Asperger's?

My son is 26 months old and has been diagonised with speech development delay but now I am wondering if there is more to be concerned about. He was also slow/delayed at reaching gross motor milestones of sitting, crawling and walking. He flaps his armes when excited or agitated, and is compulsivily clean. He can be extremely affectionate one minute but then start hitting, biting and/or pulling hair.

He is my second child, I also have a 4 year old daughter whom we didn't have any concerns with.

Regards

Tracey

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

What you are describing isn’t uncommon in typically developing 2-yr olds and there can be quite a range in development across a range of areas. Also, tantruming and other sorts of problem behavior may be more likely if your son isn’t yet able to communicate effectively given the speech delay. All that being said, having him assessed for autism-spectrum disorders would be a good idea. In any case, absolutely pursue early intervention for any and all delays whether they be motor or speech. Even if he does not receive a diagnosis, the extra therapy can be enormously helpful. Regardless of diagnosis, if he’s delayed in some areas, he could use the extra help. So, do your best to make sure he gets it.

[tinymama]

I can't comment about the delays but I have a 2 year old also.  The rapid mood swings are typical of what I saw in both my boys and in other normal 2 year old children we play with.  The question is does he have the behavior problems (biting hitting etc) in all situations or is he normally better with someone in particular.  I've discovered my 2 year old never hits or bites at preschool but at home he feels its a way to get my attention when I'm working with my other child or he does it when he doesn't get his way with his brother.  

I hope that helps a bit.

[harmony1962]

     I just wanted to send you a not of encouragement.
I have a son who is now 17. We were told  several years ago that he has Asperger's. After alot of testing and learning. I now have a well behaved  straight A student. I feel it is important however that the child have a big part in his development. His school has a class to help him learn how to handel social situations also. This has also been a blessing.  My son, I am pround to say, is in the process of writing a book and is a star singer in the school choir.  Once you learn how they think and learn how to talk to them, they become just as normal as any other child. Have faith and hang in there. There is hope and you can have a "normal" child in time.

Hope this helps you to know it will be okay. It is hard work, don't get me wrong, but very much worth it.