Sept 3, 2024, Florida Today: Diagnosing autism can be challenging because it mimics other mental health disorders
Ronsisvalle: Autism isn’t something to fear; it’s a different way of being. With the right support, your child can lead a fulfilling life.
By Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson walked into my office with hope and hesitation, settling on the couch for an initial assessment of their six-year-old son, Timmy. While they were both incredibly kind and gracious, their anxiety was palpable. Mrs. Johnson spoke up.
“Dr. Mike, we’ve seen so many professionals over the past few years, but none have given us a diagnosis that feels accurate. We’re starting to lose faith that we’ll ever find the help Timmy needs.”
As the Johnsons shared their journey to find help for their son, I understood why they were so disheartened. Timmy was a bundle of energy, always curious and finding the most unconventional ways to do things.
But his quirks went beyond playful childhood eccentricities. He struggled to sit still in class, often becoming fixated on topics like dinosaurs or vacuum cleaners, and seemed oblivious to everything else. Social situations made him anxious, often leading to meltdowns that baffled his parents. When asked to do something he didn’t like, he would sometimes explode.
The Johnsons began seeking answers. The first therapist diagnosed him with ADHD and recommended a stimulant medication, which helped a little, but Timmy still struggled.
Another therapist diagnosed him with generalized anxiety disorder, but after several sessions in which the therapist taught him various techniques to calm anxieties his quirks only intensified.
Timmy’s teacher said his behavior was potentially keeping him from staying on grade level with his peers in class so they consulted yet another therapist. This one diagnosed Oppositional Defiant Disorder and suggested behavior management techniques, which again only partially addressed his challenges.
Before offering any diagnosis, I recommended a comprehensive psycho-educational testing assessment to fully understand Timmy’s emotional, cognitive, academic, and social functioning.
The results were revealing. While Timmy did exhibit symptoms of anxiety, attention issues, and oppositional behaviors, the most accurate diagnosis was clear: Autism. With this understanding, we were able to craft a treatment plan at LiveWell that addressed Timmy’s specific and unique processing style. Over several months, using the latest evidence-based interventions, Timmy developed the skills he needed to thrive.
How is autism diagnosed?
The Johnsons’ experience is far from unique. Diagnosing autism can be challenging because it often mimics other mental health disorders, leading to misdiagnosis or delays. Autism, officially called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. . .
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Given this complexity, it’s not surprising that autism diagnoses have increased sharply over the past few decades, sparking debate and real concern. The CDC reported that in 2023, about 1 in 36 children were diagnosed with autism, compared to 1 in 150 in 2000—an alarmingly dramatic rise.
Why are there more autism diagnoses now?
Factors contributing to this increase include greater awareness, expanded diagnostic criteria and improved screening tools that allow for earlier detection. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes, making these advancements significant. . . .
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