possible autism?

Unknown why our son has always been "different"
Any direction would be wonderful,no assistance from MD's just friends suggesting possible
therapies...history:
term vaginal delivery with no complications.  Walked at 10 mths old. By 2 years old started
tactile issues with fabrics(wouldnt wear socks, tags), foods, smells.  Loud sounds bothered
him very much.  
At play groups he wouldn't engage or play, voimited and cried when i tried to take him to
daycare, 1st day in the building, 2nd day in hallway, 3rd in car, 4th at home until we
didnt take him anymore.

He didn't speak until 3 years old and then only 15-20 words. Started speech therapy and
early intervention for social skills. When at EI he would stay outside the group about 20
min. everyday before he would take coat off or go into area where kids were. Unable to
handle any changes..we had to tell him exactly what was going to happen that day and not
change. Wouldn't speak to adults or most kids, wouldn't look at them.

3 years old still couldn't remember colors or letters.Extreme itchyness and bumps on body
that derm. couldn't resolve (still has bumps but doesnt scream itchy anymore)

4-5 years old had sensory integration therapy for fear of heights freezing when on stairs
or excallator.wouldn't go on play equipment. always cried or had upset stomach for school.
never played with other kids at recess. Walking and running looked uneasy or difficult.

6 years old severe reading delays, but very advanced in math, high IQ when school tested
him. The pyschologist said after he stopped crying he was suprised at how intellegent his
conversations were. Orthopedics said phyically no prob. with legs/feet.but still awkward
suggested possible leg exercises.
7 years old had ear tubes and adnoids surgery, still wouldn't engage at his own birthday
party just watched.Still cries all the time and says worried about everything. In social
situations freezing and not involved.

8 years old vision therapy-took to neursensory ctr for possible autistic needs but eye dr
said it was scanning and balance and we never saw the enviornmental dr. 9 months of vision
therapy completed. Started counseling for crying at school and upset stomach.Still doesn't
sleep through night.

currently 9 years old and still can't handle social situations,crying even at
boyscouts,school, schedule changes very difficult. talks like an adult and kids can't
relate to him,seems only happy at home with mom,dad,sister.He tells me he doesn't know why
he cries or gets nervous. Never had any injuries or life upsets. Constantly needs
reassurance, Always very kind, sweet boy, never a behavior issue. My husband has dsylexia
and anxiety. Any thoughts?

[Gina04]

Most of this sounds like Asperger's (an ASD) to me.  My husband and four year old son both have it.  The 'issues' vary from one Aspie to another but they do tend to have a lot in common.  I would highly recommend that you take him to a developmental specialist for an evaluation.  You may also want to Google Asperger's symptoms and see if you think it sounds like your son.

The one thing that made me think it might not be was the "3 years old still couldn't remember colors or letters.".  A lot of Aspies have hyperlexia and are drawn to letters and numbers.  When my son first started talking, a lot of it was about letters and numbers.  Now, he tends to  refer to people by the color of their shirt.  We will be out somewhere and then get in the car and he will say something about the guy with the green shirt was .....

My husband didn't find out that he was an Aspie until a few years ago (and he is 37).  He really wishes he had known when he was younger.  Some of his career choices, etc. were not good choices for an Aspie.  He could have made much better choices had he known more about who he really is.

[meniere135]

I agree with the above.  Sounds a lot like Asperger's!  

[compnet]

Have you or anyone here read Eleni Prokopeas' story about her child's recovery or Jenny McCarthy's story about her son's recovery?  I think they both used DAN doctors.