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Autism & Asperger's Syndrome (Expert Forum)
Could this be Autism, or what might it be?
Questions in the Autism & Asperger's Syndrome forum are answered by researchers at the New England Center for Children. Topics covered include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Antisocial Personality Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Autism, blindness, bullying, clinical depression, deafness, dyslexia, mental retardation, and social alienation.
Could this be Autism, or what might it be?
by mama2corbin, Apr 27, 2008 09:05PM
Hello,
I am the mother of a 2 y.o. boy who has what I believe to be a global delay. We are currently living in New Zealand, but relocating back to the US at the end May. E.I. in New Zealand is only readily available to children the health system deems as "high needs". We are undiagnosed - ped. says something is underlying but not willing to say what that might be and wants to take wait/see approcach.
Background - hypotonia since infancy. Reached milestones late - sitting 9 mo/crawling 12 mo/walking 19 mo. At 2 y.o. now, still not running,jumping,climbing,or up/down stairs. Speech is very limited with words that only mom/dad understand. Snack is "sna". Up is "uh". Down is "da". Play/feeding skills are behind. He wants to bang toys together all the time. He does not play with toys for their purpose. He loves moving objects around from one side of the room to the other. He will not try the most simplist of puzzles or shape sorters, he prefers to bang the pieces together or throw them on the floor.
As for feeding,he can control a spoon but prefers to fling it around or bang it on his tray instead of using it for his purpose. Very limited in his diet and if texture,taste,temp are not just right, the food is thrown on the floor.
The ped. has ruled out autism because he makes good eye contact and is interactive (after some warming up). The only thing we have to go on at the moment is "suspected" dyspraxia by a speech therapist who spent only about 1 hr. with him.
Are you able to advise what type of diagnosis we might we get with these symptoms? Can autism still exist despite the good eye contact and interaction? Should we be concerned or could he eventually catch up in these areas? We have an appointment scheduled with a pediatrician the week we arrive back in the US, but I'm left with no help or advice at the moment. I appreciate anything that can be shared that might help to explain what we are experiencing with our little boy.
I am the mother of a 2 y.o. boy who has what I believe to be a global delay. We are currently living in New Zealand, but relocating back to the US at the end May. E.I. in New Zealand is only readily available to children the health system deems as "high needs". We are undiagnosed - ped. says something is underlying but not willing to say what that might be and wants to take wait/see approcach.
Background - hypotonia since infancy. Reached milestones late - sitting 9 mo/crawling 12 mo/walking 19 mo. At 2 y.o. now, still not running,jumping,climbing,or up/down stairs. Speech is very limited with words that only mom/dad understand. Snack is "sna". Up is "uh". Down is "da". Play/feeding skills are behind. He wants to bang toys together all the time. He does not play with toys for their purpose. He loves moving objects around from one side of the room to the other. He will not try the most simplist of puzzles or shape sorters, he prefers to bang the pieces together or throw them on the floor.
As for feeding,he can control a spoon but prefers to fling it around or bang it on his tray instead of using it for his purpose. Very limited in his diet and if texture,taste,temp are not just right, the food is thrown on the floor.
The ped. has ruled out autism because he makes good eye contact and is interactive (after some warming up). The only thing we have to go on at the moment is "suspected" dyspraxia by a speech therapist who spent only about 1 hr. with him.
Are you able to advise what type of diagnosis we might we get with these symptoms? Can autism still exist despite the good eye contact and interaction? Should we be concerned or could he eventually catch up in these areas? We have an appointment scheduled with a pediatrician the week we arrive back in the US, but I'm left with no help or advice at the moment. I appreciate anything that can be shared that might help to explain what we are experiencing with our little boy.
Doctor's Answer
by Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA, Aug 20, 2008 10:19AM
, Aug 20, 2008 10:19AM
An accurate diagnosis can result only from a thorough (in person) assessment from a qualified team of professionals. From your description, it sounds as though your child is experiencing some delays in several different areas, so I do recommend that you seek assessment and obtain appropriate early intervention now that you are in the US.
