Hi JuJu!
Welcome to the site! I just left the denial stage, too, so I know how you feel right now.
My girl's have language and social pragmatics issues that make it difficult for them to interact with same aged peers. The do better with adults, because we can kind of 'pull them along' through a conversation of social exchange, but most other little kids just ignore them after their initial contact. The also ignore other little kids for the most part, except for physical play, such as chase.
The langauge issues also make it sort of hard to converse with them about 'abstract' things, such as time-of-day events, planning things, experience sharing, etc.
They are also very sensitive children and over-react to the "little" annoyances of daily life. They are very sensitive to discipline for the same reason. They cry much more than most kids their age, though that's gotten worlds better over the past couple of years.
Both of the girls require some ritual in their life - if we're using the 'Dora' plate-ware set, for example, Abigail MUST have Dora and Evie must have Boots! Forcing them to switch, or even mistakenly setting the wrong plates in front of the wrong child will lead to a lot of complaining and probably some tears!
Thankfully, their need for ritual has declined with age, too. For example, we're no longer required to respond to questions using the precide reply that's expected, with the precise voice intonation! That was something we dealt with when they were three, and was very frustrating (especially when we forgot our exact lines!).
Other than that, they aren't too much trouble. They're happy and friendly and confident. I hope that doesn't change too much as they get older, but I realize that, with self-awareness, their differences will become apparent to them - I just hope we can do the right things to keep their peace of mind intact.
I will say, the 'autistic behaviors' have gotten much, much better over the years, so if you have a very young child and are experiencing a lot of stress due to behaviors, know that these things do usually fade a bit with maturity and with the right kinds of teaching.
You didn't say how old your child was, but I'll do my best. Here are four terms that you often hear people discuss on this forum, and which you can likely expect from your child. You can search on those terms to find out more, either on the Internet or here on this forum (the search button is at the top of the page):
Stimming:
Most autistic kids "stim" (self-stimulation). The banging is probably a stim for your child. Here's a good article to understand the basics of stimming, and includes a chart of the various types.
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/archive/mannerism.html #Chart
Sensory processing:
Most autistic kids also have "sensory processing" issues. I hope your OT is helping you identify those, but here's a good online checklist to help you know what to look for:
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processin g-disorder-checklist.html
Repetitive questioning
A lot of kids also do what's called "repetitive questioning" -- asking the same questions over and over again even though they know the answer.
Meltdowns
"Meltdowns" are also very common. You could call them tantrums, but they are basically a reaction to cumulative stress, even though the trigger is often something trivial (it's like the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back).
Potty training problems and sleep troubles are also common, and frequently discussed on this forum.
Good luck with everything!
Hello,
I am fairly new to the system. My son was diagnosed with PDD sixmonth ago. I am finally out of my denial stage. He currently goes to early invention daycare. He has a st, ot and a special instructor during school time. He also recieves additional services at home with speech therapist and a ot for feeding therapy.
I am not sure what to look for, he has tantrums and also constantly bangs objects. Kind of like marking terroritory. I worry about him daily. Everyone tells me he will grow out of it. What symptoms do you as parents of kids with PDD experience. I know every child is different but I want to understand what i may encounter with my Ju Ju.
Thanks,
Ju Ju mom
check this link out ...
Ju jU is 2 1/2.
Payne when he was little would flick his hair and suck his thumb when he was getting anxious (dr office, large group of people), he didn't make eye contact, never pointed with any intention (ie point to get a cup of juice), he would have temper tantrums when he got a little older when he was getting frustrated. Payne is a toe walker and has been since he started walking at 22 mo...he cruised until then...he just was so uncoordinated and unbalanced he'd fall right over. He is a mischevious one - he once unlocked a door w/ his belt prong (it was one of those push button locks) when he was 3...he wanted into a room he wasn't supposed to go into. He is delayed on potty training...he goes potty (he's 6 now) during the day, but we have an awful time at night partially b/c of the meds he takes before bed to keep them in his bloodstream. He used to have more mood swings and he has a very hard time concentrating...he hated writing - just doesn't have the control of the pencil that he should have - fine motor skills are lagging. He has made progress though. He knows right from wrong but likes to test the boundaries.In the beginning you look at everything they do especially when you first read about autism and start worrying: she doesn't do that....yet? Is she going to do THAT??
Is true over time with intense therapy and early intervention most of their symptoms are overcome. I am not sure if it's maturity or all the therapy they get:) We did ABA & speech for 3 years full time and she has no more autism traits other than social and her pragmatics of language is off but much better.. but the things that got her the diagnoses such as: no eye contact; language, toe walking, obsessions, noise sensitivities, huge tantrums, avoidance of everybody, no pointing, no mama, food issues..ect...are ALL resolved:) She is very smart and considered gifted with savant abilities and loves to teach and be the boss:) She needs intense help in social skills and wished I had done more in this area in the beginning along with ABA and speech..she is not shy and can be smack in the middle of kids..look at them but not follow if they ask or respond unless I prompt her..but at least she can tolerate them and if you saw her you would not know a thing. I just found out last week her Kindergarten teacher told me her other teachers for specials like art, music, pe ect.. had no clue she had autism and were shocked! She has been mainstreamed with no supports for 6 months now:) I was more shocked the school didn't let them know but that's another story:) Welcome and try to focus on his good skills and not magnify things that are off or search constantly for new ones..it will make you batty
Blessings,
Shelley
Hi JuJu's mom,
I can totally relate. My son is 2.5yrs and has been dx PDD/SPD and I am constantly wondering if he is going to have a huge gain in dev or end up being officially dx with autism.
The checklists are great, but it is also nice to know what symptoms, specifically, someone else's kid has - and is their child like mine? and how are they developing? maybe my son will do the same?
my son's major attributes of ASD are:
no words
does not point, wave or immitate sounds, gestures or expressions
Will lead me to what he wants
Will manipulate my hands to do a task instead of doing it himself
jumps frequently, likes/needs deep pressure like bear hugs
will avoid tasks, toys and sometimes eye contact
plays "inappropriately" with toys
mouths objects
sometimes does not/or slowly responds to his name
does not follow simple instructions
Will not draw with a crayon
my son's shining moments that don't seem ASD to me:
Sweet disposition, happy, smiles and laughs frequently
Loves to be cuddled
Does not throw tantrums (yet)
Has no problem with changes in routine
Does not reject anything due to sensory issues
Eats well and a variety of foods
Will find humor in things
Problem solves
Wants social interaction
Will (eventually) figure out tasks and then master them
Am seeing LOTS of good improvement with OT and ST
What about JuJu?