My 2 year old son doesn't understand me

[fi79]

Hi,
I am concerned that my son is autistic. He was developing fine until about 20 months - had words etc etc. But then he had bout of bad tonsilitis and it's as if his life changed completely after that. Though he recovered from tonsilitis, he started losing all his words. Now at 30 months, he doesn't say any words but babbles a lot. About a month and half ago he was diagnosed with Glue Ear and we had grommets put in. His pediatrician has suggested that we give him another 6 months before we come to any conclusions, as he did say that speech delay mimics some autistic symptoms.  
Since the operation, we did notice that he was hearing things better. He was more interested in watching some programmes which he used to watch before he got sick with tonsillitis. My son doesn't have any stimms, doesn't line up things, very affectionate (esp towards my husband and I), doesn't spin wheels, plays appropriately with toys, communicates non verbally like pull us by our finger if he needs anything, takes us to the item he needs. The alarm bells are:
- His speech ie lack of it
- He gives eye contact but not for long
- Doesn't understand almost everything we tell him - he can understand simple commands like, have milk, have juice, switch off/on the light, looks when we call his name, understands when we say 'no', come to mama
- Sometimes is so full of energy that he is like a bullet - ie just runs around with no structured play  
- Will play with other kids but prefers to play alone
His goes to speech therapy and we've been asked to follow this book - It takes two to talk - which we have been following for the past couple of weeks. We will also be taking him to an Early Ed playgroup next week on the suggestion of this pediatrician.
Am I just being paranoid? Or is this cause for concern?

[Bri_1985]

Im going to side with the Dr on this one. I wouldnt jump to conclusions. It could very well be a slight developmental delay due to the problems he had that made you get the surgery done.

And dont fall into the vaccination hype... :)

[specialmom]

Well, since this is the autism forum and the poster is asking about autism, I am staying on topic.  Vaccines have nothing at all to do with autism.  Luck to the poster.  

[allmymarbles]

I don't know if it has anything to do with autism. I do know that we have increasing numbers of children suffering behavioral and developmental problems. There can be many causes for this and we have to investigate (and question) our health, agricultural, and environmental practices to find the answers. It should be noted that not all doctors speak with the same voice. Our concerns are shared by a growing number of medical practitioners. Interestingly enough, an unflattering discussion of a popular vaccination recently appeared in the Johns Hopkins newsletter.

[specialmom]

Oh dear me.  They can't prove this and they tried VERY hard.  Vaccines are necessary to keep all kids safe and I'm so glad there has never been proven to be ANY link whatsoever.  There are groups of people that would LOVE to prove this but they can not.   I think our country is on track with the vaccination schedule and am glad we have the requirements that we do.  It has NOTHING to do with autism.  luck to all parents.  Early intervention is the key!!

[allmymarbles]

As to your last sentence, there is a growing conviction that it is the large number of vaccinations and the tender age at which they are given that is detrimental to the developing immune system of infants. This can have many ramifications. In some developed countries no vaccinations are given before the age of two years for that reason. We like to think that America is the most advanced in health care. However, compared to other developed countries we have a high mortality for children five years old and younger and a high maternal mortality rate. We should not be so complacent.

[specialmom]

Hi there.  google sensory integration disorder and see what you think.  It is also called sensory processing disorder and there is a web site SPD that is excellent.  My son has this disorder and had some similarities to yours.  It involves how the brain and nervous system are working.  My son was a bundle of energy as well---  not like most kids, but constant motion.  We have a whole list of activities we do that slow his 'engine' down (or nervous system and allow him to feel good and relax.  Speech also is something that you can work on now too.  Since you know they helped his glue ear, you can now count on his hearing you and try to put names to things.  Simple instructions like "put your arms up in the air".  You do it and show him.  Then he does it.  Talk to him all the time, read to him, etc.  

We've had great great improvement in our son who is now 9 and doing well.  

So, please look up sensory and see what you think.  Get back to me and let me know!!

There is no scientific link ever been proven between vaccinations and autism by the way.  So many have tried but all have failed to prove this.  

[allmymarbles]

Did your pediatrician follow the vaccination protocol? That is, did he give all the vaccinations recommended for babies and did he give them on time?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I can understand your concerns. However, very unfortunately your son developed hearing problems just when he was learning to recognize language and use it. This hampers the use of words and often the child has to relearn a lot. Also, he otherwise appears to be fine. It could be just that his hearing is not 100% there and he finds it easier to communicate by sign language. So, yes, the effort you have made to start talking to him will show results. Also, he should be encouraged and rewarded if he asks for something instead of talking in sign language. Ask his ENT specialist whether he needs an audiogram to see whether he has good hearing—enough to encourage proper speech and language. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.