Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 10/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: My 3 year old son has not yet started speaking in full sentences. He uses meaningful words and short occasional phrases to express himself, although the pronounciation is not quite clear. However, he breaks into gibberish from time to time. He loves rhymes, though while repeating at times the words are not pronounced properly. He also knows numbers from 1-10. He also knows the alphabets well. It depends on his mood though whether he wants to recite them or not. My son has also started using the question " What is that?" quite often, pointing at the object of his interest, when he wants to know what that thing is.
Also, he started walking by himself only when he was 1 year 6 months old. He did not crawl much though.
My concern is however to determine if he can understand simple instructions or not. Ex: if i ask him to go and touch the door without giving him any hand or eye clues, he is not able to understand. Is it because he cannot understand me or is it because of any other problems. I also feel for the lack of proper understanding he keeps to himself and does not enjoy playing with other children. He is scared to ride his bike, play in the park, use swings etc. He loves his toy cars and also enjoys picture reading.
Please let me know if this information is enough for you to diagonise his problem or if you'd need more information.

ANSWER: Hi Upali

Thank you for your letter. I am not allowed to diagnose autism, but I can give you my impressions:
Since your son is not speaking in full sentences yet, he is language delayed. You didn't say whether he was in school, but you do need to get him a full speech and language evaluation at this time either by someone privately or from the school system. Usually the school system takes care of this for children who are 3 years old or older.

His level of understanding is a concern as is his lack of interest in playing with other children. These issues are related to autism, and should be checked out by a psychologist or neurologist or developmental pediatrician. Other concerns are his fears of the park. So go get this checked out.

On the good side, he is speaking which means that he can learn to speak properly. This is really good news.

Keep in touch and let me know what you decide to do

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.
From what you just wrote, after performing some neurological or psychological tests, if he is diagonised as autistic, is there a cure for it? Will my son be able to cope in mainstream schools? I am extremely concerned and worried.

Answer
HI Upali
I can understand that you are worried. Usually, autism is a lifelong issue. However, many individuals do get to a point in which they are functional. Intervention usually requires many many years of intensive work. Some children also improve from more than just therapy, but also biomedical interventions. Treating an individual with autism is not a one-sided approach-it's a multifaceted approach and it really takes a village to implement. Some children do well in mainstream schools while others need a special education approach.

You need to seek out the professionals that I mentioned in my last response. I can always take a look at him as well through SKYPE online if you like.
Please keep in touch. I want to be here for you.You can email me at anytime at info@valerieherskowitz.com if you have ANY question. I know you are worried-I understand.