OT-How do you know when tantrums are just tantrums?

[SaratogaShan]

UPDATED!

Thanks in advance for all opinions.

I have a wonderful 4 year old daughter who was a very easy baby. Very laid back, never threw any tantrums. She was a little slow to talk, but now has a very advanced vocabulary.....and talks NONSTOP!

I also have a 19 month old son. His temperment has been very different from day one. High need type of child, started tantrums around 12 months of age. They are short lived tantrums and usually happen when he can't get down and move around ex: when he has to sit in a high chair, stroller, carseat for what he considers "too long". Also, feeding can be trying at times. He eats great but will NOT let me help him. He has to do it himself or he refuses to eat. When he was a baby he would scream if I was not constantly shoveling it in! I could not even pause to take a bite of my own food.

His pediatrician is worried about speech delay with him. He does not have the number of words he should have and they are not clear. Also hinted he was worried about autism because of the tantrums. I need to add that my son has had sinus and ear problems (chronic) since 8 months of age. Finally, I was able to get an ent referral last week. The little test he had where they blow air onto the eardrum and measure vibration was totally flat in both ears. Ent says his hearing is probably very muffled. He is having tubes in his ears on 10-26.

OK-
Am I wrong in thinking that some of his issues come from his ear problems? Surely he will have a speech delay if he can't hear! As far as the tantrums, I think some of that may be frustration and some may be temperment. I just had never considered autism because he is extremely social, likes to be kissed and hugged. He points at things to communicate. He gets along well with his sister and he shows appropriate attachment.

Should I be concerned or do you think perhaps his doctor may not have realized the extent of his ear problem?

I know this was long.....but it did make me feel better just to write it out!

Shan

 

[mamaminnie]

Well it is possible that some of the tantrums and the language delay are related to the ear/hearing issues.

I'd go ahead and set up early intervention evaluations anyway, it can take a while to get the process started, if nothing else speech therapy will help him after the tubes are in.

Hang in there.

 

[hookedup]

Since you asked if you should be concerned...

Even if it is a scary thought to consider that your child may have developmental disorder it is really important you seek early intervention. IF he does you will help him tremendously by getting treatment and diagnosis now.

Certainly speech issues are impacted by hearing and ear infections, etc.
I have found that some developmental disorders are not so obvious until a child has really missed some major milestones, and that all the little red flags that were there early are not noticed until something major is missed.
I think that getting some other medical opinions and getting your child assessed and possibly diagnosed is very postive, although highly stressful and worrysome for you. If your doctor is suggesting some testing I would do it. There are lots of parents who find themselves having to fight to get assesments for their kids, so if your Dr thinks it should be considered I would not take that lightly.

You may find at the end of it all he does not have any specific disorder and somethings were impacted due to ear infections. And although facing the fact he may have something more serious is a scary thought looking back and realizing you could have started intervention sooner is something that can haunt you for a long time. Just remember you are not alone and a lot of parents have walked in your shoes. Good luck!

 

[Bugsmom73]

I too would get him eval'd he sounds similar to my DS except the stroller/high chair part. THat is more of an issue now that he is 3. Ds does have tubes, does has speech delay. HE was in early intervention. Today is our last day, he turns 3 tomorrow. He has Sensory Integration Disorder and maybe autistic. We find out Friday.

 

[SaratogaShan]

Thanks for all of your opinions.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I work with special ed preschoolers and I know that hearing problems can wreck havoc on a child's development. It's good that you're getting the ear problems addressed. I would recommend having a speech therapist evaluate him and also discuss the behaviors that concern you. An experienced speech therapist will be able to help you sort it all out. Good luck!

 

[RNMOM]

I would also like to add that speech delay is not uncommon with hearing issues. Give him a little time after his surgery and see if things don't improve.

I would like to say that having an older sibling who is "always talking" and taking a lot of attention, etc, can be frustrating to a child just beginning to speak and find his own self. Perhaps you can enlist her help in taking turns to give him a chance to express himself by words, gestures or even just actions. She might benefit from learning to give as well as take your attention and so would he. If you can make it a bit of a game and alternate your attention to each child by turn it might help. I know my boys are 18 months apart and were very competitive for my attention after school. I had to actually time them and alternate till they could get all the events of the day told. It was exhausting at times.

Give him some time to catch up and with luck he will be just where he should be. Best of luck with your angels.

 

[SaratogaShan]

Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Since his surgery for tubes is next week, I may give him a little time and see if there are any improvements. Hoping.............

Bugsmom,
I just wanted to say that I will be thinking of you and your son on Friday. I hope you get the best news possible

Shan

 

[SaratogaShan]

Just an update.....

Alex had his tubes(finally) the first week of November. The first couple of weeks I noticed only minimal improvement in his speech......and then.....all of the sudden.....he was talking! Just like that! Even some three word sentences now! His tantrums have decreased as well. He still has some, but I seem to be able to calm him quicker than before.

I know it may still be possible that he could have other issues, but I am convinced that his hearing(or lack of) was the biggie!

I am one grateful mom!

 

[daisyduck123]

I'm glad everything is working out for you!!

 

[wvdislover]

That's great! My DD did the same thing--her talking just took off after her tubes. I would still check into the early intervention b/c speech therapy could be really helpful. You have to remember how little he has heard for the past 20 months, and he may have missed some things developmentally that a good speech therapist can really help with. It's a lot harder to get help after your child turns 3, so acting now can be a real advantage. If nothing else, an early intervention screening can give you peace of mind that he may now be developing at a typical rate now. Good luck!