UPDATE Page 2: Do you know anyone with Autism?

[adisneyfan2]

My DS has Asperger's syndrome, & by a very lucky coincidence had an unrelated hearing disorder as well. The hearing problem resulted in DS getting intensive intervention from the time he was two years old. Now at 5 ( & still getting intervention), some of his autistic characteristics are invisible (but never gone -- stress him out & you can see them all!) Many other characteristics are so mild that he is often indistinguishable from neurotypical ("normal") children -- BUT no amount of therapy is ever going to change the fact that he is (& always will be) autistic. Continuing intervention will help him learn skills, behaviors & actions that will enable him to blend with his world, but all this learning isn't going to undo his inherent autism. (And I don't think that's so bad! Some of his "autistic" characteristics are what make him the special and unique child that he is!) Like so many others have offered, PM me & I'll share what I've learned so far during my three-year sojourn!

 

[s&k'smom]

hey adisneyfan2, I just love what you said about your DS. I wish I had said that!

 

[adisneyfan2]

Thanks s&k'smom!

 

[CBRorBust]

Well,

My nephew had his doctor's appointment today, and she said that besides him not talking, she has NO reason to believe he has any form of Autism. she said one of the main characteristics of Autism in a child is little to no eye contact, which my nephew does/did make. He has just yet to begin speaking.

He does have an older brother (3) who talks enough for the both of them, so maybe this is a reason for the "delay in speech." Basically they just said, "Every kid is different and not all of them talk right away."

It's so frustrating not knowing what is going on in his mind. The more and more we read about Autism, we were just sure that he fit into this little puzzle and all the pieces (or I wonder Why's) were coming together.

I just want to Thank everyone for lending their advice, ears, and thoughts with us. It really does make a difference when you feel like your not alone.

Thanks.

Tina

 

[6_Time_Momma]

Just wanted to share that my DD Brittany was 3 before she began speaking. Doctor sent her to play groups and everything to bring her out. She is just fine now. Typical 7 year old.

 

[tinkerbell27]

Hi CBR orBust!! Don't be to concerned about your nephew,my son is 3 1/2 and just started talking in may. He has a good vocabulary and can name alot of objects, but he wasn't putting two or more words together untill..... we went to Disney in May!!! Ever since we got back he can ask questions and say some phrases, and is finally using action words. We have seen great progress in just a few months!!

What works for my son is videotapes- There is a brand called Baby Bumblebee that are great . Those tapes are where my son has picked up on all the action words so fast!! You can order from their website, we bought the whole 10 volume set!! It also includes 2 math videos! I highly recommend them!

We also thought that our son was autistic. We don't have a diagnosis of anything yet-except for the language disorder. He might end up being diagnosed with PDD, but I'm just so thrilled he's finally talking!!!

 

[s&k'smom]

If it would make them feel better they can always get a second opinion. But if they have a good gut feeling about what the doctor is saying they should stick with that. My mom always told me to follow my instinct. Of course my son now talks up a storm and drives us crazy

 

[adisneyfan2]

Nobody wants to hear that their child is less than perfect, but the sooner you address it, the farther they will go. Any time a parent is concerned about a child, in my opinion, they should get it evaluated. Either they will find out their fears are unfounded & they can start to sleep at night, OR their concerns are confirmed but they have an opportunity to get intervention right away and start making a difference.

If I'm not mistaken, every state has a mandatory Early Intervention program, and will evaluate children 0-3yrs old for FREE. After age 3, the school district is responsible for evaluating & providing service.

Like Nike says, if you are worried, Just Do It!

 

[aurora19]

CBRorBust,

I am glad that the Dr does not think that it is autism - but what kind of Dr was it? My reg pedo for 1+ years said - no not autism and early intervention also felt not autism - yet at 3.5 y.o. when he entered public preschool - all of a sudden - it was an issue (my ds has Aspergers - always spoke, some eye contact & no self stimmy behavior.)

I don't want to be gloom & doomy - but a 2nd opinion within 6 months (esp if still not talking) is a good idea. If brother is always speaking for him - may want to get brother in preschool/playgroup and see if taking that crutch away will get him to talk.

For the most part with kids who don't speak - if it seems that they understand everything you say to them, can follow a command (#of steps varies by age) and POINTS (with index finger) out things to you (even without verbalization) then they are communicating.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and again I am happy that the Dr does not feel he has a development delay.

Kim

 

[bsnyder]

I would also just add that it is so important for parents to trust their instincts about these things. Doctors are not perfect, and the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is sometimes hard to make. If your nephew's parents continue to think that something is amiss, please urge them to get another opinion.

My neice was born with Turner's Syndrome, and started seeing some specialists, including an endocrinologist, when she was born. By age 1 1/2, my sister felt there was something else besides the Turner's that was not within the normal range for Ellie's age/stage. Her endocrinologist was adamant that my sister was just being an alarmist. It took another year and a half before Ellie was diagnosed with PDD, and even now I don't think that's ever been "formally" changed to the more specific diagnosis of Aspergers. And I don't think that matters much. Ellie is doing wonderfully, totally mainstreamed in school, and at the top of her class academically. The social skills are more of a challenge for her, but in that regard she has also come so far, and continues to improve.

I'm hoping everything works out well for your nephew, and glad the Doctor's report was so postiive!

 

[ripleysmom]

CBR, not trying to scare you or anything but I think that your nephew should be examined by either a pediatric neurologist or a developmental pediatrician. Eye contact is a not a determining factor. My friends have an autistic son and he does make eye contact. He even says (well as well as he can) hello.

Also your sister might want to have the school district evaluate him for services. Early intervention can resolve any speech and language issues he may be experiencing.

 

[I <3 Eeyore]

I second Kim's advice. My son's diagnosis was the result of several testing/screening sessions that included physical, occupational, and speech therapists, 2 pediatricians and a pediatric neurologist, as well as a pediatric psychotherapist. Early intervention is critical to take advantage of the brain's natural development and growth process. Although my son has made progress every year, the most significant gains were prior to age six. My son didn't have all the indicators either.