Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 6/24/2010

Question
Hi,

My son is 3 year old and I am very concerned that he has high functioning autism.  I took him to see a child specialist and he said that he doesn't seem to have autism based on the 1 hr observatoin.

My son can only speak Mandarin but he knows how to spell more than 200 to 300 English words by reading the books himself.  We never teach him how to spell but he is very interested in letters and numbers.  He always but the letters and numbers in line at home.  He has very good eye contact with family members but he tries to avoid eye contact with strangers or people he doesn't see often.  He can communicate with us but his language isn't as good as other 3 year old (even we compared with kids who speak Mandarin too)

At home he plays with us (such as the toy kitchen) and pretends cooking.  When I asked him "could you cook me a beef?" He will cook and make me a beef.  And he likes to play, hug and kisses his little brother who is 1 yr old.  And when we invite friends and relatives to come over, he seems very happy and also plays with them and shows them his toys.

However, when we take him to MY GYM, he doesn't get into the circle...he just play outside even we have been there for long time.  And last week was the first week he started his preschool.  He cried for few days and this week he seems a lot better....almost no crying.  However he doesn't get into circle with other kids.  He just plays his own stuff in the classroom.  And teacher told me that even though she tries to talk to him, he just ignores.  The teacher can speak Mandarin.

The positive thing is that he plays with relatives and their kids and my little son when they come to our house.  But outside when kids are form into a circle to talk or having activities, he doesn't join.  And he is very interested in his letters.  I don't think it's normal that a kid can spell more than 300 words at his age.

So I don't know if he is just very very shy or if this is the high functioning autism.

Please help!

Answer
Hi Fiona

Though I am not allowed to diagnose autism (only a doctor or psychologist can do that)his language delays and social issues could be characteristics of autism. And some children with autism do have an ability to learn reading and spelling way beyond their ages.

I would recommend that you take him to a doctor for an evaluation. Also, it's time to start working on his language and social skills. I can help you with that if you want as I do private consultations over the phone or Internet. If you want more information, just email me at info@valerieherskowitz.com

I know its hard to accept this, but it does seem like he is high functioning and very bright. He should be able to learn very well.

Good luck and keep in touch!