sudden odd symptoms in baby

Mystery?  My grandson who is now three seemed to be a perfectly normal chubby nursing baby and was even beginning to sound syllables mama etc. Suddenly he began to refuse feedings- railing up in screaming fits as though in horrible pain.  He would not even take eye droppers of water. This started at six months old and continued for weeks until he was hospitalized with dehydration and weight loss.  He began having horrible outbreaks of cold sores which started on his mouth and spread everywhere.  Hospitalized twice for more than two weeks each time on IV antibiotics, Also had an incident with nodule gland in chest infection which required surgery. Noted after labs to be neutropenic and only occasionally low hematacrit and hemoglobin. Has been on a G-tube with Neocate formula since 6 or 7 months, takes med for herpes and has chest port for regular IVIG treatments.  No one yet is able to figure out what happened at least not a diagnosis confirmed.  My daughter seems to think that these horrible symptoms began after his series of immunizations at 2 to six months. Could he have already had an underlying problem that the routine shots may have triggered to become worse?? Now he only talks through humming in his throat.  How can we help him to speak from his mouth? He often will not look you in the face and he has repetitive behavior like tearing up paper to a million pieces and flapping them in front of his face. He often has temper tantrums and hits himself in the face and head. How can we divert this problem behavior?
Is there any testing for genetics or do you know a doctor that may be able to help?  Perhaps someone knows of a similar case. It seems that they are only treating the symptoms and have not been very persistant about searching for possible causes. He will be 4 in Sept and I am sad that time is passing with no resolution. Please help offer some advise if you can.  Thanks,  Sad Grandma

[William L. Holcomb, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

The history you describe of your grandson’s medical problems is not at all typical of what most parents of children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describe of their child’s early development.  Based on the number and intrusiveness of the medical interventions for your grandson, I would hope that every appropriate genetic screening and associated medical test for possible disorders has been done.  I encourage you to speak with your son or daughter and ask if this be the case.  You may also wish to have your grandson assessed by a team familiar with young children and ASDs.  Talking with your grandson’s pediatrician is the best place to start that process.