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Autism/Flapping
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Question
My son was diagnosed with probable ADHD,but I am not 100% convinced he has it. He had a really bad birth may not have had oxygen for a short period of time. He for the most part is a normal kid, but I have noticed for a long time this arm flapping that he does when he is board, tired or deep in imaginative play. He is also big for his age and uncoordinated. I have been trying to get him in a sleep study as he walks and talks in his sleep, but I keep getting told he is to young. I am thinking of taking him to a neurologist. Do any of these symptoms raise a red flag to you?
Hi Kate,
If you are worried, I would seek the opinion of a neurologist. Sleep disorders are common in kids with autism. But sleep walking can happen in perfectly normal children.
Flapping is not a guarantee of autism but it is something that should be checked out.
Best wishes,
Catherine
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Ridenour
Expertise
I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.
Experience
I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.
We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.
Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.
Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.
NOTE:
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