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About Valerie 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.

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Autism > 15 year old Autistic brother can't talk

Autism - 15 year old Autistic brother can't talk

Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 11/2/2009

Question
Hello,

I'm Easel and my brother's name is Prithul who had been diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old.

We live in Bangladesh and our country is very new to this syndrom and treatments are expensive for our middle class family, common cases are very rare. He used to say words like, 'dao na(give me), bhaia(little bro), and such small words but he stopped talking altogether since he was 2 and a half years old. We had been to loads of doctor and I couldn't get enough help until now.

He doesn't speak at all, he makes certain sounds according to his emotional stage, he points out food and anything he needs. He punches his head really hard when he has tantrums. Sometimes it seems like he's making up strange words but he never says anything decent. Now that he's growing up, he's grown a tendency to masturbate in public. He's really scared to go outside although he frequently points out to open the door to get out. But when we try to take him out his tantrums start and he get really violent.

He gathers up garlics and potatoes inside a kettle for days.

I have been browsing about autism for a long time but I could not get some decent info about not speaking. He interacts really well when he meets someone new. He smiles and sits beside them, looks at them with a smiley face and makes happy sounds, but if he doesn't like them he punches them on the head, which is actually a funny thing to see.

Is there any possibility of my brother speaking again? Please let me know as soon as possible.

I love him a lot.

Answer
Dear Easel

I have found a talking machine for your brother. It will be donated to you. It will help your brother to have a way to communicate. If you email me your address (email me at info@valerieherskowitz.com), I will arrange to have this machine sent to you. It will need to be programmed. When you get it, email me and I will tell you how to program it. You will also need a converter for the current

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