You are here:

Autism/My Daughter (3) Jumps, Flaps her hands

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/5/2008


Question
Ok, first, please forgive for my ignorance.  I am brand new to any aspect of Autism or related issues.  My daughter will be three at the end of this month.  She is outgoing, verbal and has always seemed smart to me.  For as long as I can remember, she has flapped her hands when she is excited.  She also jumps up and down.  She gets very wound up at times and gets what can be considered very hyper at at times.  She has recently begun to hit and have a quite bad temper.  Another thing I have seen her do is walk on her toes.  It has been brought to my attention that these are symptoms of Autisim.  I have call the Dr. and been told that these are isolated manerisms and that Autism would have been diagnosed earlier.  I have also read advice not to listen to a Dr. who responds to my inquiries in this manner.  She seems so bright to me and very, very social.  I have also read not to use that to talk myself out of investigating whether there is an issue.  Can someone help me?  What do I do?

Answer
Stephanie,
Only a doctor can make the diagnosis of Autism. If you are very concerned, you can seek a second opinion from another doctor. Just because a child has Autistic like behaviors does not prove that they are Autistic.
I wish you and your daughter the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tim Runner

Expertise

Questions concerning autistic student special education: IEP, assessments, Due Process, mediation, resolution conference, federal law, state law, qualifying for services, residential treatment, special day classes, resource specialists, procedures, having your child assessed, adaptive PE, speech & language, non-public school, FAPE, tuition reimbursement for private schools and treatment centers .

Experience

I have been an education advocate representing students and parents for six years. My experience includes: representing my clients in IEPs, SSTs, Due Process, review assessment results for my clients and for other advocates, and mediations. I have represented clients with learning disabilities, autism, Downs Syndrome, cognitively challenged, emotional problems, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and physical disabilities. I have also represented clients to County Mental Health Departments and Regional Centers. My clients range from pre-school to college students in California and various other states.

Education/Credentials
I have a degree in Mathematics from the University of California with minors in Psychology and Physics. I also studied applied statistics in the field of psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I have taught college classes, conducted seminars, written articles for various publications, and testified as an expert witness.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.