Guest guest Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the " expert for autism " neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 My daughter was also diagnosed with ADHD and OCD at age 5. She was further diagnosed with Aspegers at age 9. My daughter was put on Zoloft for the OCD (which is an anxiety disorder). It worked like a dream for her. She was also put on a stimulant for the ADHD (which did not work as well but helped somewhat). I always felt like the two medications are competing against each other and it was a delicate balancing act between the two. I think that the doctors and therapists sometimes have a hard time with the diagnosis as the children are so young. The key seems to be finding a good psychiatrist to prescribe medication... you want someone who is knowlegable and experienced with children. My daughter sees Dr. Kothari in Boca. This is her second psychiatrist and I am much happier with Dr. Kothari. Good luck! Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the " expert for autism " neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help -- Have a lovely day! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 Hi : My recommendation is to find a Team at a child study center (they are usually found at a university) who do a team observation and assessment. You get a much more accurate diagnosis as there are several specializations involved- usually developmental psychologist, special Ed, speech and OT involved. I am a pediatric SLP new to Florida, but up in CT we had an excellent child study team at Yale-New Haven where I usually sent my trickier cases for assessment. The team also wrote up a thorough report including comprehensive recommendations for the child's school for services. Obviously Yale may not be possible, but are there child study teams up at UF or Florida State? They both do excellent autism research and may do comprehensive evals. If your daughter is a bit tricky to diagnose, I would be hesitant in going just by one set of eyes.Good luck.Debra Goodman MA CCC-SLPTo: sList From: lshapir@...Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 03:30:38 +0000Subject: Very confused Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the " expert for autism " neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 I am sorry...as a nurse, I would be very careful about medicating a 5 yr. old for many reasons... my son was dx 'd w/PDD-NOS but now as he gets older it is looking like it is Aspegers (not uncommon since Aspergers is usually dx'd a little later(..he is 6 y/old.....some MDs are quick to medicate...but being that very young children may not be able to fully express any strange symptoms/reactions and their brains are still developing...I would be extra cautious...I would think about meds only when their symptoms significantly is impairing her learning in school.....I don't know the situation w/your dtr. of course...but I am also considering meds for my son to see if they help w/his inflexibility which lead to extreme meltdowns almost everywhere....but I am first going to exhaust other therapies....I hope my insight helped.... To: sList Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 10:30:38 PMSubject: Very confusedVery confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 I used Dr. Kothari for my daughter for about 5 years but then she went off Aetna. I would recommend her as well.Sent from my Samsung Epicâ„¢ 4G Jean Eccleston wrote: My daughter was also diagnosed with ADHD and OCD at age 5. She was further diagnosed with Aspegers at age 9. My daughter was put on Zoloft for the OCD (which is an anxiety disorder). It worked like a dream for her. She was also put on a stimulant for the ADHD (which did not work as well but helped somewhat). I always felt like the two medications are competing against each other and it was a delicate balancing act between the two. I think that the doctors and therapists sometimes have a hard time with the diagnosis as the children are so young. The key seems to be finding a good psychiatrist to prescribe medication... you want someone who is knowlegable and experienced with children. My daughter sees Dr. Kothari in Boca. This is her second psychiatrist and I am much happier with Dr. Kothari. Good luck! Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help -- Have a lovely day! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 Hi, There is always the Cadenza center in Hollywood (http://www.cadenzacenter.com/) . They are pretty comprehensive and experts in this field. Also, have you looked into her nutrition and sensory processing needs with a dietician and OT? Good luck From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 10:31 PMTo: sList Subject: Very confused Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the " expert for autism " neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 I have never used any prescription drugs for my son now 20. During the puberty years he became more uncontrollable with behavior issues. I eventually found an alternative therapy vitamin supplement that changed both our lives. He started on it at 3 pills a day at age 14 and was on one pill by 18, and just recently discontinued . The vitamin helped him to relax and focus, so he could make better decisions, and so he could listen to reasoning. It was a miracle answer for us. The vitamin is L- Theanine. He is now taking Omega 3 ( from Flaxseed, not Fish Oil). To: sList From: aes62@...Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 16:23:54 +0000Subject: Re: Very confused I am sorry...as a nurse, I would be very careful about medicating a 5 yr. old for many reasons... my son was dx 'd w/PDD-NOS but now as he gets older it is looking like it is Aspegers (not uncommon since Aspergers is usually dx'd a little later(..he is 6 y/old.....some MDs are quick to medicate...but being that very young children may not be able to fully express any strange symptoms/reactions and their brains are still developing...I would be extra cautious...I would think about meds only when their symptoms significantly is impairing her learning in school.....I don't know the situation w/your dtr. of course...but I am also considering meds for my son to see if they help w/his inflexibility which lead to extreme meltdowns almost everywhere....but I am first going to exhaust other therapies....I hope my insight helped.... To: sList Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 10:30:38 PMSubject: Very confusedVery confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 Jean, did you ever look into PANDAS? I have a friend whose family member took their child to a dr levinson in Miami beach that does a whole blood work up to see which vit defecient they have or sensitivities to certain things in their diet. Any way they found strep in his system(not sure the exact details) and they changed his diet and she said 2 months later he is a different kid. He's on NO meds and socialized much better, she said he still socially awkward but much better. I am thinking to give it a try...what are your thoughts? I'm a little skeptical but desperate.How is your daughter? Are you guys home?Take care and I'll talk with you later.~Sent from my iPod My daughter was also diagnosed with ADHD and OCD at age 5. She was further diagnosed with Aspegers at age 9. My daughter was put on Zoloft for the OCD (which is an anxiety disorder). It worked like a dream for her. She was also put on a stimulant for the ADHD (which did not work as well but helped somewhat). I always felt like the two medications are competing against each other and it was a delicate balancing act between the two. I think that the doctors and therapists sometimes have a hard time with the diagnosis as the children are so young. The key seems to be finding a good psychiatrist to prescribe medication... you want someone who is knowlegable and experienced with children. My daughter sees Dr. Kothari in Boca. This is her second psychiatrist and I am much happier with Dr. Kothari. Good luck! Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help -- Have a lovely day! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 Dear ,Your confusion is more common than you could imagine. Most of us with similarly diagnosed children feel not just for you, but with you! The problem with Autism and related challenges is that the pros tie together to the best of their ability the symptoms and try to put them in a neat little box, called a diagnosis. Unfortunately, in order to qualify for special services in and out of school, a diagnosis is a Necessary Evil. My son, now 10, was diagnosed young ADHD, but I instinctively knew that wasn't the case. I am so glad I didn't medicate him, as I feel that would have masked the real issues. Ultimately, he was diagnosed Asperger's. I have worked with him since then(5 yrs old) and most of the overt symptoms have improved dramatically. He is so much fun and gives me things a typical kid could never do. It WILL get better....I promise! I went to the ASAC clinic at the Psych Dept at U of miami; Dr Amy Beaumont for his study. I will always have a special place in my heart for her and the dept for empowering me with words that although difficult to hear, allowed me to begin this journey.Please feel free to email me off list.All the best, Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 Several questions pop out at me. Has anything changed in her environment? Allergies? I often see pulling at eyelashes and brows when a child is having an allergic reaction, often to chemicals (in the air, perfumes...) Another question is that ADHD and ASD are often seen together...but the common link is often a sensory issues. If your child is a sensory over responder (sensitive to things in her environment) the symptoms are very similar. Pulling at eyelashes, distractible, inattentive.... A good OT with Sensory Integrative experience can help you sort that out. Yo can also find more information on Dr. Lucy s web site www.spdfoundation.net . Carolyn Carolyn Murray-Slutsky, MS OTR, C/NDTRehabilitation for Children4041 North 41st StreetHollywood, FL 33021www.STARServices.TV Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert f or autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 , did your son have problems with lack of eye contact, perseveration, developmentally delayed in milestones? Very confused Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 I used Dr. Levinson for a couple of years I will be happy to talk to you off list if you would like. Zandersmom99@... Very confused Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 Excellent advice. I would walk straight out of a Dr.'s office if they recommended medicating my 5 year old. Not only is their brain not completely developed but their GI tract is still developing as well and meds can throw the stomach all out of whack. Very confused Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 I have had to switch my son to flax seed as well because the Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil we have been using for years was making him chew himself and his clothing. As soon as we took him off the fish oil he stopped chewing himself. I just grind the flax seeds up in my VitaMix and use it instead of oil when I make his GFCF waffles. I have an awesome recipe that uses raw ground pinto beans as the flour. Tons of protein and super healthy. Very confused Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 