What to expect | Autism PDD

Hi everyone -

 

This is my first time posting here, although I have been using this forum as a reference for a while.

We have an appointment with the pediatric neurologist this week for my 3 year old DS who I suspect may be on the spectrum.

Was just wondering what usually takes place at the first appointment?

My DS is in speech and occupational and although the therapists are not coming out and directly saying if they think he is - I can read between the lines.

My little one has a very difficult time in transitions, delay in speech, sensory issues, jumps up and down rapidly when excited, puts his hands to face, does not answer to yes or no questions - when talking to him, he seems to look the around and gives no response.  I have seen him use his speech in meaningful ways and unmeaningful ways.

Im just preparing myself and looking into what i can expect this week

 

thanks so much

 

hi

in the uk

its mostly paper work

a detailed history should be taken both medical and family

hearing tests and eye test will be first to rule deafness out

they will then more than likely ask you to fill in a chat test this is a questionaire about your childs communication and social habits

they should alread have reports from your gp

keep a diary from now till you go

of all his behaviours speech everything

have a look at the diagnostic criteria below because an autism diagnosis is based on the triad

every professional involved with autism will use the triad to determine an autism diagnosis

 

The following is from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM IV](I) A total of six (or more) items from (A), (B), and (C), with at least two from (A), and one each from (B) and (C)

(A) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

1. marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity ( note: in the description, it gives the following as examples: not actively participating in simple social play or games, preferring solitary activities, or involving others in activities only as tools or "mechanical" aids )

(B) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:
1. delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
2. in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
3. stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
4. lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level

(C) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
3. stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

(II) Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:

(A) social interaction
(B) language as used in social communication
(C) symbolic or imaginative play

spectrummum39320.4323148148

Welcome:)

Our neurologists got her to do some tasks and one very telling one was putting her on the floor to see if she would try to reach for me or ask for me..she just sat and cried and wouldnt raise her hands to me at all..she looked right at me but would say mama or reach for me..she got pdd-nos label.  I had a list for him but he refused to read it..wanted his own observations..I didnt like him much.

We took her to a developmental pediatrican afterwards who did a 3 hours evaluation on her and was much more detailed. Best of luck with your appt. and hope you find some answers :)

Keep us posted!

thank you so much for your responses!!!!

I have been waiting for 4 months so I have kept a journal of concerns, improvements, what he has learned - I will bring it just incase they would like to see it. 

Shelly, how old was your little one when you went to see the neurologist?

Also, did the doctor base his initial diagnosis on her not reaching for you? Was there anything else in that visit he observed that made him make a decision?

I guess with all their experience, I wonder if they will be able to pick up on things that I dont "see" although, I have done lots of research and will be able to understand and ask the right questions.

thanks again - you have a been a great help!

 

 

 

 

 

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