Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Can you advise please

My son Ross will be five next month. Ive been looking into his symptoms on the internet. They (his symptoms) all seem to come under the autistic spectrum but not one specific type.
His speech is delayed to a point where people can't understand what he is saying.His balance is very bad and he falls alot. He has no sence of danger and would put himself in dangerous situations where he can hurt himself alot. Due to a high pain threshold and poor communication skills he can't tell me if he has hurt himself badly.
He will talk to himself alot.He will wriggle his fingers and constantly touch his thumb off each finger in turn with both hands.
He knows all his colours but does not comprehend numbers, letters or shapes. He has only recentaly stopped wearing nappies during the day but still needs them at night.
He has already been diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder and has had gromits inserted in both ears.
Can you please advise as I am at my witts en as to what may be the cause of his behavour


This discussion is related to Does my son have Asperger's Syndrome?.
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
In the US, licensed mental health professional, preferably with specialization with young children with developmental difficulties. A clinical psychologist would be fine. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for the info. Do you know who is ment to carry out these tests? Would it be a phycologist?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Several standardized tests and checklists have been developed to help assess the behavior of children with possible autism. These tests are also intended to further evaluate children in whom autism is considered possible (due to parent concerns, clinical clues, and/or positive screening test results). These assessment instruments can be used in various ways in assessing children with possible autism. Sometimes these instruments can be used to determine if autism is likely, so that a decision can be made to seek a specific diagnosis. At other times, some of these assessment instruments may be used as part of the formal diagnostic process. Finally, in certain instances some of these instruments may be used to rate the severity of symptoms, which may be useful in assessing interventions, periodic monitoring of the child's progress, and assessing outcomes.

* Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC): a behavior checklist completed by a parent.
* Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): a structured interview.
* Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): a test combining parent reports and direct observation by the professional.

Good luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
As I live in Ireland and our health system is not the greatest, especially when concerning assesment and diagnosis of children with autism or related disorders. I'm finding I have to push for a lot of tests to be done. Also as I'm not a doctor I don't really know what tests to be asking for.
Due to education laws here he must start school in September and without a diagnosis he will not get any kind of help.
All children in Ireland are intitled to what is called an assesment of needs. I have applied for this for Ross and met with a lady yesterday. She is going to organise a phycology assesment.
Do you know if there is a specific assesment for PDD-NOS?
Thanks for your help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
There is a condition called PDD- NOS - Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. This condition applies to children who have some autism-spectrum symptoms, but not a clear pattern that allows them to be placed into a known catgory. My understanding is that the therapeutic approach is the same as with all autism spectrum disorders. Are you seeing specialists for his therapy?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Child Behavior Community

Top Children's Health Answerers
189897 tn?1441126518
San Pedro, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
We answer your top questions about the flu vaccine.
Learn which over-the-counter medicines are safe for you and your baby
Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy
Healing home remedies for common ailments