My daughter (almost 4) was born w/out a working thyroid. Her TSH at birth was 376 (normal is between 1-10 i think). Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else had this too along w/PDD or autism.
My daughters delays are greatest in speech but also has low muscle tone w/mild CP. When she is nervous she has trouble w/walking. She still has a lot of sensory issues and problems with balance.
Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the test they do at birth in all 50 states. If it isn't treated early then the child will have major defects. When I say major I mean all over physical and mental. Isn't it strange how such a small thing can create such huge problems?
It is interesting about your daughter - how is her medication working for her?
With her CP, is she able to walk on her own? I have a step-son with CP and he is in a wheelchair. He wasn't born with CP, but it was induced from severe child abuse from his biological parents (he was adopted). Dave will never walk though.
Does your family have a history of congenital hypothydroidism?
I am also married to a behavioral psychologist who specializes in autism and I've never heard any mention of any client having thyroid problems with autism as being paired. Usually it's gastrointestinal or they are extremely succeptible to getting sick - along those lines.
Do you have any other children?
Melanie
Thanks for replying. There isn't a history of congenital hypothyroidism but I had an aunt who was diag as a teen and she also was schitzophrenic (sp). None of my other kids have a problem. I don't either. During my pregnancy in the first few months I did though and diet corrected it.
Because of the thyroid problem anna had and still has problems w/being constipated. So bad as a baby we used fleet suppositories and she often had bleeding from tears made from her hard poops.
She also was born w/a small hernia (inch or two above her belly button). Her doctor said it would go away over time but here she is almost 4 and still has that small bump there.
When she was born the first 2 wks of her life she didn't get replacement. SHe slept a lot, had a puffy tounge and also had bad jaundice.
I haven't heard of too many people w/children who have autism and thyroid. BUt I know they test the thyroid in evaluations of delayed children. It is common w/downs.
Her CP is very mild. Mostly connected w/her sensory problems. If we drive on hilly roads I have to go very slow or she freaks. Started as a baby and still does it. If we transition from the car to a store she has a hard time walking. I have to help her up stairs and stuff. She runs well now but her one arm on the left side locks straight and her left leg locks from time to time. SHe has a wide gate when she walks and a very clumpsy walk, but its improving. It is like she falls hard on her feet. A physical therapist said she was about a year behind. That was a year ago, she has improved a lot.