possible autism

[Rachelinpain]

just thought i would ask for any opinions on my situation.  i have a son who just turned 5 and i thiink he may have autism.  i have thought this for years, but i guess no one else really was concerned.  i am going to ask for testing again with a different pediatrician.  here are his behaviors

he had language delay, did not say any words or babble until 2  1/2 (he received speech therapy and now speaks very well)
has very poor eye contact (has improved from zero to some)
is aggressive in social situations
is very aloof to others, always alone, isolates himself
is very paticular about things such as food, or playing a game a certain way
not affectionate (this has improves, it is almost as if he forces himself to act in an affectionate way but it seems in-sincere)
is very picky about food (will take his sandwiches apart, eats food separately, will NOT eat anything that is mixed-lasagna, casseroles, etc.)
can not stand loud noises (gets upset with the vacuum or music that is too loud, etc.)
self mutilates (bites and pinches himself-has improved, he used to be an obsessive nail biter as well)
speakes with a monotone voice which lacks emotion
does not smile much or show sadness much
has an almost audographic memory (can memorize entire episodes of cartoons or songs after 1 listen, and then repeats them over and over)
does not understand basic commands sometimes (like look under the table-he seems like he has no idea what the word UNDER means)

I am sure there are others, but he is very bright and alot of his severe symptoms have improved, my husband and i have really focused alot on helping him learn some things .  Is he just an odd kid or should i be worried and if he is improving does the diagnosis matter?

[mjthewriterdad]

Good point.  We pay A LOT to fund education. If you home school your children, the law requires that you MUST have access to all school services.  Not only tresting/evaluation.therepy services, but also, as I understand,  the gym,  science labs, music, industrial arts shops, auto shops,  computer labs, art studios, swimming pools whatever.

It's difficult to imagine having to have all this at home. They may be constrained by the federal government, but they are also mandated to provide Free and Approprate Public Education for ALL children.  We, as parents need to  make sure schools MUST enforce this for our children, since federal law mandates this.  As parents, we are the IDEA cops.  If the local school district can't or won't provide this, they can stand to lose alot more money and accreditation and other federal sanctions, it's unthinkable.  

I would also add that whatever correspondence you place to the Special ed director or any administrator, cc it to the Superintendent.  

"If you wanna get to heaven, you gotta raise a little hell"

[Rachelinpain]

thanks so much for your suggestions, it is good to know that i can use the school for something since i pay for it...not that it has done much good for my daughter who has ADD...she is just falling farthur and fartheur behind...that is why i have chosen to homeschool...i do not feel like public schools do look out for their best intrests...and it is not really the tearchers fault...they are constrained by the gov't.  they are just too overwhelmed and i want to have more influence over what my kids learn and how they are taught...i do however TOTALLY understand about the getting away from mom thing...my daughter with ADD is quite a handful for me, but at least i can send her to her room for quiet time if i need too=)  thanks again

[gracem]

Sounds Like ASD.... Has many characteristics of ASD...   QUACK!
If you home school.... you are still entitled to go to a public school under "Child Find" and ask for evaluations and OT and Speech Services.  You might also ask Doctor to refer you to a Developmental Specialist.  Or Autism Clinic.... I do not know where you live... But there are many in USA.... And these are USA Laws that require public schools to identify children with special educational needs.  You may refer your child to the school.... or a doctor or nurse or anyone such as a grandparent.   Your child may also qualify for Medical Assistance (Doesn't Matter your income) if he is diagnosed with ASD and it will open doors to more available therapy such as ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and Speech and OT.  In the private sector.... Also medical specialists...  This program is called Katie Beckett where I live.

A neuropsychologist or a Neurologist (Pediatric) might also help determine if your child has ASD.  

The public schools are challenging when you need to deal with them for IEP's.  Some are not as friendly as you might expect when dealing with children in Special Education. Federal Funding requires that they follow IDEA Law and No Child Left Behind Laws.... But they really do notwant to spend money on these kids at school.... so beware when they tell you that they are working in YOUR CHILD's Best interest.... YOU Are the parent...  TRUST Yourself and YOU "truely love your child" more than THEY DO.... no matter what they smile and tell you.

I chose not to home school because I wanted my son to be mainstreamed and also I did not think it was healthy for both of us to be together the whole day .... He is quite a handful!    I am not sure how to access services as a home schooler.... but I DO KNOW YOU are entiltled to pubic school service because we pay taxes.  So call the Special Education Director  or School Psychologist and tell him that you are requesting the school do evaluations......  also you can ask for IEE  Independent Education Evaluation should you and the school evaluators have differing opinions.... and IEE's are also paid for by the Public   (School).   Good Luck    gracem

[Rachelinpain]

he is not in public school, i homeschool.  how do i go about getting an eval through the school system if he is not there?

[mjthewriterdad]

You may have better luck with the school system to get an evaluation done.  Sometimes to get stuff you want done in the medical community it takes an act of congress.  

IMO, the medical community is a business noowadays.  The model has shifted from community service to being a business.  As such, businesses generally want to increase revenues, decrease costs.  If you have an HMO or insurance plan, The plan pretty much controls what the pediatreician can and can't do.   They appove or not approve payment.  If the company can maximize revenueus from your premiums while minimizing payments for services, they will find a way to refuse payment.  Hence, the doc can't make a refferal easily.

Now the school system is mandated by federal laws to serve the public.  Granted, school boards have an interest in minimizing property taxes.  You have more of a say in getting a refferal by invoking federal IDEA law.