Expert: Jene Aviram - 2/21/2010

Question
Hi Jene,
My son is 27 months and has Arnold Chiari I and epilepsy. He has absence and complex partial seizures. I have wondered for some time if he could have autism or perhaps aspergers, and if maybe his seizures were related to this as they have never found a cause. He has had three EEG's and 2 MRI's.
He has always been fairly slow. He walks, runs and climbs but his speech is very limited and he does not respond well to me trying to teach him things. He has terrible tantrums and can be very violent and aggressive which is not his behaviour otherwise. He has an older brother who he will play alongside, but ignores the other kids at child care., and doesn't play with toys. He is very attached to me, has never slept through the night and is a major handful compared to his brother and other children I know.
I may be overly concerned, but I've seen similar posts and thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.
Thanks,
Shauna

Answer
Hi Shauna,

I don't know a whole lot about Arnold Chiari but I do know that it can affect speech, swallowing etc. I realize that symptoms can be different from person to person as well.  

Many people with autism do share some of the characteristics you mentioned such as limited speech, and not playing with toys appropriately, however that alone is not enough for a diagnosis of autism.  Autism is really hallmarked by a social deficit.  If your son has no speech, he is likely to tantrum because he's unable to explain his needs and wants.

I'd like you to read an article called "How do I know if my child has autism?"  This might help put things into perspective.  You can download it at http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm

Something else to consider is the M-CHAT.  You can find the link over here http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-mchat.htm

If I were in your shoes I would talk to your pediatrician and ask who to contact for early intervention.  From the little bit of information it's impossible to determine whether your child is at risk for autism.  But since your son has some other complications I think you would feel very relieved to get a comprehensive evaluation.  This way you'll get the answers you're looking for.

I wish you great luck and success.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com