autism concern - Autism Spectrum Message Board

worried father · 06-01-2006, 05:51 PM

We've just had our 2 year old son,Alexander, assessed by 2 separate Paediatricians.The initial reason for this was severely delayed expressive language skills(he has no words other than the very occasional "dada") added to delayed gross motor skills(1st steps at 19 months).Although concerned about his interaction/communication skills neither wishes to make any kind of diagnosis:he's too young & requires a multi-disiplinary assessment.From our point of view he does exhibit worrying yet contradictory behaviour:eye contact is fleeting yet significant, he responds to his name but is inconsistent,he plays with his toys when engaged by us but when left to his own devices go's into repetetive mode e.g.emptying objects from a container & then replacing them over & over,pushing a button in the car ad nauseam.He holds his ears for no apparent reason,flaps his arms etc.He wont point out objects but will point & I.D. images in books,or facial parts on us.We always assumed that because he enjoys hugs & is ready to smile, he did'nt fit the Autistic profile.We now know different.We desparately want to proceed with further investigation,yet the Paed. has informed us that any multidisiplinary assessment wont available for months on the N.H.S.We're thinking of A.B.A outside the N.H.S.Any advice would be gratefully received.

jeffreys mom · 06-01-2006, 11:46 PM

Have you contacted your local Early Intervention Program? This is where I would start. What types of pediatricians did you see? Did you see a developmental pediatrician? My son was diagnosed with PDD/NOS at 27 months by a developmental pediatrician at Boston Childrens Hospital.

Your son sounds similar to mine at that age and to stay on top of things is the best thing you can do for him. My son needed the Diagnosis in order to receive the intensive therapy (ABA). He is doing well but I worry all of the time for him and watch him progess and regress and progress again.

The first specialist ( neurologist ) that saw my son said he did not have autism. He was 23 months then and I felt great because the Doctor said no, but my gut instinct told me something different and I didn't rely on that doctors information. Go with your instincts, if you feel something isn't right, then keep on top of it. Good Luck

worried father · 06-02-2006, 05:22 AM

Jeffrey's Mom, thankyou for your reply.They were both Consultant Paediatricians - one was private(Portland Hospital,London), the other was an National Health Service area Paediatrician in my local county in England.I'm not sure if there is an early intervention program over here as such, but I'm sure there is an equivalent.A.B.A.interests me, so I might look at that in a private capacity - due to the inevitable wait on the N.H.S.

9CatMom · 06-02-2006, 05:56 AM

Good luck to you and your son. You are alert to his difficulties. He is lucky to have a father like you.

sross24 · 06-02-2006, 12:39 PM

I'm not sure what kind of services are available in your country, but I do have to say that I felt like I was reading a post about my son. My son is 20 months old and was diagnosed in April of this year with PDD-NOS. He did not walk until he was 19 months old (just a few weeks now). We got his diagnosis by a developmental pediatrician. I wish you the best and good luck!

-Steph