Can someone tell me what this will be about

[Robin H in VA]

Ds has one more appointment with the ped. neurologists this coming Wed. This appointment is for ST ADOS testing, what is this exactly and what should I tell ds if anything of what to expect?

After this appointment dh and I will be meeting with the doctor for our information session to let us know what is going on, if anything with ds.

[Lisalyn]

Robin,

I think the ADOS is an observation type test for Autism. When my 8 yr old went to ped neuro, the neuro referred back to the testing/paperwork that was done by the school psych. and our ped, observed him in her office, asked him several questions about school/home life/friends, etc. Had him do several balance type exercises, and then set him up for an EEG and an MRI to rule out other problems.

The MRI was normal but the EEG was not. It showed seizure like activity but no seizures. The neuro told us that about 20% of kids on the spectrum will have this condition-seizure activity without active seizures.

She agreed with our ped and school psych, giving him the Asperger diagnosis.

We started an anti-seizure med that is also a mood stabilizer. Made a HUGE difference.

Hope this helps~

[Robin H in VA]

Thank you Lisalyn

Did you doc do the EEG and the MRI the same day they saw your ds? The reason I ask is b/c ds appointment is at 9:00 AM to do testing and then dh and I are to have our "informing" meeting with the doc at 1:00 PM the same day.

The receptionist told me that ds testing would run for approx. 2.5 hours and then we could go take lunch and then come back. So will that be enough time for an EEG and MRI? Wouldn't those have to be scheduled at a later date?

[Lisalyn]

Robin,

At that initial appointment, our Neuro tentatively diagnosed ds with Asperger's but ordered the MRI and EEG for additional info. Those were scheduled later-I think it took about a month. We were able to do both tests on the same day and then we went back to the neuro a week later to get the results and formal dx.

But, our initial appoint was not nearly as long as the time you've been given. Maybe because we had already had so many evals through the school system and ped? IDK...

Another thing, ds was sedated for the MRI so he couldn't eat or drink that day. I would think they would have discussed these tests with you if they had planned them for the first appt.

The EEG was first and took about an hour. They had allowed 2.5 hours because ds had to be still without sedation. Then he was sedated for the MRI, which took about an hour, too.

Hope this helps...

Edited to add: Not everyone is sedated for the MRI, but we knew ds would NEVER be still for 45 min to an hour in an MRI machine, so we didn't try it w/out sedation. And also, our ped and the ped neuro are in the same ped group/same building. Our ped. referred us to the neuro after consulting with her about ds. This could be another reason that our neuro appt was not as extensive.

[Robin H in VA]

Thanks again for the info Lisalyn.

The EC mentioned an MRI that first day, but we have not been told officially that we will need to do that. Never heard of the EEG.