Expert: James Michael Roan - 1/11/2009

Question
Hello Jim, I have 15 month old twin boys and one I believe to be showing signs of something. Since he was born I have felt he was different somehow. He always prefers to be alone, cries inappropriately, says no words, doesn't respond to his name being called, intensely focused, etc. My question is how early should I be looking for a diagnosis? I realize twin boys with an older sibling are going to have some delay, but I wonder if I am jumping the gun on wanting to have my son evaluated. It's very difficult with twins NOT to compare the development and behaviors of one to another, but I try to be objective. I just can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. His behavior is becoming so that I spend 80% of my day trying to figure out why Elliott is crying. I also don't want to be that paranoid mom. Should I wait until 18 mos to see if any behaviors change or improve? Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Alena;

You are not being paranoid. If you have ruled out hearing problems then I feel some level of concern also. It may be hard to get a diagnosis but not difficult to start early intervention. If you live in the U.S. call the special education department in your school district and ask to refer your son for an assessment from their Early Intervention program. The assessment is free as is the therapy if qualifies for services.

If you don't live in the U.S., order Stanley Greenspan's "DIR Floortime" book from Amazon or other bookseller.

Is he pointing and sharing yet? How is his eye contact and play with peers?






Bio

James Roan is a certified school psychologist who has been consulting in the areas of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties in the United States and in Ireland for over ten years (http://www.jamesroan.com). James earned his M.Ed. in School Psychology and M. Ed. in Adult Education and receives ongoing post graduate training in autism at the University of Washington’s Autism Center. James Roan has traveled to Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Clare, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and other cities and counties across Ireland assessing children and adults, and consulting with solicitors (lawyers) in defense of children with disabilities. James Roan was the consulting psychologist responsible for many of the autism and AD/HD screening tools and other content for Access Special Needs.Com. James Roan consulted with the graduate department of the Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford Ireland in the development of their graduate program for the certification of private autism tutors. James has conducted formal assessments of students in the Autism Unit in the Claddagh National School in County Galway Ireland.


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