Expert: Jene Aviram - 5/25/2009

Question
I have a friend whose son is a little over 2 and a half.  His speech is alittle delayed because he's had ear infections so often, his doctors told his parents his speech could be delayed because his hearing is affected a little.  He makes eye contact and does talk, in sentences.  I'm wondering if he may be autistic because he doesn't like noises, whether it's a hair dryer, loud music, etc.  He also has recently developed fears of lots of things...bugs, lint, long hair, and more.  He can also be quite shy even when its around people who he knows and sees fairly regularly.  It can take him a 10-15 minutes to become comfortable around them.  Is there a cause for concern here?

Answer
Hi Melanie,

It's wonderful that you're so caring about your friend's child.  Speaking in sentences and making eye contact at 2 and a half would be VERY unusual for a child with autism.  Although many children with autism also have sensory challenges, from what you've said, it does not sound like he is on the autism spectrum, but it certainly sounds like he has sensory challenges.  

Sensory issues include disliking noises, being sensitive to textures, disliking many foods, not being able to wear certain clothes, being sensitive to light or dark, not wanting to be touched or on the flip side, needing deep pressure etc.  There are many more ways that sensory issues can affect a person.  Some develop fears from anxiety about how certain things might make them feel, but it certainly does sound like your friend's child has more fears than most.

Since your friend's child is so young, it's the perfect time to tackle this problem now.  The earlier he begins intervention, the faster he can overcome this.  You will be amazed how much an Occupational Therapist will be able to help this little boy.  They work with kids just like him every day and are trained at helping him work through all his obstacles.  Since the Mom will be able to also express her concerns about his fears, they can also recommend further evaluation if they feel it's necessary.  

Since your friend's child is under 3, he still qualifies for early intervention.  Usually this is totally covered by the state so time is really of the essence.  Are you very close to her?  Can you suggest VERY gently that you've heard how amazing Occupational Therapists are with kids and perhaps she can ask her Pediatrician about early intervention and who to contact for an evaluation.  Let her know how delightful you think her son is, and how much more relaxed he would be if someone could help him with his fears and sensory challenges.  Nobody likes to hear that others think "something is wrong with their child", but perhaps you can broach it very tactfully.

I'd like you to read two articles.  The first one is about sensory challenges.  The article also mentions autism but there are just as many people without autism who experience sensory challenges.  It might give you an idea of how this little boy might feel.  You can find the article here:
http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-sensory.htm

The next article is called "How do you know if your child has autism?"
Since you didn't share that much about this little boy, this article will give you greater insight.  You can find the article here:
http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm

You are a very supportive friend and it's really wonderful that you care so much.  I hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com