About Michelle Fattig Expertise I can answer questions about educational testing, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Special Education, IEP, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing, Parent Advocacy, Response to Intervention, living and parenting with disabilities, parent rights in special education, school psychology, and more. I cannot provide a medical diagnosis.
Experience I am a school psychologist, medical technologist, author of the Annie Books series: Experience Aspeger's Syndrome and Attention Deficits Through the Eyes of a Child, RTI facilitator, ILCD facilitator, parent advocate, presenter, and researcher. My children and I have Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities.
Organizations National Association of School Pyschologists, American Medical Technologists, Learning Disabilities Association of Nebraska
Education/Credentials Ed.S. in School Psychology, doctoral studies in SPED Law, SPED Systems Enhancement Leadership, and doctoral candidate Education Leadership. MT(AMT) and MLT(ASCP)
Question I am the Mom or a very loving affectionate 2 and 1/2 year old. Since birth there have been many issues brought to my attention through his Dr.s. Poor feeding and projectile vomitting at 3 weeks which was said to be reflux, physical anomilies, ie. Transeverse line on hands, ear folds, epicanthal eye folds, wide spaced toes, he was then followed by genetics and all testing has come back within the normal range. He sat at 8 months didn't walk until 19 months and still isn't talking. He started using signs at 20 months (basic, eat, more, all-done etc.) at 15 months he was assessed by a developmental pediatrician who put him at an 8 mth range. He has since been followed and has been progressing in all areas with the exception of speech being the slowest. Perhaps has 10-12 words that he using without being directed. He didn't point until 2 and started using Mommy around the same time. He has always done some quirky things, enjoys spinning wheels but can be re-directed, I started minimizing the amount of cars in the house for this reason, but he has recently begun viewing thing from his peripheral vision (far right or left) enjoys doing this in the car while things pass, and will pass things back and forth his face while making a yelling noise. The Dr. has told us that because he is very social, generally makes good eye contact, and is very affectionate that she doesn't think Autism. I however continue to worry, and question these stimming like behaviors. They sometimes are worse that others and if he is left for any period to free play they definately seem more pronounced. Any thoughts would be appreciated
Thanks Jennifer
Answer Very interesting questions. I am most definitely not an expert in this particular area, but have had a few students with similar visual peculiarities. The following are a couple of websites, which may be helpful:
"Isodicentric chromosome 15 is the scientific name for a specific type of chromosome abnormality. Many individuals with idic(15) have delays in language development and motor skills such as walking or sitting up. Other traits may include low muscle tone (hypotonia), seizures, short stature, and mental retardation. Distinctive facial features associated with idic(15) may include epicanthal folds (skin folds at the inner corners of the eyes), a flattened nasal bridge, button nose, and a high arched palate (roof of the mouth). Some individuals with idic(15) also have features of autism, such as problems with communication, social interactions, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors (e.g., lining up toys, playing with a toy in the same manner over and over again, hand flapping, rocking back and forth)." Retrieved from: http://www.exploringautism.org/autism/iso_chr15.htm
or
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) "20% or more of children with ONH are believed to have some autistic-like symptoms. “ONH autism” is a controversial area. Many parents of ONH children have recognized that their children do not fit the classical definitions or models of autism, and have adapted therapies to suit their specific educational and therapeutic needs." Retrieved from: http://www.savantacademy.org/onhqa.php
or
"Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a disability resulting from either an insult to the brain or how the brain organization became configured during prenatal development." Retrieved from: http://www.tsbvi.edu/Education/vmi/autism.htm
Please let me know if you need anymore information or if I can be of more help.
