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Autism/autism in my 3 year old

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Expert: - 1/16/2010


Question

Thomas
My 3 yr old i think has autism. He doesnt talk but he mumbles in baby talk. The  most he can say is uh- oh; as far as words anyway. He lines his cars up all the time and thows any toys he gets bored with. He throws massive fits when he is told "no", and he cant respond to specific quiestions like"where is the ball" or "can you give me that toy over there?". But he will hand you something if he has it and you ask "give it here". he is a very picky eater and never eats vegetables or red meats. he loves food like grilled cheese or oatmeal or fries. he gets very attacked to certain toys for a while, then plays with another one. he used to keep a blue platic ring with him all the time and he wouldn't eat or sleep without them. but that got lost a long time ago and he got over it. instead of telling me what he wants he takes my hand to what he wants. ive tried making pictures and having him bring my the pic of what he wanted but he got frustrated when i tried to teach him how. he loves to be held and he like music and even dances to it. i just wanna know if he has autism or if its some thing worse. my dream right now is to hear him say "i love you" or any small sentence. i just need to know how to get on the right track.  

Answer
Hi Heather

Though I cannot diagnosis autism (only a doctor or psychologist can), it does appear that your son has several characteristics of autism. I highly recommend that you immediately take him to the school near your home and ask them to tell you how you can sign up for the appropriate testing in your community. Not knowing where you live, you should also look for either a pediatric neurologist who knows about autism or a developmental psychologist.

You son needs to immediately begin speech and occupational therapy. Research has shown that children who start these treatments early have the best overall result. Do not delay. Time is of the essence.

I do offer consultation services if you are interested in starting a home program to help your son. Just let me know, and we can set something up.

Keep in touch and let me know how it goes.

You have done a very good thing by identifying these issues in your son.

Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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