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Autism & Asperger's Syndrome (Expert Forum)
Help with communication
Answered by
Jason C Bourret, Ph.D., BCBA - autism
The New England Center for Children
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.
Help with communication
by abhay_dogra, Jun 28, 2008 03:36AM
Hi
My son is 2.7 years old . Recently hi is being diagnosed for autism , Earlier he had his bera test which showed modest to mild hearing loss in both years . But the doctors who r diagnosing him for autism are not taking this in to account (His bera test) . we r confused is it autism or hearing loss or both . My son has no repeated behaviour , Understands expressions, Speakes few words ( But has regression in speech ). Lacks social skills .And not much abnormal behaviours .
Even if he has autism how can we help him to improve his speech. The problem with him is that he does not seem to listen to our instructions and does not speaks properly although he tries all the time to speak up and while doing so (speaking) coveres his ears .We are not sure about it is it autism or some hearing or processing problem .What are the chances for improving his speach . Plz help ur .
My son is 2.7 years old . Recently hi is being diagnosed for autism , Earlier he had his bera test which showed modest to mild hearing loss in both years . But the doctors who r diagnosing him for autism are not taking this in to account (His bera test) . we r confused is it autism or hearing loss or both . My son has no repeated behaviour , Understands expressions, Speakes few words ( But has regression in speech ). Lacks social skills .And not much abnormal behaviours .
Even if he has autism how can we help him to improve his speech. The problem with him is that he does not seem to listen to our instructions and does not speaks properly although he tries all the time to speak up and while doing so (speaking) coveres his ears .We are not sure about it is it autism or some hearing or processing problem .What are the chances for improving his speach . Plz help ur .
Doctor's Answer
by Jason C Bourret, Ph.D., BCBA, Jul 09, 2008 11:37AM
, Jul 09, 2008 11:37AM
To: abhay_dogra
It sounds like you have concerns both about the source of your son's communicative deficits and with the diagnosis being made by your doctor without taking his hearing loss into account. Hearing deficits in young children can translate into deficits in speech as well, so it may be that your son should not have a true differential diagnosis of autism. You also asked about effective interventions but the actual source of his communicative deficits needs to be identified before appropriate treatment can be identified. I would highly recommend that you take your son to a doctor that specializes in hearing loss in young children. The exact nature and extent of his hearing loss should be identified and a specialist in this area should be able to speak to you about the expected collateral effects of the hearing impairment. Additionally, I would recommend that you seek a second opinion on the autism diagnosis if you have any concerns about the doctors taking the appropriate information into account. The ideal individual to make the diagnosis is a professional who has experience diagnosing autism in young children and who is also familiar with the types of impairments related to early-age hearing loss.
