	AllExperts > Autism
	Search

About Trey McGowan
Expertise
My primary expertise is in the area of the social, psychological, and mental development of Aspergers Syndrome and other high-functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders. I am also very knowledgeable in the communication disorders and common co-existing issues. I'm well-read on most of these as well as having experienced it myself. Other aspects of autism, I can do fairly well at as well, from the oversensitivity to the recognition of it. Warning: I am *not* a medical professional, and while I can research answers through books and online, I can not give direct medical expertise.

Experience
I am 14 years diagnosed Asperger's Autistic, and have been reading up and studying it, as well as taking 'first hand accounts' for most of those 14 years. In addition, I have had three children, adopted elsewhere, all of whom are varying degrees of autistic from mid to high functioning. My mother has done some research on the subject as well, and passed some of it on to me.

Education/Credentials
I have completed grade school and most of high school, and achieved a GED. I've also received home schooling.

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Autism > Nephew with "probably autism"

Autism - Nephew with "probably autism"

Expert: Trey McGowan - 10/28/2009

Question
Hi, my nephew is 3 1/2 yrs old, he's communication skills are very limited, he does not make a full sentence, he copies A LOT and I don't think he understand what he's saying when he's repeating something he just heard, only his parents and sisters understand what he says, I see him every week but I have to ask his sisters to "translate" for me because he mumbles his words and I think they're just "used" to this sounds! he's not potty trained, he gets very frustrated if you don't understand what he wants and throws tantrums all the time which I thinks it's because he can't communicate, he thinks is a dinosaur and he always has two fingers up and the other 3 he folds them at the point where his hands hurt, if I tell him not to do that he gets upset and he'll stop it for a little but then he'll fold his fingers again, he has NO care for coloring or for looking at books which blows my mind, he likes toys, guns, cars, dinosaurs, but he won't grab a crayon or sit long enough for me to read a book to him or he just doesn't care to look at one. He had a speech coach for about a month which helped a little but his parents were not told he had autism or any other disorder, he's going to be 4 in feb and he doesn't understand when you talk to him, only the simple things like: are you hungry? tired? I definitely think there's something wrong but I don't know where we should go. Thanks.

Answer
Hi there, Rachel!

If you are concerned about your child, the best place that you can take him is to his pediatrician and voice your concern with them. Alternatively, I would suggest locating a therapist or psychologist in your area who has experience working with children and bringing these issues. An expert will certainly be of more help than a non-doctor AllExpert in situations where you are looking for aid!

Not knowing where you are, I can't point you toward any numbers, but Google should give you the answers well enough as well. Or your child's doctor should be able to tell of a few places to turn.

I wish you all the best! Questions, comments, feedback, follow-ups? Send them this way!

Trey

Add to this Answer Ask a Question