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Autism/My son and autistic behavior

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Expert: - 8/20/2010


Question
Are these true signs of Autistic behavior or really nothing to worry about.My 3 and half yr old son has a few things he does that is concerning me.He is extremely attached to our recliner for rocking,sleeping,and does not like anything to be on or around it.He seems to chew the inside of his mouth even though he has ulcers and is bleeding.He doesnt make hardly andy eye contact when he speeks to someone.He looks up in the corner or away.He does play around and sometime with kids he knows but can get very aggitated easily and hurtful to them.He has a sever speech delay and is now going to special ed prek for speech.He sometimes but not always walks on is tip toes.

Answer
Hi Tara,

I believe there are enough signs to be concerned about an autistic spectrum disorder. I am glad to hear he is getting speech therapy.

I hope you will seek a professional evaluation and pursue occupational therapy as well. This will focus on his social interaction skills. The sooner it begins the better.

Don't despair, even if he is autistic, there may be a very bright mind waiting for a way to communicate. Many of these children blossom into wonderful adults.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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