Frog and Autism

So I have mentioned a few times Frog has been diagnosed with Autism. Officially his list of diagnosis looks like this in order from most severe to least severe with dates of diagnosis...

Autism- Mar 2012
ADHD- Oct 2006
Anxiety/Depression- Mar 2012
PICA- Mar 2012

The way Frogs disabilities manifest is in a fairly unique way. His Autism is fairly mild in the whole scheme of how severe Autism can be. Frog is vocal and can communicate very well. He however has difficulties remembering to do some of the activiites of daily living, such as showering. Frog can handle being in a standard classroom but when his routine changes, it is like his ADHD goes out of control. He is "Sensory Seeking" and gets very loud, vocal, and physical. Another part of Frogs sensory seeking is PICA. Essentially Frog will put anything and everything in his mouth. He has swallowed money, painballs, balloons, erasers and a multitude of other items. Almost all of his shirts and coats have tattered edges near his mouth where he chews on them. Frog has only recently displayed signs of Anxiety and Depression. These come mostly because he is starting to realize exactly how much he doesnt fit in. In 5th grade, kids are expected to conform and he doesnt. Frogs Autism also sets him up for safety issues. He still doesnt look to cross the street and can get lost trying to walk the dog in our neighborhood. He has poor time management and organization skills that stem from both the Autism and ADHD.

Along with those hardships he also has what is called a "Very Superior Intelect" IE one point below Genius level. This presents us with a list of very unique challanges. Frog has taken so long to get an Autism diagnosis because he has had a few factors that have both helped and hurt him.
1. Excellent school. This has been a blessing and a curse for us. The school Frog has attended has been a very small school with very few teachers. This means those teachers know Frog VERY VERY well. They know his abilities and where he has issues. They have been able accomidate his need for order with loving teachers that work very hard to ensure if there is going to be a day that is out of Frogs normal, he is prepped before hand and has an aide to assist him. These accomidations, though great, have delayed Frog from getting essential early intervention and have made it more difficult for him in the long run. He no longer has time to try and catch up socially to the other students before they realize how far behind he is, he is the outcast.
2. ADHD. Frogs ADHD symptoms in some ways "cover" or "overlap" his Autism. Expecially in the way his Autims manifests. Frog toe-walks. A symptom of ADHD and Autism. He "styms" or does strange repetative motions with his fingers- a symptom of Autism but it can also be seen as a energy release with his ADHD. Frog has a hard time with Activities of Daily Living and his personal Safety- Inattention which can be a manifestation of both.
3. Intelect. Frog is a very smart boy. This makes it difficult for him because he knows the right answer but has a difficult time actually practicing the skills. Here is a social skill example... "Suzy comes to school one day and her grandpa just died. She is crying." The questions asked are- "How does Suzy feel, how do we know that, why does she feel that way and what would make her feel better?" Frog answers right on par with kids in his age group when asked this in a private setting. However, when expected to practice the same skills required, he will say things that may just upset "Suzy" more. All in all we are finally starting to understand what Frog needs. Love you Frog!