Autism

[pgustine]

My son is 19mos old and we are concerned about him. He says few words and have noticed that he likes to walk on his toes, not all the time, but he does.
How can we find out if he needs to be tested and what kind of symptoms should raise a red flag for us.
Thank you.

[jewellolli]

My son is 3 and has autism, so I hope this helps. When you take your son to his next dr.'s visit, tell the dr. your concerns and ask where your son can be tested in your area. Most states have clinics where children can be tested at low cost if you do not have insurance. By 18 mos. most children should be able to say 10-15 words and either point or gesture to let you know they are interested in something. An autistic toddler will usually not do these things and may throw a tantrum easily with no warning because he is unable to communicate. Some kids will act deaf and not turn when you speak to them, but will run into the room when they hear music on the tv or other sounds around the house. Also, you mentioned your son walks on his toes sometimes. Does he perform any other unusual movements like rocking back and forth or flapping his arms? Not all autistic kids do these things, but some will be hyper and jump up and down for no apparent reason. Does your son look you in the eye when you talk to him? Does he let you pick him up and hold him? A lot of autistic kids will be very independent and won't want their parents to play with them or help them with activities. If your son seems bored and doesn't really need you for anything like most toddlers do, this could be a sign as well. Doctors will tell you that boys are slower than girls to develop speech and not to worry. If your son has other signs besides his speech, insist that your doctor listen to you and be sure to point out other unusual things your son does. You have the right to get your child tested, even if your pediatrician says there's nothing wrong. If you feel something is not right, insist your son get tested anyway. Parents are usually right about their own children.

[Myra Morse]

My son is 11 now but was diagnosed on the spectrum at age 2 years 4 months. I believe whole heartedly that the sooner you begin evaluating the better chance at getting your child the services he requires is greater.

My son was almost completely the opposite of the child listed above (post before). He had a huge vocabulary by the age of 1, motor skills were all early, looked us in the eye, didn't react to loud noise or crowds, was cuddly, etc......... but there was something missing in his eyes. He had gained a tremendous vocabulary but really didn't do anything with it. Used the words in context but not in conversation. His behavior as far as "tantrums" increased as he found it harder to be socially "with" us. By that I mean - he talked, played, acted "normal" but something was just "off" inside him.

We brought it up to our pediatrician when he was around 18 months - he was sent for a speech and language evaluation and they found reason to begin early intervention based on his comprehensive scores for language - he could communicate his needs but didn't understand ours when we spoke to him. We started him immediately in an early intervention program near our home and worked VERY closely with his team there.......evaluation after evaluation and finally someone (I don't recall who exactly there) validated that it was more than speech. We were able to get a referral to a developmental center in our area that had strong ties to the autism community. We were fortunate enough to have a great team behind us and everything along they way documented.

He was diagnosed and services such as OT/PT and Music Therapy began right away. Along with a modified curriculum he has been successful in being mainstreamed from Pre-school through 6th grade which he is currently in at our public school. He still receives speech, OT for sensory and PT. He has great supports academically and an incredible team there.

Sorry this is so long - I guess my bottom line is that as a parent you are the expert on your child in a world of experts on other things ABOUT your child. Work with it, not against it and don't let it drop if you truly feel there is something more you can do........ Let me know if there is anything I can do to help...........