Aspergers and drug babys

[Clif58]

My daughter (15) is adopted. Her birthmother used cocaine the last trimester of the pregnancy. We have seen many strange behavior patterns through the years and are wondering if 1) related to the cocaine and 2) if it is aspergers syndrome. The symptoms are many: poor sleeping habits, born screaming in a high pitch that could send anyone over the edge, seemed to have real pain when hungry, very sensitive to noise (a dog device that emits a high pitch that humans are not supposed hear bothered her ears), high anxiety all the time, socially inept with a tendency to misunderstand or misinterpret speech, very obsessed with self (more so than a normal teenager), developed speech late, could not handle change (we moved a lot because of our work and she would go into tantrums), extremely high pain threshold, always watches tv looking out the corners of her eyes, very introverted and sensitive, lots of phobias, tends to give high probability to something bad happening (in this regard tends to not see the difference between the probability of something happening and the possibility), doesn't like to be touched (wouldn't hug me, dad, until she was 6), lack of empathy (would show no signs of emotion when others were crying or hurt), socially inept, obsessed with food when younger. There is more, but that is good for starters. We had her tested by a psychologist who basically found the things we already knew about but gave no definitive diagnosis. Some friends suggested she might have asperbers. We have never told her anything is wrong, but she is discovering for herself that she is not like other kids. Don't know if it would worth it to tell her something is wrong. Any suggestions out there?

[PWSmomto4]

Hi there...you mentioned increased interest in food when she was younger.  Many of the other symptoms are characteristics of Prader-Willi Syndrome.  It goes undiagnosed many times.  Might look it up and see if it helps you get any closer to finding answers.  I was doing a google search for my child with Aspergers syndrome and came across your post.  I also have a 9 yr old daughter with Prader-Willi Syndrome.  Lots of autistic like/aspergers like characteristics with PWS.  Many end up with a dual diagnosis.  Just lots of things that are similarities.  Maybe worth looking into.  

[Clif58]

Thanks for the comments and the link. We will continue to look in to it.

[narla]

My sons main diagnosis was Tourette Syndrome but he also displayed traits of Asperger and Autism. Tourettes,Asperger and Autism are all part of the Autistic spectrum disorder and many symptoms overlap,so she really does need to be diagnosed by health professionals.

[Hellbound304]

I work with at risk youth and juvenile delinquents. The things you mentioned are all signals and symptoms of aspergers but may also include autism or a dozen other things. I suggest you speak to a doctor and find out more. I completely understand your concern and frustration. My advise to you is to find out more!  If it is aspergers finding an activity or a hobby for your youth to focus on will help her learn social skills as well as learn to manage her behavior. Structure and support is what she will need. Good luck and god bless!

[narla]

My son has Tourette Syndrome and Asperger I didn't do any drugs through my pregnancies,A lot of what you have mentioned my son displayed,he is now 25 and we still have some issues but he is starting to handle things much better.
My son was lucky we stayed in one place as he was growing up but I know if we had moved around he would have had a lot of trouble coping.
I wouldn't tell her she has anything wrong unless it is diagnosed,take her to a specialist and have them assess her.I wrote my sons life from birth to 5 years in chronological order and gave this to my doctor who then sent me to a specialist,it took a year of my son being seen by doctors and psychiatrists before I was given the diagnosis of Tourettes and Asperger.
They can't do a test for these things it is diagnosed by observation.

Good Luck Denise

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I don't think anyone could diagnose her symptoms and she should have seen a doctor. I doubt Cocaine is at the bottom of this but you never know. As far as the Aspergers, there is a forum here that the members may be able to sled some light on that for you. I have provided the link. Best of luck to you all.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Aspergers-Syndrome/show/191