Aa
Could this be Autism
My daughter is 14 months and has some odd behaviors. She makes good eye contact and smiles while making eye conact if she knows and likes you, but gets very upset and hard to sooth if she does not know you or does not like you. She cries alot and gets is this odd position (lays on her stomach, twist her body, and puts right foot over left foot while looking at the floor). We are unsure why she does this and thought it was stomach cramps, but now it seems like she does this when she is upset. She is delayed in talking and will not point at what she wants. She yells, cries, and gets in her position until you figure out what she wants. We are having a hard time with her and can't get an appointment with a Developemental Doctor until January. Any thoughts???
Most autistic children before intervention will rarely look up when their name is being called. My 6 yr old battled constant ear infections when younger and they thought perhaps that is why he didn't respond, he had chronic ear infections. That was not the case however. If you call your childs name and they don't even bother to glance in your direction and you see other autistic tendencies, it's of utmost importance to get your child in for testing to rule out neurological or auditory deficits that might be the reason behind it, then if NEGATIVE you would be referred to a developmental pediatrician. Again, it's IMPORTANT that you don't let anyone sway you. If you think something doesn't seem quite right, then you are most likely correct. I have seen children with autism diagnosed at 10 and the difference between a child that receives early intervention and one that doesn't is astounding!
We owe it to our children to give them every opportunity to succeed! I would highly suggest that you locate the autism division in the nearest city and ask them to send you the most up-dated information on autism and let you decide for yourself if you think your child meets the criteria. If so, get them tested.I hope that is helpful. Good luck to all those seeking answers and trying to seek resolution. Don't give up. That's too easy. Fight for your child. I have and at times you want to but you know God gave you those children for a very good reason. My life is making sure my 2 autistic sons don't fall through the cracks.
We owe it to our children to give them every opportunity to succeed! I would highly suggest that you locate the autism division in the nearest city and ask them to send you the most up-dated information on autism and let you decide for yourself if you think your child meets the criteria. If so, get them tested.I hope that is helpful. Good luck to all those seeking answers and trying to seek resolution. Don't give up. That's too easy. Fight for your child. I have and at times you want to but you know God gave you those children for a very good reason. My life is making sure my 2 autistic sons don't fall through the cracks.
Thank you so much for the info. I will reply to your e-mail, but today I just need to walk away from the computer and get some fresh air and not think.
Thank you again
Thank you again
As a mother of 3, I'd like to caution you on "jumping the gun." Toddlers 13-23 mos. are challenging. They want what they want but aren't able to articulate their needs completely. The result? Fits and collapsing little bodies and a mother who asks, "WILL IT EVER END?!!"
Some mothers use sign language to assist communication at this age and others use pictures. You can use magnets or velcro on the back of pictures to make schedules, food choices - ANYTHING to empower her ability to communicate. Make it a game and see how she responds. It's worth a try and can give you more information to bring to the doctor. Take it one day at a time.
Other than that, here are a few questions to ponder:
1. What was Brynn's birth history? Were there any complications, early delivery, etc.? Birth complications could impact her ability to communicate or understand communication which could increase her frustration.
2. When was she adopted? Was she in an orphanage? Did she receive good infant care where her needs were met (feedings, diapering, etc). Poor infant care could impact her ability to bond and nuture and this can mimic some of the signs of autism.
3. How does she play with toys? Children with autism typically do not display functional use of objects. Ex. Strong interest in the wheels of a car rather than rolling the car as in typical play.
4. Read a book with her. Can you engage her in literacy routines (peek-a-boo, 10 little monkeys on the bed, etc.)? These types of experiences can help increase her language development as well as give you information on whether or not she is picking up routine gestures (naturally or with a lot of assistance).
Good luck!
BTW: You're supposed to worry. You're a mom. It's your job. :)
Some mothers use sign language to assist communication at this age and others use pictures. You can use magnets or velcro on the back of pictures to make schedules, food choices - ANYTHING to empower her ability to communicate. Make it a game and see how she responds. It's worth a try and can give you more information to bring to the doctor. Take it one day at a time.
Other than that, here are a few questions to ponder:
1. What was Brynn's birth history? Were there any complications, early delivery, etc.? Birth complications could impact her ability to communicate or understand communication which could increase her frustration.
2. When was she adopted? Was she in an orphanage? Did she receive good infant care where her needs were met (feedings, diapering, etc). Poor infant care could impact her ability to bond and nuture and this can mimic some of the signs of autism.
3. How does she play with toys? Children with autism typically do not display functional use of objects. Ex. Strong interest in the wheels of a car rather than rolling the car as in typical play.
4. Read a book with her. Can you engage her in literacy routines (peek-a-boo, 10 little monkeys on the bed, etc.)? These types of experiences can help increase her language development as well as give you information on whether or not she is picking up routine gestures (naturally or with a lot of assistance).
Good luck!
