Concerned

My son just turned 5 years old.  He has always been a very active child.  He has had trouble speaking and is now seeing a speech pathologist.  Also, his behavior concerns me.  It seems that he has never really progressed from being 3 years old.  All he does is play with trains.  He is obsessed with it.  I sometimes have a problem getting his attention, he is so engrossed.  He does play with other kids, but it is not really constructive play.  He will be starting Kindergarten next year.  No one has said anything to me about ADHD, developmental delays or anything.  I think something is wrong, but everyone is telling me he is just a very active 4 year old.  Well now he is 5 and I don't see him progressing.  Do you think he could have ADHD?  Developmental problems?  Mild case of Autism?  

[Myrna Libby, Ph.D., BCBA]

I would certainly take him to a developmental pediatrician and ask for an immediate assessment and a referral to a full team evaluation to rule out autism spectrum disorder or other developmental problems.  If you are concerned you should definitely follow-up with getting a professional diagnosis and pursue this until you are comfortable with what you have been told.  Typical children develop rather rapidly at this age.

Good Luck