Expert: Jene Aviram - 4/10/2009

Question
My son is big for his age looks almost 4, has delayed speech in the aspect that noone understands him.  He does talk alot out loud to others noone can get exactly what he says all the time.  He has had his ears check for hearing and for tubes, and he is in speech.  He was kicked out of Pt day preschool for eating things like crayons and play dough.  He does taste everthing and sometimes eats things that are not food.   A few professionals have stated that maybe he might be autisic. and that I should get him tested
He loves people thought, runs playw outside, chases people is big and rough. Makes car and truck noises when he plays.  Will role play with me if we play house, wants to be with his sister in her room if she is in there, loves to ask to hold his baby sister. He loves to be tickled and thrown on the bed by his dad, loves to swing high on the outside swings and loves jumping off of things.  But he does not listen well, seems to not coorporate at times,  is so rough that he breaks things often, does not try to hurt others but sometimes does.  I will put his hand in my face and tell me to stop if I am not doing what he wants.
This to me does not seemt to be autistic type traits, but there is something not so right, either he has some type of behavior disorder or slight autisim or he is going to me a line backer one of them.  Can you let me know if I should have him looked at by a neurologist?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Debre,

I usually get notified immediately when someone has asked a question but for some reason, I only got notified right now that there was a question waiting!  I don't know if it had something to do with this site or my email but I do apologize.  So let me answer right away!

Your son sounds delightful.  He clearly loves having fun.  I can just imagine him laughing while he is tickled and thrown on the bed.  If your son is 4 years old and people don't understand his speech, it's essential that you get him evaluated.  Since you have concerns about autism, I would ask for a comprehensive evaluation.  This way he will get tested by a speech therapist and a psychologist.  I'm sure he will at least qualify for speech and language services and you'll be amazed by how much that will help.

I have to say that none of the traits you mentioned shout autism.  It's concerning that he eats non-edibles like crayons.  With some help you can fix this.  Why are professionals concerned he has autism?  If I were in your shoes I would get a full evaluation to rule this out.  Perhaps they are seeing something you have not mentioned in this post or are not aware of.  If he is on the spectrum, the sooner he gets help the better.  I'd like you to read this article that's called "How do you know if your child has autism?"  Perhaps it might help.  You can find the article here http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm
Either way, I sincerely recommend you get an evaluation.  Even if it's only to set your mind at rest.

I hope this has been of some help

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com