Expert: Jene Aviram - 8/12/2009

Question
hello i hope that you might be able to point me in the right place. My daughter Amy got menigites when she was five she got over it unharmed we thought, but as time went on we started to notice thing about her that were not right the need to always line up toys and gets very stroppy if they are moved, she hates it when i change the rooms round or paint the walls a different colour, she spends so much time on her own in her room, even when we try and get her involved with family things she is never with us long before she is off in her bubble. she gets very confused and flustered if you ask her to do more that one thing at a time, she gets angry over nothing all the time, when giving hugs does not konw when to stop neally always ends up hurting someone. and cant seem to remember things have to tel her to do tha same things every day.and never has any remorse about any thing she has done, her friends are thining out because they say she is getting imbaracing still doing baby things do you think it would wise to have her assest and if so where do we go from here. thanks

Answer
Hi Mary,

In answer to your question - yes.  I think your daughter should be evaluated.  I am less familiar with the protocols in the UK but I think you should call her pediatrician.  Tell them that you'd like to see a specialist in behavior disorders such as Asperger's and Sensory Integration disorder.  

This type of specialist will be able to give you the evaluation your daughter requires.  It's a very comprehensive assessment and if your daughter qualifies for services, her life will be so much easier when she starts getting the help she needs.

She obviously wants friends.  She's obviously bright.  She's just having trouble making sense of all the social cues.  Hugging too tight and for too long is clearly a sign of sensory needs.  Your daughter sounds lovely and quite remarkable.  She obviously gets great love and support from you to manage the way she has.

I wish you all the best and hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com