Expert: James Michael Roan - 12/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: Can you help direct me with my 28month old son. He has been highly verbal since 18months, memorizing songs and books, saying rather long sentences and putting together concepts at 2 years. He can play incessantly with his cars lining them up. In playgroups and preschool he doesn't interact at all with other kids but focuses on the toys -I know parallel play is typical at this age but he seems a little more aloof than the others kids do. He prefers to play with adults. At home he is very animated and happy. But if we take him out to crowded places (which in NYC is everywhere) he seems to get introspective and quiet and it seems to be getting worse. I have him in a gradual separation pre-school 2 mornings per week where I sit on side with other parents. He really liked school in the beginning. However as of last week he started crying and resisting school and has had several tantrums at school as if he is getting worse. Sometimes his meltdowns seem unprovoked like when I took him to a playdate recently with one other child and he became inconsolable because he did want to be there. I recently took him to a music class where he refused to get out of the stroller, crying he was a baby (he has no siblings) and disrupting the class that I had to leave. I am not sure if i am overreacting, or if I should get him evaluated-and if so what kind of specialist to seek out. I appreciate your guidance. Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Allison;

Please understand that I do not, at any time, attempt to diagnose or rule out a diagnosis or condition over the Internet.

These behaviors could fit Asperger's syndrome and also are consistent with a shy toddler as well. Many typically developing children line up toys and even demonstrate some stereotypies. How is he around other children his age during a family get together? How is his eye contact and joint attention? How is receptive language? How does he do with transitions or changes in routine? Does he have any sensory problems with hair cutting, tags on his shirts, hair dryers and vacuum cleaners, noise?

Kind regards,
James

Disclaimer:

While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.


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.






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

QUESTION: Thank you. We have a small family with no kids his age but he is friendly and gentle with his baby cousin, makes good eye contact, interacts especially well with adults, and has no sensitives to noises or things touching him. he does often need warning/time transitioning from activities but its not always or excessive for his age from what I see with other toddlers. Actually since I wrote the initial question he has even stopped lining cars up in favor of racing them across the floor. I failed to mention that although he can climb and run well, he still cannot jump with both feet at 28months and seems a little awkward/behind in some gross motor skills like riding a tricycle or dancing.  He probably just has a more shy and aloof personality than others (and maybe no rhythm :) but we will continue to watch him. If further concern though, how do you recommend locating a specialist and should we look at OT for sensory integration disorder or psychologist for aspergers or other.
Thanks


Answer
Hi Allison;

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.

You can call the special education/services department in your school district. They are responsible for the assessment of children 0-21 years of age and services if he qualifies for them. As far as an assessment, you want a licensed psychologist who specializes in autism spectrum disorders and Asperger's syndrome specifically.  More and more psychologists are specializing in this area. I'm glad all is well. Happy Holidays!

Kind regards,
James


Disclaimer:

While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.


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.