Expert: Trey McGowan - 11/1/2008

Question
My son is 4 years old and covers his ears and sings loud when I vacuum, or he covers his ears when he flushes the toilet or any loud noise he seems to do this. He also cannot pronounce the letters L,F in words, he does not like making eye contact with strangers could these be signs of Asperger or Autism. The doctor did a hearing test a year ago but he still does these things and I'm concerned

Answer
Hi there, Sabrina!

There are two separate questions being asked here: one of them is being asked aloud, and one of them is likely being implied.

The first question: 'Could this be a sign of Asperger's or Autism?'. Well, as you have brought it to the attention of an autism AllExperts 'expert', you yourself recognize that it could be. Loud noises, language difficulties, eye contact... they're all potential signs of an ASD. They are also potential signs of several other things, including a simple case of shyness with strangers.

However, the implied question: '*Is* this a sign of Asperger's or Autism?' is one that I, as an AllExperts expert, can't answer. That will take a genuine expert to do, through more observation and more personal contact with the child. Thus, I urge you if you are concerned about the situation to take the child to someone who can be a better help than taking a few words on a screen, and instead can do that observation and find the bigger picture. Besides, they will be able to do something that I cannot: if it is indeed an ASD, they will be able to offer aid in how to work around the issues your child is having and potentially even help them. Because while an ASD cannot simply be 'removed' from a child, there are many issues that come along with them that can be, thanks to diligence and early intervention.

As per the usual, comments, questions, feedback, follow-ups, and all that good stuff are well welcome! I wish you all the best!

Trey