Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 5/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: I'm concerned about my 2 year old son and am having difficulty getting the health professionals seeing the same thing so I was wondering if i had valid concerns or whether i am making a mountain out of a mole hill.  My son as i have already said is 2 and he doesn't point to what he wants but he will take you by the hand and show you.  He has very limited speech only saying about 7 or 8 words but does babble lots although none of it makes sense and he cannot communicate his needs.  At times he spins round and round till he is dizzy then stands up and does it all again and will sometime headbutt the wall for no reason.  He hates crowds of people and screams the whole time we are out shopping if its busy.  He will put his hands over his eyes to play ball but cannot say boo.  He watches the same fifi dvd all day with it going on first thing in the morning he also loves pressing buttons on and off over and over again.  He hates being picked up unless its on his terms.  He also refuses to sit on the potty but will stand over it.  He doesn't really play with toys and is not bothered by other children apart from his sisters.  He also doesn't always answer his name and thinks when you tell him off it is a game but will follow instructions.  Also he seems to only feel pain if it is severe.  Just recently he hates having a bath and will scream for 45 minutes, he also has very severe tantrums that are difficult to control and he will lash out and anyone near him they also last for a long period of time.  Would really appreciate your advise so i know whether to push for help or if i'm just being an over concerned parent.

ANSWER: Hi Amanda

There is no doubt that your child is in the developmentally delayed spectrum and is exhibiting signs of autism.But I can't diagnose, so you must see a professional like a doctor or psychologist.  By what you are saying, he has so many of the characteristics (speech delay, spinning, hating crowds, repetitious behavior, tantrums, not wanting to be picked up etc) that I can't imagine that a qualified professional could miss this one!!

Where do you live? Are their qualified people to help you?

I do consultations over the Internet with families all around the world if you need some help. Just let me know!!

Your son must get started on a very intensive program right away!

Let me know if you need my help.

Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
Author: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology

www.valerieherskowitz.com

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

QUESTION: Thank you for replying so quickly.  I live in England and I have had concerns about my son since he was 6 months old.  I repeatedly bring my concerns up with the health visitor but they just say they won't do anything yet as he is to young or it is a phase he is going through.  I have been given tips on controlling his tantrums such as make sure he is safe and then ignore him or try to distract him e.g. going to the front door to see if Nana/grandad is coming.  None of this works.  I really don't know where to turn to get my son the help he needs.

Answer
Hi Amanda

I am so sorry for your isolation. It must be hard to not know where to turn.

I am happy to help you if you want me to step in. The best way is to do it over Skype, which you can download to your computer and it is free. If you have a webcam, that is even better as I would be able to see your son.

Also, if we proceed, one of the things that I would do in addition to help you get started on a home intervention program, is to help find you someone in your area.

Hope to hear from you. You can email me directly at:
info@valerieherskowitz.com

Valerie