Expert: James Michael Roan - 11/8/2009

Question
I have three year old triplets, two boys and a girl. The boys have been in early intervention for two years for communication delays. When they turned three they were rolled into the preschool program for special needs, based on their communication, speech and fine motor delays. The child study team also suggested that we schedule an appointment to see a nueroloigst to see if there are any other issues - specifically to rule out autism. We have an appointment next month, but I just want to make sure that I'm taking the appropriate steps. In my heart, I do believe that something is wrong with one of the boys - whether its a high functioning form of autism or aspergers - I'm not sure. How do I find out? What type of doctor will be able to diagnose him?

Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Lisa;

"Please keep in mind that at no time am I diagnosing anything nor am I ruling out any potential condition, just providing guidance and direction."


This is a tough one. Many psychologists and pediatrician's subscribe to the old belief that you cannot diagnose high functioning autism (HFA)/Asperger's syndrome (AS) before the age of four. You will have to do a good deal of research in your area. I would look for a psychologist who specializes in this area. Some university autism units have staff experienced in this area. Your school's psychologist may have the Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale(GADS) that could screen for AS, then you could share that data with your pediatrician who could refer you to a specialist so that, hopefully, your insurance could cover an assessment. Unfortunately, there is a poverty of truly qualified individuals who can effectively evaluate a child at this age. I think my best judgment is to find a neuropsychologist who can separate AS from a nonverbal learning disability, and AD/HD. A label is next to useless and an incorrect diagnosis is damaging.

Let me know how I can help further.

Kind regards,
James


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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 assessment professional 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.