'Dual Diagnosis'
Recently, our son was sick with a 'virus'. Our doctor advised us not to administer antiobiotics because one of our son's conditions could be further drastically impacted by the traditional methods of addressing the 'virus'. In other words, if he was not dehydrated, did not continue to vomit, or have sever diarrhea, coupled with an extremely high fever--- just let the 'virus' run its course. Our son's natural immune system would have to prove itself with the help of OtC meds.
Like, most Parents, we simply want our son to be happy and healthy. We're not big on pharmaceutics as a preferred treatment method. But, when you have a child that does not/can not 'express' in words that he sick (internally), ---you, You, YOU just want a shot, run a test, put him in an MRI, do something to IMMEDIATELY MAKE HIM FEEL BETTER!
Why?
because the Autism is there every day, all the day long!
And whatever else is going on...
Well, HE IS DEALING WITH ENOUGH STUFF ALREADY!
Ok, we had heard of medicines counter-acting one another. But, this was the first time a doctor actually expressed the 'dual diagnosis' affect as it relates to Autism. By the way, for our son's 6th birthday, we chose another pediatrician because (well, we'll talk about that on another day).
Anyway,
It seems that every year, since our son was born, he has been diagnosed with something!
Our son has been diagnosed with several conditions that affect his neurological, biological, mental, emotional, medical and behavorial health.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Asperger's Syndrome
Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Semantic Pragmatic Language Disorder
Picky Eater
Gastro Intestinal complications
Irritable Bowels Syndrome
Chronic Constipation
Diarrhea
Lactose Intolerant
Non-Life-threatening Sand sensitivity
Non-Life-threatening Citrus sensitivity
Sinus/Hayfever
And we're crossing our fingers hoping to get through the remainder of this year, without another condition to add to the growing chart! Mind you, he's only 6 years old! (scream!!!!)
As a matter of fact, some of his treatments, therapies and medicines are classified under insurance categories as Behavioral/Mental Health.
Thus, doctors, therapists, pharmacies and other professional providers of supports and services often reference the terms 'Dual Diagnosis' or 'Co-Occurring Disorders' or 'Dual Treatment' and similar terms to address the needs of individuals who have Autism and other simultaneously occurring conditions.
Many families who are faced with Life-Threatening and terminal conditions are also dealing with 'Dual Diagnosis'. As a Parent/Caretaker, it is important that we understand these concepts. It is relevant to diagnosis, treatment, and insurance.
References & Resources
"Understanding fosters Appreciation - Appreciation garners Support - Support leads to Unity. "
The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD)
NADD - An association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
NADD is the leading North American expert in providing
professionals, educators, policy makers, and families with education, training,
and information on mental health issues relating to persons with intellectual or
developmental disabilities.
The mission of NADD is to advance
mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the
promotion of excellence in mental health care.
NADD is embarking on the development of Competency-Based Dual Diagnosis
Certification Programs for Programs/Facilities, Clinicians/Professionals, and
Direct Support Staff.
Dual Diagnosis - Down Syndrome and Autism
About the Participants, in Order of Appearance
Fred Fay, early leader in the disability rights movement (1944 2011)
Ann Ford, director of the Illinois National Council on Independent Living
Judy Heumann, leading disability rights activist, Co-Founder of World Institute on Disability
Judi Chamberlin, Mental Patients Liberation Front, a movement for the rights and dignity of people with mental illne ...ss (1944-2010)
Dr. William Bronston, former staff physician at the notorious Willowbrook State School who was dismissed after agitating for change
Bob Kafka, established ADAPT of Texas, a disability rights advocacy organization
Zona Roberts, counselor, UC Berkeley's Physically Disabled Students Program and Center for Independent Living, Berkeley; mother of disability rights pioneer Ed Roberts
Pat Wright, Former Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund [cont.
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150341457981135 ] Brenda Lee Cosse'See More
LIVES WORTH LIVING Premieres on the PBS Series INDEPENDENT LENS Thursday, October 27 at 10 PM During National Disability Employment Awareness Month Powerful Documentary Chronicles the History of Americas Disability Rights Movement While there are over 54 million Americans living with d...
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via Kbj Cosse' "no longer just crying... ADVOCATE!"
Jessica Steiner
