Expert: Jene Aviram - 8/14/2009

Question
Hi Jene,

My 2 yr old son has a speech delay and I was told he has some sensory problems. He was evaluated and no "red flags" were found for Autism. He will line up his toys and will look at things out of the corner of his eyes. He loves other kids and enjoys playing with them. He fully understands everything you ask him to do and has about 20 words. He will try to repeat when teaching him a new word. The only 2 worded things he'll say are yes please, more please and no mommy or no daddy.

I was told it's something that he can overcome, yet I see so much information on sensory and ASD going together. My son is working with a OT and just recently a speech therapist. I find myself watching his every move and analyzing everything he does if it's different from other kids. I guess I'm having a hard time differentiating what is acceptable for a 2 year old and what isn't. I appreciate your time, thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Deb,

If your son was already evaluated for autism and no red flags were found, then I would say that you can safely relax.

Let me reassure you.  SENSORY INTEGRATION DOES NOT MEAN AUTISM.  It's true that many people with autism have sensory issues but they are not one and the same. You absolutely can have sensory challenges without having autism.

It's correct that sensory challenges are something that be can overcome.  And a good OT will help him through that.  A year from now, you'll be amazed at how far he's come.  I would certainly follow through on activities you might get from your OT or Speech Therapist, as this will help him progress.  

I totally understand that you can't help over analyzing everything.  It's called being a loving mom!  And believe me, at this age, a lot of typical behavior can look strange!  I'd be hard pressed to find a parent that's not concerned about some of the behaviors their child has at this age.

Your child is getting all the correct services.  You're doing all the right things.  Enjoy every day with him.  They grow up so fast!

I hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com