I started her on omega 3 also 1 month ago...how much do you give? Did your son go to public school? Thanks for sharing, I am so thankful for this chat group. ~Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TSender: sList Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 17:01:52 +0000To: <deniseslist >ReplyTo: sList Subject: RE: Very confused I have never used any prescription drugs for my son now 20. During the puberty years he became more uncontrollable with behavior issues. I eventually found an alternative therapy vitamin supplement that changed both our lives. He started on it at 3 pills a day at age 14 and was on one pill by 18, and just recently discontinued . The vitamin helped him to relax and focus, so he could make better decisions, and so he could listen to reasoning. It was a miracle answer for us. The vitamin is L- Theanine. He is now taking Omega 3 ( from Flaxseed, not Fish Oil). To: sList From: aes62@...Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 16:23:54 +0000Subject: Re: Very confused I am sorry...as a nurse, I would be very careful about medicating a 5 yr. old for many reasons...my son was dx 'd w/PDD-NOS but now as he gets older it is looking like it is Aspegers (not uncommonsince Aspergers is usually dx'd a little later(..he is 6 y/old.....some MDs are quick to medicate...but being thatvery young children may not be able to fully express any strange symptoms/reactions and their brains are stilldeveloping...I would be extra cautious...I would think about meds only when their symptoms significantly is impairingher learning in school.....I don't know the situation w/your dtr. of course...but I am also considering meds for my sonto see if they help w/his inflexibility which lead to extreme meltdowns almost everywhere....but I am first going toexhaust other therapies....I hope my insight helped....To: sList Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 10:30:38 PMSubject: Very confusedVery confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2011 Report Share Posted December 1, 2011 www.masgutovamethod.com Check it out and attend our monthly meetings. Retained primitive reflexes wreak havoc on a child's CNS and continue to let the disconnect between emotions, self regulation and higher order tasks exist. I have seen children like yours completely turn around with this intervention. Diet (food) is huge and a sensory diet helps tons. Adding in a therapeutic listening program is also available from therapists in the area. Hippotherapy works nicely as well. Most of these interventions are not mainstream but they do exist and they do work! People need to know options besides meds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2011 Report Share Posted December 2, 2011 We saw Dr. Levinson for a couple of years and saw wonderful results. We left his care because his bedside manner is HORRIBLE and he is tough to get a hold of. I can't tell you how many times I emailed his nurses and never got a response. That is dangerous. When you are treating sick children the parents should be able to have a dialogue with the Dr. in case of reactions. Additionally, he is in the heart of South Beach and I despise going there. Since we left Dr. Levinson's care we have been seeing a Dr. in Melbourne FL named Dr. Dan Rossignal. I have been much more pleased with the care we are receiving with Dr. Rossignal and I would rather make the 3.5 hr drive up to Melbourne than to deal with SoBe. Re: Very confused Jean, did you ever look into PANDAS? I have a friend whose family member took their child to a dr levinson in Miami beach that does a whole blood work up to see which vit defecient they have or sensitivities to certain things in their diet. Any way they found strep in his system(not sure the exact details) and they changed his diet and she said 2 months later he is a different kid. He's on NO meds and socialized much better, she said he still socially awkward but much better. I am thinking to give it a try...what are your thoughts? I'm a little skeptical but desperate. How is your daughter? Are you guys home? Take care and I'll talk with you later. ~ Sent from my iPod My daughter was also diagnosed with ADHD and OCD at age 5. She was further diagnosed with Aspegers at age 9. My daughter was put on Zoloft for the OCD (which is an anxiety disorder). It worked like a dream for her. She was also put on a stimulant for the ADHD (which did not work as well but helped somewhat). I always felt like the two medications are competing against each other and it was a delicate balancing act between the two. I think that the doctors and therapists sometimes have a hard time with the diagnosis as the children are so young. The key seems to be finding a good psychiatrist to prescribe medication... you want someone who is knowlegable and experienced with children. My daughter sees Dr. Kothari in Boca. This is her second psychiatrist and I am much happier with Dr. Kothari. Good luck! Very confused....my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 and now one neurologist says she has aspergers but that her main problem is ADHD , she has now started pulling her eyelashes and eyebrows, so we went for a second opinion with the "expert for autism" neurologist and he says he doesn't think she has ADHD at all! He recommends taking her off stimulants and increase her zoloft! What a mess, I am so confused now?? Has anyone heard of or used Dr Levinson in Miami?? I don't know what to do now...she is struggling in school, but the stimulants are causing her more anxiety. Looking for advice...help -- Have a lovely day! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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