Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 7/29/2009

Question
My nephew will be 3 in October. I'm concerned that something isn't right with him and I think he is autistic. He doesn't talk much. He will hum mom and say hiiiiiiiii and will try to say the persons name but it normally comes out as a letter, not the name. He was seeing a speech therapist and since then sometimes will say letters repeatedly but not all the time. He is very inactive. When he is active he will go around the house and slam things and purposely get into things he knows hes not supposed to. It's almost as if he is trying to get in trouble or wants to get spoken to. He doesn't play with his 1.5 yr old brother. He has no interest in playing with others. When his name is said he will rarely turn his head. He loves to play with trains and small cars and will lay on the floor with them or any place that he can be eye level with them. He is a very picky eater and when he doesn't get what he wants he throws a tantrum or will throw his food or cup on the ground. When he wants something he will point to it and make a high pitched noise that isn't remotely a word. His little brother is more advanced than he is in almost every aspect. I'm very concerned that something is wrong, in my gut I truly believe something isn't right. Does this sound like autism? If not do you know what it could be? His parents haven't taken him to get evaluated, possibly in denial. Thank you for your time and information.

Answer
Hi Shelly

I think you are correct. Though I can't diagnose him, you point out many characteristics of autism that your nephew is exhibiting. You say he receives speech therapy. Well, have his therapists referred him to the appropriate personnel?

You maybe right about his parents being in denial. Hopefully, they will eventually get him to someone. But at least now he is getting speech therapy, so it isn't like he isn't receiving any services. Sometimes it takes awhile for a parent to realize that it isn't just the speech that is the problem.

You could point this out to them until the cows come home, but I doubt it will help. Unless, they ask you, I wouldn't say much. Then, once they do come to grips with this, they will need your support. You can have them get in touch with me if you like.

Good luck and stay in touch.