Expert: Jene Aviram - 10/28/2010

Question
Thank you for helping me with my question.  My son is 2 years and 8 months old.  He has a speech delay (only says about twenty words) and has been diagnosed with a feeding disorder in the past.  We have been working with the school system for about 1.5 years to work on his feeding problems and speech.  Most of his feeding problems have been resolved and he now eats a variety of foods.  However, he still has sensory issues and will only drink from a bottle and will not eat smooth textures.  I recently had him evaluated through the speech program at our local college and they told us that there are some signs of autism and we should consider having him further tested by the school district.  The school has informed us that we can have him tested, however, it really won't change the services that he is already getting in our state.  

My son does have sensory issues and has a speech delay, however, he is social and affectionate.  He does make eye contact and he is not withdrawn.  He loves wheels and doors, however, he does do a little imaginative play as well.  I have taken the online CHAT test many times and he always falls somewhere in the middle.  

Now we must decide if we should have him further tested for autism or if we should continue with speech and ocupational therapy and wait and see if he needs evaluated when he is older.  Do you think there is any advantage to testing him for autism if it will not help us to acquire more services?

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Kim,

I am absolutely in "shock horror" by your post.  How on earth could your school tell you that?  If your son has a diagnosis, OF COURSE HE IS ENTITLED TO MORE SERVICES.  Yes, it's true that many school districts try and get out of providing them because it costs them money, but that is not your concern.  And it's unfortunate that parents so often, have to fight so  hard to get services for their child, but there's no sense dwelling on that.  Just one of those things.

Is your son getting OT (occupational therapy) now?  I will be quite aghast if he is not.  PLEASE... do yourself a favor and go and get a thorough evaluation from an independent source.  Ask your pediatrician for a referral to someone that specializes in childhood disorders such as a neurologist or psychologist.  Your son might not be on the spectrum, but if you go to someone good, you'll know for sure and peace of mind is a wonderful thing.  In fact, why don't you contact the Autism Society in your area?  I bet they could give you some names of good professionals and help you with getting services for your son.

Please understand that whether your son is on the spectrum or not, he could be STREETS ahead with the right services.  Your school will only know him for a few years.  But he is your son and you will have him for life.  Don't let him fall victim to an ignorant comment or refusal by your school.  He might not need any services, but if he does, it's his right to receive them.  And he will progress so much faster.  Early intervention is KEY and he is at just the right age.

I'd also like you to read this article called "How do you know if your child has autism?"  It might help you put things in perspective.  You can find it right here.
http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm

By the way, I know you've done the MCHAT, but do it again on this site.  Don't peek, answer the questions and when you click"should I be concerned" it will tell you which questions are the real indicators of autism.
http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-mchat.htm

I do hope that this has been of some help.
Best of luck to you.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com