Autism or Something Else?

[SewMommy]

Thank you so much for this forum.  Officially my son has "sensory issues" (as diagnosed by an occupational therapist) and "unusual movements" as our pediatrician calls it.

He has had an E.E.G., a 24 hour E.E.G., MRI, CT scan and skull x-rays because he has a very unusually shaped head.  His soft spot is very small (although it was still open when he was 7 months old).   His metopic suture was already fused by the time he was 18 weeks old.

His "unusual movements" include slinging his head from side to side (with his eyes glazed over); swinging his left arm back and forth; having his fingers in a very strange position and methodically waving it in front of his face while staring at it; tensing up his right hand/arm and shaking it very quickly while staring at it; and banging his forehead into anything.  He will do these movements several to many times each day. He also is fascinated by the wheels on his toy trucks.  He does not play with them the right way - only turns them on their sides and spins the wheels.  He crawls with his fists closed and when he stands, it's often on his tippy toes.  He does not point when asked, "Where's ____?".  He also does not appear to understand simple commands.  He responds to his name 1/2 the time.

However, he seems social - he smiles and makes eye contact.  He also waves all the time at people, cars, furniture, animals, etc.

The only pediatric neurologist in town will not even discuss autism until he is older, but that is our concern.  Could these symptoms be anything other than autism?  Should we push to see the neurologist?

[aut2bfree]

Hello.

I understand your concern.  My son, who is diagnosed moderate autism, displayed very similar symptoms to yours (however, he also had NO eye contact) at around 12 to 14 months of age.  I don't think it is too early to be concerned.  Sometimes, doctors don't want to use the A word or they think it doesn't hurt to wait awhile.  If your gut is telling you something isn't right, then I would suggest doing some research on the internet.  For example do a search for the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT).  Fill out the questionaire and then, if the results are indicative of a problem, take the checklist and any other information you've collected to your child's pediatrician.  Research is now showing that autism can be detected as early as 12 months.  Not pointing, or not drawing someone's attention to an item of interest, is a big indicator at that age.  I began suspecting autism in my son at 1 year old, but we did not receive a diagnosis until he was 20 months old.

Hope this helps.  There are a lot of parents who can totally relate to you.  I love my son with autism so much.  He has brought a lot of meaning to my life.

Jana M. <><

[kwag]

dear parent, I understand your frustration.  I also have a son with autistic tendencies.  Your gut is telling you that this is autism and you just might be right.  First of all, know this, no matter what your son is diagnosed with, he is still that precious baby you gave birth to and love.  He is a real child like everyone else.  Next, pursue this like a mother!!  Don't wait til he is older.  I suggest looking on the web for doctor's that treat autism with diet, nutrients and chelation and especially ABA.  Don't wait!!  The earlier treated, the better the outcome.  God Bless

[ashan]

my son also started out with some of the same things as your child also at the same age. around his 8th month he spoke his first words which was mama and dada he crawld with his fist balled up as well when he started to walk it was on his tippy toes around his 13th month he changed dramaticly my son was gone and has been ever since he also does the thing with hands the swinging putting his hands to his chest moving his fingers funny as he stares at it he has this stare when i talk to him its like he doesnt even hear me we got his ears check out and they where fine he has a repetitive behavior runs back and forth wher ever hes at or up and down stairs he could do this for hours what hurt us the most is he stop talking and hasnt spoke since he has also had an cat scan and mri they found nothing at 25th month when we took him to see a neurologist he was diagnos with pdd pervasive development disorder which is in the catogory of autism he is going to be 5 in march and hasnt gotten any better he does respond to simple comands

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

At ten months of age it is to early to make a diagnosis of autism. It is always difficult to comment on behaviors without seeing them. Some of the activity you are reporting may be normal baby movements. The normal tests help to rule out major abnormalities of the brain structure and function. If you have not seen a pediatric neurologist for a consult, it would be reasonable. Hopefully the physician can see the behavior you are reporting and provide some advice. However, if the only abnormality is these abnormal behaviors then waiting to see what happens over the next 2 months would be reasonable. If you want a second opinion I would encourage you to see a pediatric neurologist at an academic center. Good luck.

[SewMommy]

Duh - I was being so careful of keeping under the word limit, I forgot to say that he is 10 months old.  Sorry!