UPDATE DIAGNOSIS From Nov 2010 post "Autistic or Just Inattentive"

[lianabanana]

I just wanted to update you. My little 3.5 year old guy has been diagnosed by three specialists (Developmental Pediatrician, Devel. Psychologist, Speech Pathologist) as being high functioning autistic disorder.  He will need an aid in preschool during free-play to help him learn how to integrate in groups. But i just wanted other readers to know that if I had been a stay-at-home-mom i would have never had noticed a problem.  It was only in the daycare setting that these issues became obvious.  He was great with other kids at the park, but not good at joining groups (AWKWARD Behavior) made eye contact But only when HE wants something and not to share an idea or experience or to show something for the sake of showing it to you (A critical distinction!!).  The symptoms were subtle and required and expert eye, but now that they explained the issues to me, and that they GET WORSE if they are not treated, with social rejection often leading to depression in later childhood/adolescence, if this sounds like you child too, get him or her help ASAP Please! Btw, his regular pediatrician did not any problems with him but refered us to specialists anyway. THANK GOD!


This discussion is related to Does Autistic or just Inattentive..

[lianabanana]

More specifically, he was diagnosed with PDD-Nos.  His IQ was in the 90th percentile when he was formally evaluated.  He speech is at part with peers thanks to 6 months of speech therapy (he picked up on in lessons quite fast).  He is better a initiating play,but still have trouble maintaining play when two or more kids are present. All this time we thought that he only wanted to play with the other kids a little bit and preferred to play on his own. Now that he is more verbal, he has told me that he does not like preschool because he feels lonely and different from the other kids.  The other parents can't tell there is a problem with him, even during play dates, it is only obvious in a group setting with peers.  I urge all parents who are told that their kids are socially awkward or avoidant with classmates to go to an autism specialist to have them evaluated.  I am so glad I did and now he is getting support that is tailored to meet his particular needs.  I found an e-book online by Patricia Hart that was extremely helpful and pushed me to go out there and get the help.  She shares the tricks the psychologist use tell if your child has a social disorder such as Asperger's PDD-Nos or Autism.  I forget the title but it is a great manual...feel free to contact me and I will find it for you.  Good luck! If you think there is a problem, deal with it! At worst your child will get help NOW! and at best your mind will be put to rest.  Blessings!

[benjimom]

Glad you finally got some answers, now you can work on getting him some help.  Keep us up to date on his progress!!