Autism/Reading opposite

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Expert: - 5/27/2009


Question
My son is 3years n 3 months old.He has a habit of reading from right to left. He cannot differentiate b/w 9 n 6 and reads 19 as 91. He started with pre-school learning 10 months back. Is this normal for kids who Are just beginning to learn. His alphabets are all correct.

Answer
Hi Shalini,

The behaviors you mention are not associated with autism.  When learning to write, many children reverse their letters.  The problem you describe could resolve itself as your son matures developmentally, however I would certainly mention this to your pediatrician.  

Reading backwards and having trouble differentiating between letters and numbers when they are strung together, is also associated with dyslexia.  And while there are many symptoms of dyslexia, it's worth mentioning it to a professional, just so that you can rule it out and get peace of mind.  Here is one site that you can read a little about it. http://dyslexia.learninginfo.org/symptoms.htm

In summary, it could be absolutely nothing to worry about but I always think it's better to seek a professional opinion, just to be sure.  I hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com

Autism

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Jene Aviram

Expertise

How do you know if your child has autism? If you're concerned about your child's behavior and would like to know if they're symptoms of autism, I can help you. If you need behavior and parenting strategies, I have many suggestions and ideas to help you. I can also help you with questions on ABA therapy. I cannot answer biomedical questions.

Experience

I am one of the co-founders of Natural Learning Concepts, a manufacturing company for autism and special education materials. I am an author and writer and my work on the autism spectrum is frequently published by many organizations and renowned magazines. My son has Aspergers and my nephew has autism.

Publications
Autism/Aspergers Digest Autism Society of America Autism Today Issue Spirit Magazine The Autism Perspective Magazine Yahoo News Parenting Magazine

Education/Credentials
My original background and education is computer network engineering. A turn of events led me to switch careers in early 2000 when my passion and driving force became helping people on the autism spectrum. I then co-founded a successful company that helps people on the autism spectrum every day.

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