AboutJene 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.
Question QUESTION: Hi,
My youngest son of 5 is just 2 and says 5 words that i can understand. He makes sounds w/inflection as though his tongue is not moving. I have seen him stick his tongue out, lick and no problems ever with eating. Actually of the 5 he is the best eater and sleeper. I am concerned because although the evaluators said they usually can spot autism and he didn't fit the profile because he makes eye contact and answers to his name but i am not so sure. He has 2 things i see as different from my other children. (1) he doesn't seem to want to copy the others for a response. Like if i say Ryan where is daddy. He won't do anything. If i go around the table and ask the kids to do it to copy and clap he still doesn't seem to care. That is true for most things i try. He trys to do blocks, building and puzzles (easy) and will occassionally clap and get excited and looks at me when he gets it. He does ask me for help by giving me things he wants. Bring me bottle or train to turn on ; a hat to put on, jacket to go out, will take my hand to the cookie cabinet for a cookie or to go in the car. It is the lack of gratification or interest in others on the social i am concerned about.
(2)he lines up objects & it doesn't matter what they are and runs past them. Right when he gets to the object he puts his head down. Like 18 months he would run with his head turned to the side as though he was looking at his shadow or to see if he was being chased.
He did a little of the running thing but not v.long because he got distracted when the evaluators were here. They didn't seem concerned.
I am! Are these 2 things with the lack of speech, autistic?
He smiles alot and follows the kids everywhere and is very loving. He qualified for services but i want to make sure i ask the right questions to them for follow up to insure the right help for my son.
ANSWER: Hi Cetta,
I'm not sure who evaluated your son but I'm assuming they did a full profile. You say he qualified for some services and I wonder what they are. My guess is that he qualified for Speech and Occupational Therapy.
I do think your concerns are valid but it doesn't mean he has autism. The lining up of objects can also be related to "trying to control his world."
If early intervention evaluated your son, I would go to a developmental pediatrician right away for another evaluation. Write all your concerns down on paper before you go. If you've already seen a doctor, call Early Intervention. Having a second opinion does no harm and if anything, it can put your mind at ease.
You are doing all the right things and might see a lot of behavior change as he gains more speech. I wouldn't give up the search for answers if I were you. If you have concerns it's a good idea to act on them and get an additional evaluation. I wish you luck and great success.
QUESTION: Hi Jene,
Thanks so much for the advice.
Early Intervention evaluated (speech and a development teacher) my son by observation and play activities in the home. He qualified for speech and special-Ed saying 3 areas are deficient, speech, social and cognitive. He built blocks and got it up to 4, put them back in and out of the bucket and clapped with the teacher. He played one more game of picking objects but then he had enough. He wanted to push his cart, play outside with his train, throw the ball outside (he throws and chases it). He went back in the playroom and wandered in and out to see us but wanted nothing to do with picking pictures from a book or sitting and looking at the bag of toys.
Should i search for another evaluation or should i relax on the autism thing. If it wasn't for his speech i would just think he is very strong willed, he knows what he wants and he tells you even if he can't speak. Like when they asked him to pick a picture he grunted at them and walked by. When my husband walked in he ran to him laughing and playing with him. He is very inconsistent.
Answer Hi again,
I think we should always pay attention to our instincts. I'm certainly not implying that your son has autism. But if you have questions in your mind after an evaluation I firmly believe in getting a second opinion, just as you would do for a medical condition.
One thing is for sure, you can never regret a second opinion, but you might regret not getting one. If nothing else, it will set your mind at rest and peace of mind is a wonderful thing. This way you'll know you're getting the correct services for your child.
