Expert: Tim Runner - 1/19/2008

Question
My son was evaluated when he was 18 months old b/c he did not speak any words at all...since then (he is 2 y/o) he has started to say certain words such as choo choo, juice, ow, dye for bye but he is no where near the developmental age in speech.  The evaluation at 18 months proved nothing but "he's just a late bloomer"  He displays very few of the autism symptoms he grinds his teeth  and bites his hands or wants me to bite his fingers when he gets upset.  He points and takes me to what he wants me to do (the fridge for juice, the computer for a video).  He sometimes does not respond to his name unless you call him time and time again, he enjoys rough house play and does play with other children.  he point to all his body parts and follows instructions very well (go throw this in the garbage etc.)  He also will talk in his own special language when you ask him a question or he is upset.  I have taken him to an audiologist who will be following up with me within the next couple of weeks for any possible hearing issues, and have called the early intervention program to begin speech therapy.  I would like to know if there is anything definitive that would give the diagnosis of PDD-NOS?

Answer
Chantal,
It is challenging to make diagnoses for a child only 18 months old. Given what you state, he may be speech delayed. I think you need to have a medical professional make a diagnosis of your son's condition. If you want to lean more about PDD-NOS, I suggest you Google it as there are many great sites taking about this disorder. You son sounds like he is doing well except for his speech delay. If this condition continues, you may want to have him diagnosed by a speech therapist.
I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com