AboutJames Michael Roan Expertise Expertise: Expertise: I can provide information on autism and Asperger`s syndrome. I cannot and will not attempt to diagnose at any time. I can answer general questions related to assessment and educational planning.
Experience I have specialized in the area of autism for nearly 9 years.
Education/Credentials M.Ed. School Psychology
M.Ed Adult Education
Past/Present Clients Children aged 2-18 diagnosed with autism, Pdd-NOS, and Asperger's Disorder.
I have a 13-month son with possible communication delays. Just to note: he is scheduled for ear tubes in August (ear infections since 9 months old). Here goes: he has no words, he babbes all the time with innotation. he will be loud and whisper. he waves hi and bye, high-5 and blow kiss with mouth. He does not point at objects i name. when i name an object (ex. clock), he looks at it...window, looks at it...so on and so on. he walks and is clingy to mommy and nanny. he makes great eye contact, understands no and responds to name. I'm concerned about the pointing and no words...can you help? at my son't 12-month appt., his pediatrician said that if my son isn't pointing within a couple months to schedule an appt.
ANSWER: Hi Anna;
The arbitrary cut-off for pointing is around 15 months. In autism we looking for a combination of things in order of importance:
1. Social development: Interest and interactions including early attempts to share.
2. Communication: Verbal and nonverbal. Ear infections often delay speech development.
3. Stereotypies or very narrow range of interests. He's a little too young for flapping and strange finger movements.
How often does he turn around and look at you (orienting to name) when you walk into a room where he's playing. This is the only research validated early predictor of an autism spectrum disorder.
If you live in the U.S. call your school district's special education/services dept. and ask to make a referral to their Early Intervention program, which serves from birth-to-three. The assessment and services are free if he qualifies.
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: thanks so much. he looks every time i say his name when i walk in the
room...it's just the communication issues...and i'm not sure if it's because of his
ears. i'm not sure what early attempts to share are? he has an older sister (less
then 2 years apart) and they play together...we aren't in the U.S.
Answer Hi Anna;
If it's just communication, I wouldn't be too worried. If eye contact becomes poor, if stereotyies like flapping, strange finger movements, looking at things askew, a need to close open doors, spinning etc. occur write me back right away.
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.
