HOW CAN YOU DISTINGUISH ASPERGERS FROM BIPOLAR IN A 6 YEAR OLD?
Question: Whats the difference between manic depression and Aspergers? I am wanting to know for my 6 year old son. Thank you. Dr. Heller’s Answer: Aspergers involves poor non verbal communication skills. Sometimes clumsiness and language problems are an issue. Childhood onset bipolar is completely different. This is the questionnaire I use for parents of children with childhood onset bipolar:
Childhood bipolar questionnaire: (Please circle any arrow that fits your child)
>> Difficulties in infancy (such as being overactive in the womb, reduced need for sleep).
>> Separation anxiety (as if the child was still attached to the umbilical cord)
>> Precociousness (doing everything early, with extra enthusiasm, early adults)
>> Night terrors (not just bad dreams but vivid bloody. Not waking up just before being stabbed, but actually witnessing the blood, guts and gore, mutilation)
>> Fear of death and annihilation
>> Rages
>> Oppositional behavior (first reaction is no, deliberately breaking rules)
>> Rapid cycling (definite cycles sometimes in days, sometimes within the day between high energy and depressed)
>> Oversensitive to stimulation (colors, noises, clothes intolerance – especially collars, labels, and things that dont feel right)
>> Out of sync (unable to adapt to changes or go with the flow)
>> Problems with peers
>> Temperature regulation problems (including taking clothes off because of heat intolerance)
>> Craving carbohydrates and sweets
>> Bed-wetting and soiling
>> Abrupt onset of excessive and/or inappropriate happiness
>> Increased sexuality (sexually inappropriate behavior – particularly for age).
>> Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that arent there)
>> Suicidal thoughts
>> Breaking things out of anger.
>> Sadistic impulses (wanting to see others hurt)
>> Staying angry for hours
>> Extraordinary speaking and artistic skills.
>> Having no memory of tantrum
>> Regression when angry (baby like, disorganized thinking and language, etc.)
>> Raging when told no
>> Morning irritability
>> Morning fuzziness
>> Morning physical symptoms (like headaches and tummy aches)
>> Being a bully
>> Depression a major symptom
>> Intentional misbehavior
>> Deliberately seeking risk
>> Neglect of normal hygiene or grooming
>> Sarcasm
>> Inappropriate humor
>> Racing thoughts
>> Threats of hostile behavior
>> Inability to hold a normal conversation
>> Extreme persistence towards accomplishing tasks
>> Head banging
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