Autism/Jumping in Autism

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Expert: - 8/12/2010


Question
Hi,

My son just turned 5 and he was diagnosed with autism at 27 months. My question is: my son loves gears, machines anything like that, he also loves the human body and when he is playing with something like those or looking at pictures he jumps up and down continuously while talking about it. He does not really have any other signs of autism anymore, he has great eye contact, his speech is above average for his age, he loves people, it is just the jumping, I thought he would grow out of it but he does it all the time. I am just curious why he does it? Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Jasmine
Many people with autism have sensory integration issues. When they have the need to jump, they are trying to get some input of pressure into their bodies. Since he is doing it when he is talking, it probably helps him to focus better.

Congratulations on beating the autism diagnosis. Now that he is doing well, be on the lookout for some residual issues, like sensory integration issues. Most people who eventually beat out the autism do have some residual minor issues for awhile. They are not a big deal, but you may want to get him some occupational therapy to help him.

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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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