Asperger/Bipolar Questioni

[fluttermama]

Hello! My daughter was diagnosed at age 4 with Asperger's syndrome and then a couple of years later with bipolar disorder. I am not seeing any Asperger's in her as she gets older and wonder if there was a misdiagnosis that looked like autism but was bipolar disorder. She is on three medications...Concerta, Risperdal, and guanfacine. Concerta has helped her a great deal this past year but we have just had to take her off of it because she became manic and was having hallucinations. I'm worried now, because Concerta was the medication that helpd her so much! She has been on others...depakote, abilify...I requested yesterday a referral to a pediatric neurologist. Was this the right thing to do? Should i see a child psychiatrist instead? Will a neurologist be able to help me with her medications and diagnoses? Thanks!

[MG (Admin)]

wonder if there was a misdiagnosis that looked like autism but was bipolar disorder

In fact Asperger's, ADHD and bipolar disorder have many similarities and some beliee that many of the features overlap so much that they are different parts of the same spectrum of problems.

I requested yesterday a referral to a pediatric neurologist. Was this the right thing to do? Should i see a child psychiatrist instead?

Many different types of specialists deal with this sort of issue..often togethor so you certainly did well making the appointment...in general your GP should be able to direct you with this.

I woudl say that your daughter probably needs a full re-assessment including a child neurologist and neuropsychologist... a psychiatrist may also be involved although the first step would be the 2 mentioned above.

Hope it goes well and please update us.

Be well