Expert: Trey McGowan - 7/15/2009

Question
My niece will be 3 in October. What worries us that she displays very strange behaviour. She won't respond to your calls and can stay focused on tv for hours long.She doesn't stay in one place and likes running around.She don't play with her little sister and most of the time behaves like the sister is non existent. She don't speak but sometimes says words that she picked up from tv and usually only one word at a time.Recently she was sent to a day care centre. She runs in happily but refuses eat anything there and most of the time keeps to herself.In Reading class she attended she wouldn't repeat after the teacher.She something scribbles on a paper for long and than start scribbling on the floor. She wouldnt look into your eyes but only sometimes comes near when you go visiting. I feel she was more responsive when she was a baby.Sometimes she throws tantrum at night.She actually had a heart surgery(minor) a year ago. She never was sick and looks like an healthy child otherwise.Is there anything that we can do to help her.

Answer
Hi there, Umah!

You ask 'is there anything we can do to help her?'. I ask you: what does she need help with? You give me many symptoms, but you don't actually tell me what it is that your child needs help with.

I think what you are looking for here is a diagnosis for your child. And unfortunately, as I am not a doctor, I can't give that. Therefore, in order to help your child, I strongly urge that you take her to a doctor and get a diagnosis. If she is in need of help, then they would best be able to tell you which way to go with it once they know what is wrong. Speak with your pediatrician about possible testing options and speech therapy for her deficiency. Aside from that, I'm not sure what your daughter seems to need 'help' with. If you can explain a little more thoroughly as to what she needs actual *help* with (other than the heart surgery; I'm afraid I can't assist with that for sure!), I might be able to be more assistance.

If you have more to add to the request, feel free to send a follow-up! Additional questions, comments, and feedback are always welcome as well!

Trey