Is this Autism, PDD NOS or SID?????

[NoelleC]

My son is 20 months old.  He is not yet babbling or speaking.  Sometimes he makes the sound 'buh buh buh' when prompted, but not very often.

He was a late walker (18 months), and always walks with his arms held out to balance.  He is low tone and has frequent constipation.

He gags when he touches play-doh and other 'mushy' textures.  The only solids he can eat are crackers (and not very well).  I puree his food.

He chews or sucks his toys constantly and loves to eat hair....must love the way it feels in his mouth.

He doesn't seem to understand language as he should.  Most of the time he doesn't turn his head when I am talking to him, and doesn't respond to simple commands, such as, 'give me the ball'.  (His hearing is fine.)

Lately he has been pulling his hair when drinking his bottle.

He is very loving and loves to be in the company of his brother and sister.  He gives hugs and loves to cuddle.  He also loves TV, and is completely engrossed when his videos are on.  He NEVER throws tantrums and has a happy disposition.  He also loves to look at books, but doesn't sit long enough to be read to.  He can play peek-a-boo by covering and uncovering his eyes.  He can also give a kiss when requested and lift arms to play 'so big'.

We are having him evaluated by a developmental pediatrician soon.  He is currently in speech therapy.  We are VERY worried and stressed over what is wrong....please give us any insight that you can.

[J'sMama]

I just wanted to say that you are doing everything exactly as you need to.  Our family went through the very same thing.  Our boy is now in a school that fits his needs, as well as our family, (and there are many choices!)  Our son was diagnosed with pdd-nos and is making tremendous strides everyday.  Best of luck to you and your family!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You have already taken the step I would have suggested - i.e., an evaluation by a developmental specialist. At this age, it is difficult (if not impossible) to discern with precision what type of developmental problem is occurring. Your son is showing some developmental delays or unevenness, that's for sure. Time will tell if these lags in development are simply delays, and he will close the gap developmentally as time goes on, or whether they are the early signs of what will be a more pronounced developmental disorder. The problem could indicate some type of Pervasive Developmental Disorder, though Autistic Disorder is not likely (unless it is at the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum). Sensory integration problems might be occurring, though this will not likely be the primary diagnosis. Remember, development is fluid and rapid changes occur during the early years. It's also important to remember that normal development occurs along a spectrum - e.g., children do not all begin to develop language at precisely the same time. There is always a range. Yes, your son is not within the normal spectrum in some areas of his development. But time will have to pass before it is entirly clear what is occurring. Be sure to seek Early Intervention services, along with whatever other supports the developmental pediatrician recommends.