Wouldn't this call for testing? - Autism Spectrum Message Board

BeaTrade · 05-16-2007, 07:37 AM

My niece has a daughter that's almost 5(in a few months). Everyone's telling them that she needs to be tested for Autism but they refuse. I was told that as in infant she couldn't role over(I know that's a sign) she's very anti-social(she doesn't interact with anyone) she only recently hugged her Mother! She cannot hold a crayon to color and she doesn't answer when she is asked questions. If you ask her something, she just repeats the question back to them. She doesn't speak in complete sentences. I'm no expert but how can a 5 year old that is this far below normal skills be nothing wrong? And what else would it be? It's like they only see the things that she can do like she can count really high. It bothers me because she's already almost 5 years old and is not getting any treatment or therapy and I know that early therapy is very important with Autistic children!

meechieny · 05-16-2007, 12:33 PM

Unfortunately this does happen. I think it's mostly when parents are afraid and/or uneducated. They think if they ignore the problems they will go away. Did they tell you why they wouldn't have her tested? It's a shame too because how much early interventing can help these kids.
I think the best hope for her is going to public school. It will be there that she will be evaluated, diagnosed and get the help she needs.
In the mean time I would continue talking to the parents. If you reallly want to help.....I would read as much as you can about autism and different ways that you(or the family) can personally help her. Try to be her speech therapists, her occupational therapists and help her find her voice. Offer to babysit her and try to give her some one on one time that would really help her. Sometimes it really takes a village to raise a child.
This board is FANTASTIC! So many people are willing to help and share stratigies. Ask away! We are all here to help each other and help our children.
Good luck. She is lucky to have a Great Aunt like you.