1. BY MADELINE GELMETTI Aspergers & The Misdiagnoses

2. What is Aspergers? -Type of PDD (pervasive developmental disorder) -Typically exhibit social awkwardness -All-absorbing interest in specific topics -Autistic Spectrum Disorder

3. Symptoms Problems with social skills Eccentric or repetitive behaviors Unusual preoccupations or rituals Communication difficulties Limited range of interests Coordination problems Skilled or talented

4. Difference Between Autism and Aspergers Children with Aspergers syndrome typically function better than do those with autism. In addition, children with Aspergers syndrome generally have normal intelligence and near-normal language development, although they may develop problems communicating as they get older.

5. Commonly Misdiagnoses for… Shyness Unpopular Children perceived as “weird” Quietness Children who are not “understood.”

6. Articles on Misdiagnoses MyAspergersChild.com http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2011/11/misdiagnosis- of-aspergers-children.html It’s Aspergers Syndrome…or is it? http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/04/opinion/its- asperger-syndrome-or-is-it.html?_r=0 My Mother Misdiagnosed Me http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/08/benjamin- nugent-my-mother_n_2092999.html

7. Meet Hannah

10. About Hannah -15 years old -Current sophomore in high school -Academic strengths are reading and writing -Struggles in math -Enjoys anime, theatre, singing, drawing, Lady Gaga

11. Aspergers Diagnoses Diagnosed at age 10 Previous diagnoses of depression and severe anger issues Very difficult as a child Say/do very hurtful things to family members and feel no remorse

16. Effects on Hannah Depression became worse Burden on her Constantly focused on her social awkwardness and became obsessed with the realization that she was “different”

17. Misdiagnoses Revealed A year after Hannah was diagnosed with Aspergers, she started seeing a new psychiatrist. She presented findings that Hannah did not in fact have Aspergers (which my parents agreed with). Hannah is merely a unique individual who is not effected by the pressure of social norms. Now she has embraced her “weirdness” and celebrates it.

18. Reason For Choosing This Topic Diagnosing a child with Aspergers when they do not have it can have negative emotional and social effects on their life. It is important to keep in mind that just because a student is “different” does not automatically qualify them as Aspergers. Although the checklists are broad and may declare that child with Aspergers Syndrome, look at the whole picture and get to know the child before assuming they may have Aspergers.

19. Sources http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental- health-aspergers-syndrome http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental- health-aspergers-syndrome http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers- syndrome/DS00551 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers- syndrome/DS00551 http://www.autismspeaks.org/what- autism/asperger-syndrome http://www.autismspeaks.org/what- autism/asperger-syndrome