Expert: Michelle Fattig - 4/8/2008

Question
my son is 2.5 and has just recently been diagnosed with autism. is there any chance of it being wrongly diagnosed. he doesn't have all the traits that associate with autism. he is a very loving boy, always wanting kisses and cuddles. he shows great eye contact and enjoys playing with other children. he's not afraid in crowds and doesn't mind change and has no routine. what he does have is no speech at all, he would flap his arms when excited and frustrated and he like to line his toys up. he also doesn't have imaginary play, but i put this down to not being able to communicate.
any advice would be greatly appreciated

Answer
Was he diagnosed medically or educationally?  If you have questions about being wrongly diagnosed, you can request a second opinion or and independent evaluation.  For a questionnaire that is helpful in defining the characteristics of autism, especially in young children, type "Susan Mayes Autism Checklist" in a search engine, print, and complete.  Also, a questionnaire found at:  http://www.kidsphysio.co.uk/PDF/siquestion.pdf   can further help to explore his sensory processing needs.  

The educational criteria for Autsim Spectrum Disorder is defined as:
ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopment disability, a behaviorally definite syndrome that isrecognized by the manifestation of behavioral characteristics across multiple areas offunctioning. Characteristics are observed, to varying degrees, in social relationships,communicative competence, pattern and range of interests, and sensory responsiveness. Thesecharacteristics are generally evident during the child’s early years, and must adversely affecteducational performance. The definition of ASD has been written sufficiently broad toencompass children who exhibit a range of characteristics related to ASD. This includes AutisticDisorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, andPervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Children with mental retardation orsignificant behavior disorders are not automatically excluded since, in many cases, theseconditions coexist with ASD.

The medical diagnosis can sometimes be more narrowly utilized with Kanner's Syndrome, but can also be used for higher functioning and Asperger's Syndrome like the educational diagnosis.  I hope this is helpful.  

The following are good informational websites:
http://www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/schools/Beal/readiness/finemotoractivities.html

http://www.anniebooks.com

http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/aspergers_syndrome.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/child/