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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Autism or Something Else?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Autism or Something Else?
by SewMommy, Jan 04, 2004 12:00AM
Thank you so much for this forum. Officially my son has "sensory issues" (as diagnosed by an occupational therapist) and "unusual movements" as our pediatrician calls it.
He has had an E.E.G., a 24 hour E.E.G., MRI, CT scan and skull x-rays because he has a very unusually shaped head. His soft spot is very small (although it was still open when he was 7 months old). His metopic suture was already fused by the time he was 18 weeks old.
His "unusual movements" include slinging his head from side to side (with his eyes glazed over); swinging his left arm back and forth; having his fingers in a very strange position and methodically waving it in front of his face while staring at it; tensing up his right hand/arm and shaking it very quickly while staring at it; and banging his forehead into anything. He will do these movements several to many times each day. He also is fascinated by the wheels on his toy trucks. He does not play with them the right way - only turns them on their sides and spins the wheels. He crawls with his fists closed and when he stands, it's often on his tippy toes. He does not point when asked, "Where's ____?". He also does not appear to understand simple commands. He responds to his name 1/2 the time.
However, he seems social - he smiles and makes eye contact. He also waves all the time at people, cars, furniture, animals, etc.
The only pediatric neurologist in town will not even discuss autism until he is older, but that is our concern. Could these symptoms be anything other than autism? Should we push to see the neurologist?
He has had an E.E.G., a 24 hour E.E.G., MRI, CT scan and skull x-rays because he has a very unusually shaped head. His soft spot is very small (although it was still open when he was 7 months old). His metopic suture was already fused by the time he was 18 weeks old.
His "unusual movements" include slinging his head from side to side (with his eyes glazed over); swinging his left arm back and forth; having his fingers in a very strange position and methodically waving it in front of his face while staring at it; tensing up his right hand/arm and shaking it very quickly while staring at it; and banging his forehead into anything. He will do these movements several to many times each day. He also is fascinated by the wheels on his toy trucks. He does not play with them the right way - only turns them on their sides and spins the wheels. He crawls with his fists closed and when he stands, it's often on his tippy toes. He does not point when asked, "Where's ____?". He also does not appear to understand simple commands. He responds to his name 1/2 the time.
However, he seems social - he smiles and makes eye contact. He also waves all the time at people, cars, furniture, animals, etc.
The only pediatric neurologist in town will not even discuss autism until he is older, but that is our concern. Could these symptoms be anything other than autism? Should we push to see the neurologist?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jan 05, 2004 12:00AM
At ten months of age it is to early to make a diagnosis of autism. It is always difficult to comment on behaviors without seeing them. Some of the activity you are reporting may be normal baby movements. The normal tests help to rule out major abnormalities of the brain structure and function. If you have not seen a pediatric neurologist for a consult, it would be reasonable. Hopefully the physician can see the behavior you are reporting and provide some advice. However, if the only abnormality is these abnormal behaviors then waiting to see what happens over the next 2 months would be reasonable. If you want a second opinion I would encourage you to see a pediatric neurologist at an academic center. Good luck.
I understand your concern. My son, who is diagnosed moderate autism, displayed very similar symptoms to yours (however, he also had NO eye contact) at around 12 to 14 months of age. I don't think it is too early to be concerned. Sometimes, doctors don't want to use the A word or they think it doesn't hurt to wait awhile. If your gut is telling you something isn't right, then I would suggest doing some research on the internet. For example do a search for the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT). Fill out the questionaire and then, if the results are indicative of a problem, take the checklist and any other information you've collected to your child's pediatrician. Research is now showing that autism can be detected as early as 12 months. Not pointing, or not drawing someone's attention to an item of interest, is a big indicator at that age. I began suspecting autism in my son at 1 year old, but we did not receive a diagnosis until he was 20 months old.
Hope this helps. There are a lot of parents who can totally relate to you. I love my son with autism so much. He has brought a lot of meaning to my life.
Jana M. <><