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.
Question Hi -
My daughter is 24 months old. She is very verbal - probably knows over 250+ words and talks in sentences the majority of the time (Can I have milk? Mia (dog) is running around, etc). She has a very shy personality and is slow to warm up, which I think leads to some of my concerns.
Specifically, she is very obsessed with her brother, who is 5 months. She is very “in to” him and is great with him – always gentle and actually plays games like peek-a-boo and they both enjoy it. In general, she loves playing with her dolls and has great imaginative play (puts in highchair, feeds, talks on the phone, etc). But with some (certainly not all) questions like "Do you want to go to the Dairy Queen" she will say "Andrew (her brother) wants to go with" without actually answering the question. Also when meeting strangers she will pretty much only talk about him (Andrew does this, that, he spits up, he cries, etc). There are other questions that she answers accurately (do you want more milk, do you need help, can you want to go to the park, etc).
Other than that, she isn't too upset if we have a change in routine, has good eye contact, points, can accurately answer questions, eats all food fine, etc. The only other thing I notice is that when she is nervous / in a new situation she will basically tap her fingers together.
Anyway - sorry for the long question but do you see any behavior here I should be concerned with?
We recently met with our pediatrician who suggested potential OT for shyness (? Not sure that would help) but we are waiting to hear back.
Thanks for your help!
Heather
Answer Hi Heather;
She sounds fine to me, but to better settle your fears I suggest you download the M-CHAT and score it. If you have any questions write me back.
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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.
