2 1/2 yr old needs help.

[cacks]

hi, my 2 1/2 yr old son has been diagnosed with global development delay but i think theres more to it. he has been seen by a peadiatric doctor, physiotherapist, O.T., social worker, speech and language therapist, health visitor and gp. i have looked into global development delay and think theres much more wrong with him. He headbangs and rocks, (would headbang all nite), has no speech or understanding at all ( just shouts at things when excited), is obsessed with dvd covers and books, (anything really with writing on it), doesnt play with any of his toys, just mouths everything he gets his hands on and recently has started to go round and round as if to make himself dizzy. i have a 1st cousin with autism and see my son doing some of the same things but he is not copying him as hes only met him twice. i have told this to my health visitor but she doesnt seem worried. i live in n. ireland. what can i do???

[Jason C Bourret, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

The behavioral patterns that you describe for your son are congruent with a developmental delay diagnosis.  Individuals with developmental delays may engage in self-injuious head banging and stereotypy such as body rocking or spinning.  Over the last 30 years, significant progress has been made both in terms of treating problem behavior in individuals with developmental delays and in terms of promoting skill acquisition.  A critical factor to the success of your son in these areas is to make sure that he is recieving appropriate educational services.  I also recommend seeking out professionals who have experience in treating the behavior problems that you describe and beginning systematic behavioral intervention.  

[ainiyah]

Hi.
My name is yanti, I have 6,5 years daughter, Aini, that diagnostic with GDD. First time I knew somethingwrong with my daughter when she's 5 month. From that day she see the manykind of therapic, doctor etc. I have a suggestion for you, that's works on me. Pls take more time with your son. He's need you more than the other kids. If for the other kid you have 5 hours a day, for your son you most spend at leat 10 hours. Maybe.. its sound silly. But I proff it. My little Aini has more "life" annd "growing" when I am beside her intesively. I compare it when her situation, when I pay an expensive baby sister, and spend more time with the expert. Pls try this..., more... your love, more...your attention, more.....your kiss, more...your tears, more...your hope, more....your pray... + the expert hand (like the therapic, doctors etc) he can reach more than what he get now.  

Just for your information,  my liitle aini,  walk at 2,5 years,  talk at 4 years. Now in her 6,5 years old she can swimm, (her capability is on the 5 - 6 years) She like to help me clean the house.

And Pls. pls never compare your son with the other cildren. Its unfair. He has a special talent that noone have. Pls Love and except him like the way he is.

I and my family pray for your son goodness. I know someday You can proud on him more than you can image. And I know someday he will put your name high with what he can reach off.

[Angela77]

If you look at the Diagnostic Statistical Manual and the 3 factors of autism are:  delay in speech, delays in social interaction and odd or restricted interests.  I would ask for an evaluation for special education services.  I am from the US and have no idea how things work in N. Ireland but that is how things work here.  There are many places in England that conduct research and intervention in the field of autism.  Also, research says that if you have someone in your family in the autistic specturm, you can be more likely to have a child with autism.  I would go to your school district or agency which provides educational services and make a formal request, in writing, for a comprehensive evaluation for special education services.