You are here:

Autism/2 year old non-verbal

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/18/2010


Question
My son was born at 26 weeks and just turned 2 years in July. He is non-verbal, and has sensory disorder. I have question every dr. he has ever had and yet they tell me the same thing that there is nothing wrong with him and he will talk when he wants. But at the same time he understands me but makes no attempt to try to talk. He has had a lot of problems with eating and other things but I still get told that he will grow out of it. I'm lost at what to do, we have had speech therapist, ot therapist ect. and nothing seems to work. He doesn't play well with others, but loves playing with his dog and us. Am I missing something?

Answer
Hi Bridgette

You aren't but your Dr is. A child who is non-verbal at 2 years old and has sensory issues and socialization issues is at a high risk for autism and developmental disabilities.

It's time for you to take him to see a developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist for a diagnosis.

Meanwhile, I am concerned that speech therapy has not helped. I would love to do a consult with you on the phone if you are interested to help you develop an at home program. I don't charge a lot and I think it could help a great deal.

Let me know and keep in touch

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.