Is it autism? - Autism Spectrum Message Board

matt'smom · 04-14-2004, 07:52 PM

Hi, I'm new here, and am seeking some suggestions from some parents who are going through, or have been through the same concerns. My son is 32 months old, and is going through early intervention evaluations right now. He had a cognitive (delay in all areas, although not severe), speech (only at the age level of 1 year and 8 months), and Occupational therapy eval, although I haven't received those results yet. I have to wait 2 months to be seen by the neurologist, so needless to say, I am anxious.

He was always a good baby, almost too good. The only difficulty I've ever had was his inability to sleep through the night. He makes eye contact, although it is inconsistent. Sometimes we have to call his name 7 or eight times before he'll notice us. He still can't answer yes no questions, but can make his needs known ( want juice, milk, cookie, etc.). If I try to offer him choices, he doesn't know how to respond.

He goes to day care full time, and does not play with other kids, but will play with his siblings (11 and 14 years old) at home on occasion. He is fascinated by shapes, and knows them all (even trapezoid). He recognizes all capital letters of the alphabet.

When he is anxious and in a new setting, he will rock back and forth, and it will take him a long time to get off my lap to explore a new environment, all the whild humming or singing a song. He will not play with other children his age when I try to arrange play dates, and he never refuses to share like othe two and three year olds. If a toy is taken away, he just acts like he doesn't care. He has never said "mine", or tried to show me something in enjoyment, such as a new toy, or something he drew in school, even if I ask him to.

He has several toys, none of which I would say he plays in odd ways with, but is just not interested in. He would rather look at shapes, or jump on the bed most of the time, or run up an down the hallway "measuring " the banister
or lines in the wall paper by looking out of the corner of his eye.

He mouths objects very frequently now, more than even in infancy. His vocabulary is definately expanding, but he just is not fluid in conversation, and can't (or won't?) answer questions.

Could someone give me some insight?

Confused,
Matt's mom

princessputter · 04-14-2004, 09:07 PM

IMO.. to me ur sons behavors could suggest autism... the biggest red flag for me when i read ur post was... the constant. jumping.. the measuring....the need for him to look at the lines... as hes running .. or doing what hes doing...also the fact he dosent interact with his peers... and prefers adults... .. or his older siblings...how is his diet.. is he picky there...? the rocking would also concern me... ur doin the right thing by havin him eval.. my son was dx`ed as classic autism when he was 3 good luck

matt'smom · 04-15-2004, 04:54 AM

he is a picky eater, but aren't most toddlers? he only likes about 5 different foods, and refused to taste anything new. How do I know if its ADHD or something else besides autism. He wasn't always active, in fact, it's relatively
recent (about 2 months). Before this, he was very quiet.
Matt's mom

KathleenW · 04-15-2004, 05:46 AM

Hi Matt's mom. You have documented in your posts a lot of red flags for autism. My son was diagnosed at 30 months with PDD. At that time his language was at one year 8 months also. Don't worry there is HOPE!!!!!!! My most important suggestion is to read the book LET ME HEAR YOUR VOICE. It is written by Catherine Maurice. This book changed my life and gave me the tools I needed to help my son.

My son was diagnosed through the DEC and then a month later we went to a pediatric neurologist to get a second opinion. By that time my son's language had exploded and he was pointing to everything. The whole 2 hours we spent with the neurologist my son was pointing out cars, toys, and bringing things over for us to see. The neurologist said nope there is no way he is autistic. He is completely normal. The neurologist said, I was out to lunch with my colleagues the other day and we started a discussion. He looked at everyone and said if you had one thing to hang your hat on to decide if a child had autism or not what would it be? He said every doctor at the table said children with autism do not point out things of interest or enjoyment.

We started an ABA program and speech therapy three times a week. Since I did not work I spent every waking moment with my son working on things that they were doing in his ABA program and speech. It is such a confusing time and I do not feel I would have made the decisions that I did if it were not for the book. I hope you get a chance to read it. I think it will answer a lot of your questions.

matt'smom · 04-15-2004, 01:38 PM

Hi Kathleen,

Thank you for responding. I actually called my pediatician today to see if he could get me to a pediatric neurologist earlier than june, and to my surprise, an hour later, I got a call from a nuerologist for tomorrow!! I just hope that I leave ther with a clean bill of health, and just hear her say that he is just developmentally delayed, and will catch up. One reason why I'm confused is because at home he is much friendlier with his siblings and myself, but not with other people. When I arrive at day care everyday to pick him up, he runs to me and gives me the best hug. He just doesn't show interest in other people. He is always chatting away too, although he doesn't make much sense, just likes to hear his own voice i think. Do you have any suggestions for me to ask the neurologist tomorrow? Thanks for your help.
matt's mom.