Help !!! - Autism Spectrum Message Board

LEANN K · 09-14-2006, 01:00 PM

My son has been diagnosed with sever autism but other people say that they don't see it because he can hold eye contact. He has all the signs of autism and sensory problems also some echolalia he is the age of a 10mos old and has sever behavioral problems and sleep disorder too. can anyone tell me if an autistic child hold eye contact?

Thanks
LEANN

rbecca · 09-14-2006, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEANN K

My son has been diagnosed with sever autism but other people say that they don't see it because he can hold eye contact. He has all the signs of autism and sensory problems also some echolalia he is the age of a 10mos old and has sever behavioral problems and sleep disorder too. can anyone tell me if an autistic child hold eye contact?

Thanks
LEANN

My son Christopher turned 15 yesterday and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.He does have the ability to maintain eye contact!!! Christopher will keep eye contact until he is no longer interested(as far as I can tell,this seems to be the deal breaker).He responds to his name when called and will look at whoever wants him. The fact that your son can maintain eye contact is something to be greatfull for. There are alot of missunderstandings about autism,autism spectrum dissorder,and the sings and symtoms of them...there are more than you can imagine.I suggest that you talk to a pediatric neurologist with questions - EVERY PERSON IS DIFFERENT AND EVERY AUTISTIC PERSON IS DIFFERENT TOO- I have found over the years that many times the advise of friends or family is although well intented it can lead us moms in the wrong direction. I have also found that talking with other parents/caregivers of autistic kids is VERY HELPFULL, but don't forget to go through the professional route also.Many Dr.'s (like my sons old one) just say "he's autistic" and then can't wait to send you out the room so they don't have to answer any questions that they really don't have an answer to anyway.So keep looking, ask your sons Dr. for a referral to a Psychiatrist(he's too young..you're probably thinking,but the Psychiatrist may have answers for your questions).Also one for a Pediatric Neurologist,mine was very helpfull when Christopher was first diagnosed,and still is.

LEANN K · 09-14-2006, 08:29 PM

thanks alot for the help the way other people make me feel is that something isn't wrong with him when I think differently. He don't even speak or jabber around strangers. He looks at me when I say his name and holds eye contact but he only speaking 10 words and signs 10 words he only speaks one sentence and he repeats it over and over again. (what's that) and he is almost 3yrs. He is very violent to his sisters but not to his brothers. He is violent toward other kids that he just meets. He has no remorse and no emotions. I can get him to laugh by playing rough with him. He only sleeps 2 to 3 hours a night and wants to get up and play. I do have an appointment with a nueroligist and hopefully find out more about him.. Boy is this a rough road but in the end I guess it is worth it and I wouldn't change anything about him. Isaiah is who he is and nothing or no one can change it we all love him!

LeAnn

rbecca · 09-14-2006, 11:17 PM

I am so glad that you are going to the Neurologist,he/she may be very helpfull for you with ANY questions that you have, for present and future concerns.
My son also had sleeping issues- I actually had to put my bed in the living room for about a year because the front door and the sliding glass door were both in that area-he was a runner,he would just take off running all the time,especially when he was bored or frustrated.I wasn't thrilled with my "sleeping arrangements" but I knew he would wake up in the middle of the night or even just a few hours after going to sleep and either want to play or just take off and go outside.As a single mom it was my only choice for his saftey.
My son also had aggression issues,sometimes they were provoked, but usually not,he would just run over and knock over another kid on the playground or slap someone in the face.Other people were very quick to judge,that is what initially bothered me the most(aside from the agressive behavior).Don't let other peoples opinions bother you !! I did,and it was hard to get out of that cycle of second guessing myself about whether or not his behavior was because I wasn't a good mother.
I'm so glad to hear you say that Issiah is "who he is" and you clearly love him very much.The same here with my Christopher,sure there were/and are bumps in the road,but even through the tough times there will be a light at the end of the tunnel...for every awkward situation,every Dr.'s appt.,and sleepless night,tomorrow is another day and you never know what it will hold,but you will both make it through-he knoes his mommy loves him and that is so important,that is when I used to get the best moments with him during rough patches-looking into his eyes and saying mommy loves you,he would look back and even if he didn't say anything I saw a sparkle in his eyes-priceless.

Is Issiah in school through early intervention? Christopher started early intervention (through the local school district) at age 3. They started working with him in many ways,as I mentioned before he had agressive behaviors also,and that was one of the things they worked on with him,along with speech therapy,and many other things.It might be a good thing to look into, that if he isn't enrolled in something offering these services.
Also - I had many friends,family,co-workers..saying the same thing regarding there being nothing wrong with him,my personal favorite was "maybe he just doesn't have anything to say". I wish you well,and am glad to have found this area to talk to other parents of kids with Autism/ASD.Talk to you soon I hope.

9CatMom · 09-15-2006, 07:58 AM

rbecca,

You hit upon the key point-we are all different, whatever our diagnosis, and wherever we fall on the spectrum. Everyone is an individual.