my persistance and 3 years later did we get a diagnosis of Aspergers and ADHD.We have been struggling with everything and on top of all our sons problems we have 4 other children to deal with , with thier own daily problems. We live on the Gold Coast QLD Australia and finding any sort of help is proving to be difficult, schools are ill equiped and not funded enough. We have just had our son saying he wants to be dead , which breaks our hearts. All i can say ,( which is what i say to myself everyday) is HANG IN THERE and hopefully things will turn around. Best of luck. Rieale

Comment by Rieale — February 26, 2008 @ 6:54 am
MY 6 YR OLD WAS DX WITH ADHD AND OBSESSIVE COMP DISORDER BUT NOT ASPERGERS ALTHOUGH, THE DEVELOPEMENTALIST SAYS HE’S ASPERGERY? MY SON HATES SCHOOL BUT VERY HIGH IQ…OBSESSES ABOUT DOLPHINS AND TURTLES. I KNOW SOMETHING IS DIFFERENT BUT CANT GET THE HELP I NEED. ANY ADVICE?

Comment by LYNN ENGLISH — March 3, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
To Stephanie 2/14 – Post #14. I have a son who is 8 and has been diagnosed on the Specturm – High functioning – mainschooled yet needs an aide in 2nd grade. He gets so distracted so easily and rigid in his dealing with any work given to him. Seems to get over anxious and anxiety over his homework. I’m so scared of Risperdal yet that’s what the doctor perscribed. He already weighs about 90 pounds. What does are you on? How long do you think you’ll be on it? Will you have to increase the dose soon? Will he go through withdrawl when and if you want to stop the drug? Thanks! I also tried the glutten/dairy free diet. For myself I had my son take a glutten test to see if he had a glutten problem. He did not. I did have him off the dairy for 3 years. Then after many observations from us and his therapists we noticed no differences. Thanks!Joanne

Comment by Joanne Pahl — March 25, 2008 @ 11:47 pm
My daughter now 7 was dx with ADHD ODD aound 2-3yrs of age, was put on clonidine and resperidole at the time . She was dx this past summer with being on the Spectrum leaning towards Aspergers ADHD ODD and OCD. Alot to take in and try to work with , but we do it , I have another child that’s ODD and ADHD, also on meds. My Autiusm child , they can’t seem to get the right med’s to control her complete meltdowns and mood swings if anyone has any suggestion’s all would be worth hearing at this time. Thanks

Comment by sherry3303 — September 22, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
my son was diagnoesd with adhd -ocd-odd-. we were also told he is on the spectrum of asbergers. he has now been on meds. and he has made many wondeful changes. however he is still the spirited boy i love and school finds he is doing well. his doctor feels he need a para . to be with him and the school believes he doesnt need one at this time. i just dont want my little guy to fall trhru the cracks down the road. ant suggestions. thank you

Comment by lori — September 30, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
My son also, gets 0 support from dad…I “am trying to label him, There is nothing wrong with him”, School has a problem. We have a problem- his siblings have a problem dealing!!!We go to numerous med checks, but nothing is done to help my son! This doctor is afraid to make any changes, due to my ex’s behavior!He has even threatened the doctor! I am at a loss- all the therapists have been refused @ dad’s, this little boy can not express his feelings,he says he can not control his actions, he is remorseful and saddened all the time! I just want to get him to take charge of his feelings and help him handle the behavior he has no control over. He has been different since the day I brought him home. Help, Advice, please!!!!He is 8. Thank you.

Comment by Laurie Schauer — October 9, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
Hi everyone my son who is 7yrs was diagnosed with asperger’s syndrome recently, I know something was wrong, he was diagnosed with ADHD at 4 yrs.But I knew that was not all. I live in Jamaica and my friend and relatives have never heard of this disorder, they know literally nothing so I dont get the support I need, its very lonely because I am the only one who understands him. Dave I am eternally grateful to you for the information you have given to me. I sometimes get very frustrated that I cannot help my child as he is not getting the help he needs because of lack of resources. I am appealing to any one who can e-mail me and offer some advice on how to cope it is very challenging.thanks

Comment by Angela — November 9, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
Hi everyone. My dtr was diagnoised with AS at 8 and is now 14. It has not been an easy road. She suffers from major depression and I found it does help to put her on anti anxiety medication. School has been very supportive as well as psychologist and doctors. What really has helped her is just giving her one on one attention every evening. We go for walks in the late afternoon or early evening. But just being there to listen and talk with her gives her a little peace of mind. Try hard not to overreact but display patience goes a long way. Thanks Dave.

Comment by Trish — November 17, 2009 @ 10:05 am
Hi guys, My 5 year old was diagnosed with ADHD and then Aspergers at a young age. He refused to speak and because he is touch sensitive I could not even hold him when he was upset. Crowds and shops as well as strangers left him hysterical.
After careful consideration we started him on resperidol and you could see the difference within six weeks. I know there are side-effects, but to see him play with friends and ask to invite them home is wonderful. He use to be the child who stood to the side of the group at school- always alone. He has started stratera this year and his school work and sentence construction has greatly improved. He is even eating pasta’s and fish which use to nauseate him due to the touch sensitivity. I think the one thing we should all remember is our children are beautiful, energetic, unique little human beings who both inspire us and break our hearts. It is so easy to feel lost, like you’ll never win this thing, but search until you find what works for you, your child and your family. Listen to advice , but disregard that with which you do not feel comfortable with and what does not work for your family. The whole family is in this together and you cannot be good parent, if you are not good to yourself from time to time. Your child fits with you and you are the best person for the job of raising him. Good Luck to all

Comment by Liesl — November 25, 2009 @ 3:11 am