Expert: Trey McGowan - 9/15/2009

Question
I have a 4 year old son who does not speak words.  He just recently started making sounds like ma and da.  He is not potty trained and doesn't seem to understand the concept. He is extremely hyper and doesn't like to sleep. He bites his fingernails so hard that he leaves teeth prints in them. He can undress himself and pick out his own clothes but needs assistance to get dressed. While he is making some developments he is nowhere near the level of my 2 year old.  I am concerned but am having trouble getting a diagnosis.  He was diagnosed with a severe speech disorder but I know that there is more to it.  I was wondering if you had any suggestions as to what I might be dealing with and how to get him so in depth help. thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi there, Aura!

As I am not a doctor, I can't begin to tell you 'what you might be dealing with'. That is for a doctor to be able to say. Thus, I suggest that you speak with your pediatrician about someone who might be able to offer a better diagnosis. I suggest looking for individuals who have experience in developmental disorders, as it is quite obvious that there is a developmental issue of some form.

About all you can do with 'how to get him in-depth help' is to be persistent in looking for someone who can help. I'm not sure how hard you have looked, so I may well be talking out my rear on this, but there are liable to be some local individuals who work with and diagnose autism and the diseases on that spectrum, and may be able to help with giving you a better idea of what you can do for your child.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help here, but I certainly wouldn't be giving a diagnosis, for the health and well-being of your little one. I wish you all the best! Questions, comments, feedback and follow-ups are welcome!

Trey