Autism/signs of concern

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/18/2010


Question
My son is a little over the age of two. After he turned ! he continously spinned things:i.e. he would turn a car over and spinnin the wheels over and over and be content. The spinnin is not as often now, but he has picked up head bangin. When he gets upset after bein told "no", get grabs at his hands , pinching and twisting them, bangs his head against an object: i.e. couch, wall, my leg. He also bangs his head throughout the day when not upset. he still is not speakin to the point where he can get his needs met by request. What is your advice for this?

Answer
HI Tee
Though I cannot diagnose autism or developmental delay, the behaviors that you are describing are signs of a delay. Call your local school system and tell them that you need to have your son evaluated. Also, look for a pediatric neurologist in your area who knows about developmental delays and take him for an opinion.

Your son is very young and can be helped. Research shows that early intervention maximizes a person's potential. So don't delay. Get him help right away.

You can also work with him at home to help him learn to communicate his wants and needs. I do consultations to help families learn to do this. You can let me know if you would like to do this with me

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.