Psychiatrist for 7yo with possible Aspergers & ADD

I think we finally need to look into a psychiatrist for my just-turned 7-year-old (we will probably start up therapy again too). He received a ''possible'' Aspergers diagnosis two summers ago, and this past summer received an ADD-inattentive diagnosis. We've been living with years of emotional volatility and my son is becoming increasingly physical when he's angry. Although he doesn't do it frequently, he does talk from time to time of wanting to kill himself (and not for the dramatic effect) and it's happened often enough that it's too often. He's negative and unhappy more than he is happy. I'm looking for someone who is great at dealing with younger kids, especially ones that are highly intelligent, shy and not really forthcoming. Someone with experience in the above mentioned conditions would be great to help us sort things out. I would appreciate hearing others' experience or suggestions too. thank you BPN community! anon

First--while assessments and diagnoses can be helpful, each child is unique and needs to be valued for their individual gifts and strengths, as well as supported/coached/learn to compensate for their specific challenges. And it is crucial to love and support the child.

Second--medication made an immediate and dramatic improvement in my son's ability to participate in his ''journey'', as well as school and social interactions. He himself sees medication as useful. Currently we see Brad Berman for medication and periodic assessment/encouragement.

Third, ongoing therapy from Betty Tharpe, MFT (510) 549-2092 has been invaluable for my son, and our family--she is positive but clear thinking and pragmatic about what we all need to be doing. fellow marathoner

Child psychiatrist for 5 year old son

Looking for a child psychiatrist in the bay area for my 5 year old son. Has anyone used a psychiatrist at UCSF? Please let me know if you have any recommendations at UCSF or other places. Thank you J.

5-year-old child who is hearing voices

My 5 years old child recently told me several times about hearing voises. The child is much more anxious, aggressive and doing tentrum tantrums often over last 2 weeks. There was a recent stress (relocation) which might provoked it. Could anyone PLEASE recommend an experienced children psychiatrist. Had anyone had an experience with this, and is it possible at all for a normal child this age to hear voices in his head and to have ''conversations'' with someone in an empty room? I am sooooo scared. Thank you very much. anon

Don't be scared.. be educated.

Learn as much as you can about ''who she talks to'' (if she open to sharing with you) The worse thing you can do is issolate your child and make her think she crazy. I have had personal experience with a situation VERY similar. Yes it is very possible for her to have conversations with no one you can see in the room- it's called using her imagination (which is very heathly).

Please don't think she's ''crazy'' or lead her to believe she is the only one that does that. ~Zariah

In the six months that we have worked with Dr. Cohen, my son has made outstanding progress. Prior to seeing Dr. Cohen, my son had two very traumatic hospitalizations and was discharged on high doses of six medications with no supervision. These medicines caused him very bad side effects, which led to an emergency room visit and then a second hospitalization. Dr. Cohen reduced the number of his medications and lowered the amount to a point where he now has no more side effects.

From the first day of working with Dr. Cohen, I felt her warmth and sincerity. Not only has she helped my son recover, but also, she has helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel ' A light that everyone else told me was lost. I highly recommend that anyone faced with a mental illness or simply seeking therapy for life problems give Dr. Cohen a chance. You will find what you're looking for.

I still think it would be a good idea to get him to talk to someone, I'm sure you'll get other good recommendations here.Or you could start by discussing it with his pediatrician. Try not to worry, talk to him about it some more. Ask him what the voices are saying to him. Open up a dialog and let him know it's OK to feel differently about his new surroundings. Don't be ''scared'' he will pick up on it and it can cause more unneeded stress. good luck. -anon

Seeking child psychiatrist for 4-year-old

My almost 4 year old daughter is quite difficult to manage. She is quite stubborn and defiant, she rarely plays on her own, demanding my attention most of the time, she has difficulty socializing with other children. I finally think she and I need help. I am looking for a psychologist or psychiatrist to help with these issues. We are in Berkeley. Thanks for any recommendations! Tired parent

Child psychiatrist with OCD experience

Can someone recommend a good child psychiatrist? Someone with expertise in OCD who can, if needed, prescribe medication anonymous