Expert: Tim Runner - 8/21/2009

Question
My son was diagnosed autistic a few weeks ago. He is 26 months.  He shows no signs of "stimming" or any of the classic autism signs.  He is affectionate, very social with other kids, and makes decent eye contact if not distracted.  He does love fans, and will tend to group his cars, but he alternates arrangements and regularly plays with them in a regular way also, as in "driving" them around, etc...he has oral issues and will seldom try new foods willingly. He will say words, but not all that often.  Just once in a while though.  He says "cookie" more than anything else.

I guess I think that if he is autistic at all, it is very very mild.  Is that how your 20 year old was?  I am just curious.  

Thank you.  

Kirsten and little Dalton  

Answer
With a diagnosis as important as autism, it is often advisable to get a second opinion. I am not a doctor nor psychologist, but I have been told by them that it is very difficult to make an Autism Diagnosis until a child is almost 3 years old. I would suggest that you find a pediatrician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist with extensive experience with Autistic children and have your child assessed by them. Every child is different and Autism is not one thing but rather a spectrum of disorders that make it more challenging to diagnose.

I think you have me confused with another person as I don't have a child with Autism. It is important that you understand that because each Autistic child is different, it is hard to look at a child with Autism in order to diagnose your child.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates 4 Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)