My son, 4 1/2, developed normal until 3 when he stopped talking completely. He doesn't have problems with eye contact, flapping etc. He is extremely nervous if we go to big shopping centres - I tested his ears and they are oversensitive. I bought a few books on Autism and Aspersgers, but nothing rings true to me. Has anyone else see this in their child? Please help I am very confused....

Hi and welcome. Has your child been evaluated at all? Many children on the spectrum do lose acquired speech and are oversensitive to certain sounds. There are also been disorders that full on the spectrum and some children present very differently than others. A child could also have some symtoms and be on the autism spectrum, but not have enough of the symptoms or severe enough symptoms to meet the criteria of classic autism. Early intervention is very important for kids on the spectrum, and for all childhood disorders that affect development. If you have not already done so I would contact your child's pediatrician to get a referral to a specialist who can properly assess your child. Take care...

Have you looked into Landau-Kleffner syndrome. That usually develops between 3 and 8. Just another area to research, I have no idea if your child fits this.