Expert: Jene Aviram - 4/21/2010

Question
hi my name is patricia i have a 4 year old son hes almost 5 nd i think that he may have autisum.he at times is very diffult doesnt play well with others and doesnt get along with others in our family he never sleeps throu the night he calls me in his room everynight several times a night for thing like mom is it time to wake or or just to tell me that he loves me he recenly has started walking on his tip toes hes in pre k at school and they have told me that hes very behind for a child hid age he is sentive to light and doesnt like the texture of grass and sand on his feet those are just  a few signs that he has im just looking for someone to give me alittle  help please thank you very much

Answer
Hi Patricia,

It's a little tough to give you a lot of guidance as you've described very little of what you're seeing.  I can tell you that your 4 year old calling you during the night several times just to tell you he loves you is practically unheard of for a child with autism.

Your son is certainly displaying some sensory defensiveness.  This is evident in that he is sensitive to light and doesn't like different textures such as sand and grass.  This can easily be fixed by some occupational therapy with a good OT and so I wouldn't worry too much about this.  

You mention that your son doesn't play well with others and get along with others.  There is a big difference between cooperating in a give and take relationship and not having the interest to want to interact.  I'm not sure which is the case with your son.  If he doesn't want to interact because he has no interest in people, this characteristic is often associated with children on the spectrum. However if he has the interest but not the know how to get along, that's totally different.  You didn't mention any language delays and so I'm assuming that's pretty much on track.

By the tiny bit of info you've given, my first impression is not of a child on the autism spectrum.  But I definitely think he should be evaluated and receive any services he needs.  Talk to your pediatrician and ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician or someone in your area that can diagnose developmental delays.  By what you've said, I'm pretty sure your son will qualify for occupational therapy and perhaps play therapy.  You will be amazed what a difference this can make in a very short time.  I know you've got a lot on your hands but try to get that evaluation scheduled as soon as possible.

I wish you great luck and success.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com