Undiagnosed ???

[louloumum]

My son Reilly will be three in January and I have concerns that he may have PDD-NOS.  The signs are subtle yet pervasive enough to meet the criteria.  The signs include:
* Echolalia, expressive and receptive problems - undergoing speech therapy.
* Limmited eye contact but will engage briefly
* Ignores his name frequently
* Hand leads to get what he wants
Subtle differences with social play anad prefers to play alone rather that with peers. Does not interact or convernse with peers.
* Will hug or kiss when asked but refuses when very distressed, sick or when gets in bed with parents each night.
* Huge sleep problems.
* Hates spills on shirt or wet pants - as a result easy to toilet train.
* Has a security blanket with satin edges and loves trains
* Prefers father over mother.
* Limmited affection with grand parents who live with us.
* Cries, groans and has high pitch screems every day
* difficult to take shopping or restaurants.
* Facination with elevators and automatic doors.
* Jumps on people like funiture.
* Narrow food preferences and refuses to try new things.
* Bangs head on floor or wall, bites and mouths arm and scratches face when very distressed.
* Throws huge tantrums constantly and every day.
Please provide me with your interpretation of the above information and whether you think it could be PDD-NOS.

[keloz]

A related discussion, Best bevaourial pediatrician in Brisbane was started.

[louloumum]

Thank you for your reply Doctor.  There is only one developmental pediatrician in Brisbane Australia that I can take my son to see for an assessment and he is not available until July 08.  The psychologist is available in February so I will edeavour to have him assessed then and again if required in July with the developmental pediatrician.  If you know of any good resources associated with PDD-NOS I would be greatful if you could pass them on to me. Thank you fkindly or your valuable time.
Linda.

[jrobb1564]

Is there any way that you can get him in to see a Developmental Pediatrician where you live?  Or perhaps have your GP refer him for other types of therapy such as Play therapy or Occupational Therapy (deals with his sensory issues).  My son has been in therapy (O/T, S/T and Play Therapy) for 1 1/2 years, and he still doesn't have a  "diagnosis".  Reilly can still receive all of the therapy services as an autistic child might receive, without having a diagnosis.  The reason why alot of doctors are hesitant to "put a label" on a child such as AUTISM, is because alot of medical insurances DO NOT cover treatment of autism.  Although they will cover these same type of services for a child who may simply have been diagnosed with "developmental delays", or "sensory integration disorder".  It is frustrating I know.  Do whatever you need to do though for your child; it is their future that you need to advocate for.  The parent is the best one to do it.  Don't wait for a "diagnosis" before you request services for him.  The earlier the intervention, the better.  Be encouraged.  :)

[louloumum]

Reilly only receives speech therapy and I requested the referral from his GP.

[jrobb1564]

You mention that your son is receiving speech therapy.  What other therapy is he also receiving, if any?  Who referred him to a speech therapist?

[Myrna Libby, Ph.D., BCBA]

Certainly some of the behaviors you describe fall in line with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.  It is great that you child is already receiving speech services since improving communication skills is central to treatment.  I would try to get him evaluated as soon as possible.  Good choices for evaluation include developmental pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists and child psychologists.  It will also be extremely important to get services from professionals who have experience developing intervention plans for children with these difficulties which are approrpiate to the diagnosis you get and to the behaviors and deficits you describe.

Good Luck.