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Autism/AUTISM?
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Question
MY NIECE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND HAS A TWIN BOTHER. I COMPARE THEIR BEHAVIOUR AND IT SEEMS VERY OFF. TWIN BOTHER IS ACTIVE, INTERACTS WITH EVERY CHILD SEEMS A NORMAL CHILD, TWIN SISTER DOESNT INTERACT WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY, SHE RATHER BE BY HER SELF, DOESNT LIKE TO KISS UNLESS SHE FEELS LIKE TO, MAKES FUNNY FACES AND PLAYS BY HER SELF. HIGH TOLENRANCE TO PAIN, I PIERCED HER EARS AND DIDNT CRY, GETS HURT AND DOESNT CRY, ETC...
IM NOT SURE IF SHE HAS ANY LEVEL OF AUTISM AND HOW CAN I BRING THIS TO MY BROTHERS ATTENTION.
Hi Eliana
You're in kind of a bad situation. What is the relationship that you have with your brother? Are you open with each other or not? Maybe you can print some stuff off the Internet about autism and that list the characteristics you described..
Here is a link:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatis_char
All of the characteristics that you mentioned about your niece are listed there.
And the mom? What is her opinion? Or a grandparent? I do think you have something there-don't know if it is autism, but it's probably something in the developmental spectrum.
Let me know how it goes
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Answers by Expert:
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.
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