How do you know if it is really Autism?

[vanilla89]

I have a nephew that is two years old. My sister in law noticed something wrong with him her docotr recomended he be testesd for autism. The results were, he is autistic, but cannot be for sure until he turns three and is tested again. As I watch him I do not think he is Autistic. I feel he may just not be payed attention to enough with a baby brother a year and a half younger than him and two older sisters. He seems like he also has the signs of just a neglected child. He does get attention, just not as much as the other ones. Can it be that he is not Autistic? And if so what can help him at such a young age? He does not talk he says maybe one word at a time. And he likes his surroundings to always be loud no matter where he is. He aslo has an attachment to his cars in a box. Where he goes they go, they say that is a sign?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The reason for waiting a bit to clarify the diagnosis is to allow developement to unfold. Children change a lot between the ages of two and three and the diagnostic picture will be much clearer when he is three. All that is important from the family perspective is to provide him with love and attention and interact with words, offering him sufficient stimulation by way of play. Displays of physical affection are also important, all the more so if your observation that maybe he is a bit neglected is true.

[vanilla89]

Thank you. I will see how things turn out. His mom is a single mother at this point and has four kids to support alone so I ca see where he will be lacking attention at his age. That is why i question if he would really be autistic?

[specialmom]

Many children on the autistic spectrum also have sensory issues.  It is not uncommon for sensory issues to look as you describe.  Some crave being squeezed and hugged and others avoid and run away.  My child was not a cuddler and that was something that I was asked about during diagnosis for sensory integration disorder.  There is wide variability in children at the age of your nephew and some is just a child's personality but also could be indicators of an issue.  Hence, the waiting until he is 3 to be evaluated again to see if things change.  You can often explain away one or two things as just inherent traits of the child but it is when there are several things pointing in one direction that prove to be a diagnosis of some sort.  I will tell you that my son after early intervention is doing wonderful.  Hoping for the best for your nephew.  Give him lots of love.  

[vanilla89]

Ok that makes sense. From what they tell me he does not like to show affection they have to chase him to give him a hug. I think that may just be part of his personality. He just kind of plays hard to get. And thank you!