My four year old

[Vaal24]

My son is four years old.  He is very intelligent for his age.  He can do things (academically) that most boys and girls his age can't do.  My problem is that he has this obsession with strings lately.  He spots them, picks them up and plays with it.  He will get any kind from sofas, clothes, the floor.  I have a cousin who has a son who does this and well he has Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I am scared that my son may have this.  I have asked his pediatrician and he say that he believes he's fine and that he's a typical four year old.  I have my doubts.  He talks different very intelligently and uses words that others his age don't know the meaning to.  He gives eye contact but sometimes has certain sensory problems.  He used to be afraid of pole lights, firetruck sirens, and things of that nature.  I am totally concerned at this point.  Any advice you can give will help me.  From what I can tell he plays well with others.  Sometimes he doesn't seem to fit in because of his extended vocabularty, but otherwise he plays well with them.  He's quiet and doesn't actually play with them more so beside them but doing his own thing. He's more into video games and the computer.  He likes to write his name and learn new words.  He likes to read and listen to stories.  He likes his cars, but plays with the same ones everyday and gets on the rug lays his head to the side and rolls them around.  Do I sound silly yet?  Please respond.  I need some advice!!

concerned parent
***@****

[ccw31]

I am at a loss trying to find help for my son. We have been to multiple doctors and therapist. All agree he is delayed, but no reason why. I would appreciate your time in maybe an oppinion on where I go/do next to help him. He just turned 3 and has delayed speech. He says the syllables, but has a very difficult time in pronounceation. At times he seems to be fine alone, even ignoring us. But at times he asks for help with things he cannot do on his own. He has problems eating certain foods, mostly foods that do not contain bread. He has a history of GERD/Reflux. He will not carry back and forth conversation. The only thing that is meaningful in conversation is activities that are taking place at that time. He has meltdowns when he does  not get his way. He is very interested in the computer and can play his games on his own. He avoids words he can not say by using gestures such as pointing to his mouth when he is hungry. He has spells of muscle flexing (entire body) while holding his breath and during these spells makes facial grimaces with eyes bulging at times. These happen mostly when over stimulated such as very excited, tired, or bored. He has not worn jeans since December and fights me when we try to put them on and begs for "more pants". He does not like stickers, or glue when it is on his hands, but does not seem to have trouble with other textures. He will not eat certain foods and regularly spits out food, however he eats tree bark, sticks, mulch, cardboard, paper, chalk. Please if anyone sees any simularities let me know what you did to seek help. I am at my witts end. We have had EEG that turned out normal and all other physicians seem to think he is fine, but daycare and the early intervention say he is delayed and he exhibits the "spells" frequently and at times is scary for me. I need direction please.

[Rozy321]

very simply put, a diagnosis of autism can be considered if the child has deficits in the following 3 areas:

1) Language development - delayed or disordered language skills
2) Social skills - difficulty interacting socially; may have limited eye contact, may be unintersted in social games like peek-a-boo or chase, limited reciprocal (back and forth) interactions with peers or adults
3) Play skills  - lack of imaginative or pretend play, strict adherence to routines; repetitive, stereotyped behavior

Another disorder on the autism spectrum is called Asperger's syndrome, and can be considered if the child shows the above characteristics but has had normal language development.  For the record, children with Aspergers do frequently have average or above average intelligence and may use "pedantic" or very formal, adultlike speech.  

That doesn't mean I think your little guy has Asperger's syndrome, but it doesn't sound like Autism if his language is so advanced.  If he has noticeable social skills deficits and routine/stereotyped behaviors or interests to the point that you are concerned, visit a developmental pedicatrician, a child psychologist, or a pediatric neurologist.  These are the only people who can diagnose autism spectrum disorders.  

Another thing to consider is that he may just be a gifted child with a few unusual behaviors! Sometimes very intelligent kids just have trouble relating to other children their own age.  

[Vaal24]

No he doesn't have tantrums at all.  He'll walk away with his head down and ignore you, but no tantrums.  He behaves well and is mildly mannered.  Why do you ask?

[darc80]

hi, I was just wondering about his behavour. Does he have tantrums?  what is his overall behavour like ?
darc80