Is it autism?

Hi!

My friend has a 6 years old boy, with some issues. She really did not take anysteps to figure out what he has.
I spend a lot of time with the child and I think he should have some proffesional help.
Here some things he does.
He walks around while he talks, doesn't look in the eyes.He is usually loud, get excited pretty easily.
he likes to talk about death, and hurting animals and some other disturbing stuff. (like when my 1 and a half years old son fell off the concrete step, I tried to reach for him, and I dropped my iced coffe, so there he comes, looks at the coffe and the ice on the floor and says: Oh I thought that was his brain haha )
he is affraid of heights, hates taking medicine and freaks out from haircuts.
he also has a hard time playing in a group. He is fine with only one other child
What is it, any suggestions?

[Sally44]

Click on the Health Page icon on the top right hand side of this forum page.  I have posted the DSM IV diagnositic criteria for autism and parents have posted examples of their child's behaviour that fits the criteria.  That might help you get a better idea of what the professionals are looking for when they suspect an autistis spectrum disorder.

[margypops]

This could also be a boy asking for more attention,a lot of children dont look you in the eyes and are excitable sounds like he has learned that if he makes out rageus remarks he gets some more attention, Does he have a Dad can get him doing sports and Guy things get his self esteeem going if no Dad tell your friend to ask a Male relative , sometimes it is as simple as doing more with them,and playing down the "issues' let them drop ,of course it doesnt hurt to find out anything about the more serious stuff but a lot of children just need more Care and attention. Good Luck to her.

[margypops]

If you are going to research also put in Natural Remedys for ADD and ADHD, you wont have to go the Strong drug route.

[enzymelover]

Many children with Aspergers need to keep moving  to get their words out. Freaking out from haircuts could be a symptom of Sensory Integration Dysfunction. (my son had this. A Homeopathic doctor helped him. She had tests done, and found a mineral imbalance.) It turned out my son had unknown food allergies affecting his behavior. A Nutritionist did IgG antibody and other tests that have helped us enormously.
   I would recommend his mom look into these safe, natural treatments, starting with the nutritionist. Food CAN have a profound affect on the brain, especially in children.
Hope this helps.

Enzymelover