AboutValerie Herskowitz Expertise I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.
Experience I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.
Organizations American Speech and Hearing Association,
Autism Society of America,
President of the National Autism Registry,
Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.
Publications Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008).
Advance Magazine,
South Florida Parenting,
Spectrum Magazine,
I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)
Education/Credentials I have a masters degree in speech pathology
Awards and Honors I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.
Question Perhaps I've been reading too much about autism but I have two concerns around my two year old nephew. He is totally into echolalia and repeats everything said to him. There is some delayed we hear on the baby monitor during nap and bed times, e.g. 'Mommy and Daddy went bye-bye, Mommy going to store, etc.'. He does initiate his own sentences (3-5 words) but in most cases it's the scholalia. The second concern is a newly developed (in the last 3 months) over-reaction or fear such as dropping a toy that makes a loud noise or the dog barking too close to him. He will get a look of terror, cry to the point of almost hyperventilating, screams for 'Mommy' and has to be sat down and given time to 'breathe'. These are the only two signs he has, all other development, behavioral aspects are seemingly normal. Good eye contact, affectionate, gross motor skills okay, no flapping, attention span appropriate, plays well with other children, accepts new situations and routines, etc.. Could the echolalia be part of normal 20 month (which is when we noticed it progressing) to two year old language development or is there a problem? We also wondered if a new baby coming into the house at 19 months could have impacted his over-reacting/fear? Up to that point he had been in day-care but is now home with his Mom and baby brother. The baby had reflux and colic and screamed hours on end the first three months of his life. Could that constant noise have impacted the behavior/reaction of our nephew? He doesn't seem to react to the baby crying. He does show affection for the baby but mostly when prompted.
Answer Hi Faith
I understand your confusion. On one hand, your nephew has some concerning behaviors going on, but on the other hand, he is certainly doing other things well for a two year old.
I am guessing his sensory system is a bit underdeveloped and that is why he is reacting so greatly to loud and abrupt auditory stimuli.
The biggest concern I have is with the echolalia. You mention that most of his speech is echolalia. This is not a normal developmental behavior.
You have two choices: wait and see if he grows out of these things. Or do some activities at home that would help him to improve his sensory system and his interactive communication skills. This is really an individual choice. Some families want to take a wait and see approach while others don't want to take a chance and nip things in the bud
Write me back and let me know what you would like to do.
