It is Autism or just Sensory Disorder? - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Kolby · 05-24-2006, 08:07 AM

My son was diagnosed with Sensory Disorder way back when. Then I had him tested again and he was diagnosed with mild Autism. However, as time passes I don't see anything in him that seems Autistic. I see a ton of things that are sensory. Is it possible he has outgrown his Autism or never really had it? He is 4 1/2 now.

Things he does NOT do:
No ticks
No flapping
No staring at objects (unless you count TV

)
No spinning objects
No toe walking
No blank stairs

Things he does
Great hand eye cordination
Smiles
Makes eye contact
He is shy to some people
Plays pretend
Wants others to play with him
Social and loving
Hugs and kisses
Pretends to read a book
Giggles
blows bubbles
Sings
Pets animals and talks to them

Things he does that seem more sensory to me
Speach Dealy
Fussy over food
Moody
Cranky
confused
Fussy over closes and socks sometimes
Poops in his pants and is afraid of the potty
Demanding
Freaks out a lot
Doesn't like crowds
Likes to change activities often but hates forced transitions
Likes to be carried down stairs
Likes ruff play
Likes to be wraped up in blankets

So what do you all think? Could he have outgrown Autism or maybe never really had it. He used to be obsessed with the Alphabet and puzzles but that has since gone. As I read more about sensory issues I have discovered that those obsessions can also be sensory issues.

9CatMom · 05-24-2006, 08:25 AM

If he is autistic, then he is probably very high-functioning. Not all people with ASDs are alike. A great deal of his problems do sound sensory in nature. Many intelligent, high functioning people report sensory problems. A lot of these are issues I also have. I dislike crowds and constrictive clothing.

Kolby · 05-24-2006, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9CatMom

If he is autistic, then he is probably very high-functioning. Not all people with ASDs are alike. A great deal of his problems do sound sensory in nature. Many intelligent, high functioning people report sensory problems. A lot of these are issues I also have. I dislike crowds and constrictive clothing.

So what makes you autistic? Like what could I say is the autism and what can I say in the sensory issues?

KathleenW · 05-24-2006, 10:07 AM

There is not one thing that makes you autistic. You have to have a lot of things in a lot of different categories to get the diagnosis. I think the major things that make you have autism are problems with speech and sensory issues. Most people with autism are completely different so it hard to say one thing will give you the diagnosis.

So are you mostly concentrating your early interventions on speech therapy and occupational therapy?

I always tell people don't worry about the diagnosis. Just treat the symptoms as early as possible. The more you do early the better chance your child has to lead a normal life.

Liz Cook · 05-24-2006, 10:31 AM

here is probably an unpopular view and i have to tell you that i think that all of the treatments for autism are probably valid in a case by case basis BUT

my husband and i are not cure autism actvists and we are definiately all about autism pride. our kids are able to think in a way that is so creative and abstract that is almost a shame that the neurotypicals cant share that. now with that on the table dont hate me

i still think that if you can find something that works great but i dont personally feel that you can out grow autism. either he had it to begin with or he didnt. autism is a particular way your brain is wired to think and to me, it doesnt seem conceivable that you can out grow that. you can HOWEVER

through medication or behavior training along with love and understanding and of course from time to time spirit draining patience

give you kids the coping skills to live perfectly "normal" (whatever that means) lives and that may be just what you are seeing. he may get to the point that yes that label doesnt apply from a clinical point of view. does that mean he is cured or out grown his autism? to me, no. it means that what you have done worked, worked well, and now you son has the skills to deal with us "slow neurotypicals"

and the offensive world we have created.

you cant tell me that him wanting to shut the world out for a few and wrap up in a cozy blanket doesnt sound sooooo appealing sometimes

anyhow, just my point of view, no throwing rocks please!!

and the thing to think about is this, if he is improving and getting more functionally then that label will remove itself. until then if it doesnt bother you too much, that label can make the difference in his funding for services too. autism is, in maine anyhow, the label that is getting the services first at school and since special education is very limited in funding, it doesnt hurt to have that little bit extra to draw attention to our kids needs.

G-Luck