BTW: You're supposed to worry. You're a mom. It's your job. :)
Thank you also for all of the info. I want to not be concerned, but I still am. We wave bye-bye at her all the time, but she just does not get it. She is very, very stronge willed and I'm hoping she gets it, but just does not want to show us she gets it. I pray she is thinking "why do they keep waving bye-bye, but never leave. How silly are they". Time will tell and I will soon start saying "it is what it is" I hope. Thanks again!
Thank you for your info. Your a special person and I hope the road gets easier for you.
Wow, Sorry guys, but both of my children are sick and I've been at the doctor's, hospital for x-rays, and getting med's filled. Both just have bad colds and will be fine. Anyway, thank you so much for all the good information. Can't say that I'm less concerned. I probable should have given a little more info on "BRYNN", my adopted 14 month old (will be 15 months next week).
Brynn does clap, but does not point, nod, wave or gestures other than getting in that position if she wants something. The other day I just wanted so bad for her to do anything to let me know she wanted her bottle, so I made a bottle when she was looking, put it on the bar and walked away. She yelled alot, then went under where the bottle was and got in her position. I guess I could look at that as being her way of pointing or her way of not being able to hand it and shutting down. I did hear her say ma ma ma and da da da before one year old, but I rarely hear that any more. She does babble alot, but no define words, just a lot of yelling. I do see confusion alot, like she is just not getting it and having a hard time expressing herself.
At 8 months, Brynn started crying alot and getting in her position. We just know something was wrong because she would do this 30 times a day if not more. Anyway, everyone agreed (doctors) that something was wrong, but no one know what. After 20 x-rays, an upper GI, U/S, blood work and all were normal, the word autism and asperger's syndrome started coming up by doctor's, in a nice way. Then add in delay and now I have a lot to worry about. I do want to know to be able to get her help as soon as possible, but now it looks like a waiting game since I can't get an appointment anytime soon. I do have another appointment mid November for speech therapy. Google is my best friend and my worst enemy. I have been banking on great eye contact, but just learned that means nothing!
Brynn just started kissing the air when I say kiss - I'm hoping that is a good sign.
God bless you guys - I am filled with worry and it is the only thing I think about. I work so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm not even sure this is the problem. My husband says "it is what it is" and that is so not him and so me, but I'm having a hard time with this one. You always want the very best for your kids. Why would doctor bring that up if they did not see anything wrong??? The GI doctor said it was not a stomach problem and that she was a child that would need extra TLC - I'm pretty sure he called her special. Was he trying to tell me something or am I just reading into something. I'm sure there is more to this story that I've forgotten to add. Just keep us in your prayers and I will do the same for you and your family. Thanks again!!!
P.S. I loved the book Louder Than Words and I guess that is why I need more answers. My daughter will not be getting her 15 month shots at this time. Better safe than sorry.
Brynn does clap, but does not point, nod, wave or gestures other than getting in that position if she wants something. The other day I just wanted so bad for her to do anything to let me know she wanted her bottle, so I made a bottle when she was looking, put it on the bar and walked away. She yelled alot, then went under where the bottle was and got in her position. I guess I could look at that as being her way of pointing or her way of not being able to hand it and shutting down. I did hear her say ma ma ma and da da da before one year old, but I rarely hear that any more. She does babble alot, but no define words, just a lot of yelling. I do see confusion alot, like she is just not getting it and having a hard time expressing herself.
At 8 months, Brynn started crying alot and getting in her position. We just know something was wrong because she would do this 30 times a day if not more. Anyway, everyone agreed (doctors) that something was wrong, but no one know what. After 20 x-rays, an upper GI, U/S, blood work and all were normal, the word autism and asperger's syndrome started coming up by doctor's, in a nice way. Then add in delay and now I have a lot to worry about. I do want to know to be able to get her help as soon as possible, but now it looks like a waiting game since I can't get an appointment anytime soon. I do have another appointment mid November for speech therapy. Google is my best friend and my worst enemy. I have been banking on great eye contact, but just learned that means nothing!
Brynn just started kissing the air when I say kiss - I'm hoping that is a good sign.
God bless you guys - I am filled with worry and it is the only thing I think about. I work so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm not even sure this is the problem. My husband says "it is what it is" and that is so not him and so me, but I'm having a hard time with this one. You always want the very best for your kids. Why would doctor bring that up if they did not see anything wrong??? The GI doctor said it was not a stomach problem and that she was a child that would need extra TLC - I'm pretty sure he called her special. Was he trying to tell me something or am I just reading into something. I'm sure there is more to this story that I've forgotten to add. Just keep us in your prayers and I will do the same for you and your family. Thanks again!!!
P.S. I loved the book Louder Than Words and I guess that is why I need more answers. My daughter will not be getting her 15 month shots at this time. Better safe than sorry.
You are reading content posted in the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Community
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy
What to expect in your growing baby
Is the PS3 the new Prozac … or causing ADHD in your kid?
Autism expert Dr. Richard Graff weighs in on the vaccine-autism media scandal.
Could your home be a haven for toxins that can cause ADHD?
