AboutJames Michael Roan Expertise I can provide information on autism and Asperger`s Disorder. Specifically, I can answer diagnostic, assessment, and educational planning questions related to children on the autism spectrum.
Experience
Past/Present clients Children aged 2-18 diagnosed with autism, Pdd-NOS, and Asperger's Disorder.
Expert: James Michael Roan Date: 7/18/2008 Subject: Destructive toddler, could it be autism?
Question My nephew, whom I babysit during the week, worries me. He is 18 months and very destructive and violent. I know it's usually normal, but the way he acts doesn't seem normal. He will just walk past another child and slap them for no reason and keep walking. When he walks past a toy on the floor, it's like he can't help but to stomp it as he walks by. None of this happens during a tantrum, he rarely has tantrums. He seems so calm as he's being so violent. He's constantly banging stuff against the windows and scraping toys down the wall. I have tried everything I know to discipline him and finally when I can't handle anymore I put him in the play yard. The reason I think it may be autism is that unlike most kids his age, he seems very comfortable in there. He doesn't cry, even though he can see the other kids playing and running around. Sometimes though, he will sit and continuously bang his head against the wall. I could just leave him in there all day, but I would feel so bad. Could his type of violence be from autism or do you think it's normal or something else?
Answer Hi Becca;
My suggestion is to download the M-CHAT at: http://www.firstsigns.org/downloads/m-chat.PDF , then we can discuss his behaviors as they relate to autism. Some of the behaviors you describe could definitely be related to autism but I need more information.
