Expert: James Michael Roan - 1/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have been noticing some symptoms of autism in my 14 month old nephew. For a start every since he was born if you put him to sleep a particular way he would only stay asleep if you kept doing what you were doing eg we had to walk him up and down and continue to do it even when he was asleep. Also he he has only just started to walk he's still very unstable when he walks. Before he could walk he did crawl. He would crawl to a person but if you tried to pick him up he would start screaming. He has got major separation anxiety and will only stay with family for short periods of time. We tried putting him into a childminding place while we were at the gym he screamed till the point of chucking up, it had happened more then one time. He has a amazing attention for building blocks and other stuff like that he will do it for hours on end. He is also a compulsive thumb sucker. He also has a thing he will get startled over loud noises when he is sleeping like when a cell phone goes off. And also he tends to look at necklaces and earrings on you when you are cuddling him. I myself have got a diagnosis off Asperger's. And I am very worried for my nephew.

ANSWER: Hi Gabrielle;

The information you have provided is helpful, but I need more information. Please comment in detail about the following:

1. Eye contact.
2. Sharing.
3. Unusual preoccupations and or compulsions such as unusual interest in water, dangley strings, spinning objects such as washing machines and dryers.
4.Social avoidance or aversion.
5. Pointing.
6. How often does he respond to his name when you walk into a room where he is and is not involved with a favorite activity?

Kind regards,
James








Disclaimer:

While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.


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.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi there thanks

1. eye contact he doesn't really do that he mainly looks at some thing on you but not nescially in the eyes.

2. sharing: haven't really noticed him developing this side of stuff yet.

3. unusuasual/ compulsions: when you are building blocks with him he as this repetion thing where he will knock them over and over again and laughs about it.he has a very strict bed time routine, you have to do certain stuff before he goes to bed like has dinner, thn a bath, thn you have to give him a massage.

4. social avodiance/ aversion he doesn't like to be pick up, he will usually walk away from others his age, he has a 2nd cousin about 6 months older then him. Haven't really noticed him socilizing yet.

5. pointing: i have seen him do no pointing at all.

6. responding to his name: he will only respond to his mum or dad. but some times when he crys and we call his name to come to us he will not come so we try and pick him he will still not respond if we pick him up his crying will get worst.  

He has not starting talking yet.
He is very sensitive to foods, he is on a GFCF diet.
My sister is into very natural stuff. She has been toilet training him since he was 6 weeks old. No vaccinations what so ever.

Answer
Hi Gabrielle;

I think your nephew should be evaluated as soon as possible. Do NOT let pediatricians talk you into waiting months or years for an assessment. Be a strong advocate for your nephew. Please let me know if I can help you further.

Kind regards,
James


Disclaimer:

While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.


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.