I am very curious about testing for autism. I have had a few people ask me if my son might be autistic. Patrick is not able to express his needs without going into a melt down if routines change or if I am not able to understand him. I have noticed that most of the children are unable to speak at first. Patrick is verbal but I always called him my little china man because i never could understand him. He is 3 years old now and only knows a few words and cannot put 2 words together in a meaninful way. When he gets upset and not able to cope he bangs his head. I thought his speech was do to not being able to hear but I am starting to wonder since his hearing test came back fine. I came across this message board and thought I would ask for some advice to see if this might be an answer and what I need to do to get him tested.
Hi!
I understand about the "little china man" AJ TRIES to communicate with us, too. However, it is frustrating not to KNOW what they are TRYING to say! I would definitely get him tested for autism...there are many spectrums. Does he make "eye contact" with you? Does he appear to play with toys appropriately? Does he pull you by your finger all the time and make you play the guessing game? In my opinion, I would TRY to understand the "words" that he uses and figger out what it is he is TRYING to say. If your child continues to say the "same" word for the "same" thing, you will catch on. I know it is hard, but hang in there!
The moderator provided a very informative link under the Parenting Issues board. Here is the link http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1166& ;PN=1 It will give you all the information you need.
I hope you find the answers you are looking for. I know how frustrating it is. I am assuming that he is in language therapy, right? I know that I dealt w/ the exact same issues w/ my dd when she was 2.5 yrs and language therapy made a world of difference.
Hello,
This is just my opinion and nothing more. Your child needs to be assessed and have a team using the correct tests and procedures determine what issues he faces. There is a lot of information here and a lot of support, but no one here can assess and determine what concerns your son has. He could be on the spectrum or he could have totaly different issues(or he could be like my lil guy and have asd AND other concerns).
Welcome to the board and my best wishes for your son.
Welcome to the board Robinson!
If you go to the link littlebyrd gave there are links sorted in the first post. In the beginning it will give you info on symptoms and characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders..... it also gives the DSM IV criteria, There are some online tests listed as well but please keep in mind they are meant as a guide and NOT a diagnosis. Alot of other info is posted there as well.
To get an evaluation, you could call the school district and ask about testing. Early Intervention is for birth - 3 so I dont know if they can help you and the school district is NOT supposed to diagnose a MEDICAL condition they can however assess your child for speech or other learning disorders.
You can also mention your concerns to your pediatrician. Maybe make an appointment for a well child check, take some of the info with you about symptoms and characteristics and check off things your child does that relate to them, or make a list of things your child does and compare the two lists. Also, if you take any of the online tests print it out and take it with you.... THAT is what they are meant for. Then voice your concerns and see what the doctor says. You can ask for a consult to a developmental pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist who specializes in autism. Some people go to a child psyc. Either way the evaluation process is long. (Several hours over 2 or 3 visits USUALLY although some places do it differently.) Is there an autism center near you?
If you need help finding resources in your area Unlocking Autism has a Parent 2 Parent Network to help connect you with someone in your area to find resources near you and they have a National Call Center 866-366-3361 that may be able to assist you. Their site is www.unlockingautism.org. Or post a message here and Im sure anyone who has info will be happy to help.
Please keep in mind as Jean said, there are many other disabilities/disorders out there that present like autism. I know tourettes is a very common one. Or a language disorder with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. - So it is EXTREMELY important to be evaluated by a qualified doctor. Also many ASD kids have added dx's as well.
GOOD LUCK, and please don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have. We're here to help.
Thank you all for your information. It has been has been very helpful. Today I take Patrick to the school to have his speech evaluated and I will call his pediatritian and schedule an appointment to get him evaluated further. I am really familiar with the finger pulling and guessing game situation and its gets frustrating for him because i don't understand what he is trying to say and have to go through everything in a cabinet to see what he wants out of it and after a few items he just drops to the floor, crys or bangs his head on the floor because I don't understand. I had been telling his pediatritian for awhile that I was concerned about his mental development and I will definately investigate this further. I appreciate all of your advise and will continue until I find some answers to explain what is going on with Patrick.Robinson,
My best wishes for you and Patrick with his speech eval. If I might add (again JMHO), if your Ped is still playing the ol 'wait and see game', go over him / her and get the assesments you think your child needs. My first ped poo pooed my concerns, I went to our states EI program over her assurances that my son was just developing late (we all know the drill, he is a boy, they develop late, he is within normal range-just low normal, he doesnt need to talk, you dont give him a chance to talk, etc).
My best wishes for your child today!