Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 9/3/2010

Question
My son is a four year old diagnosed with autism at age 2. He has been through an early intervention program and referred to a public school program but I worry about his development. Do I need to start looking for other autism based programs in the area to help his speech and social skills or wait to see if the school is helping any?

Answer
Your son is lucky to have a mom who involved him in an early intervention program. But now he's approaching school age and you'll be involved with other professionals.

It's normal to feel apprehensive; all parents do as their child enters the school system. I would suggest that you talk ahead of time with the school and the special education people there. Tell them what you see as your son's strengths and his challenges. Share with them medical reports, any assessments that have been completed over the last couple years and reports from his early intervention workers. Is there any opportunity for the school personnel to meet with the early intervention people to share information?

While there is no doubt that early intervention is a most helpful thing to do for your child, sometimes our expectations exceed reality. Sometimes we think that if our child receives early intervention, all will be smooth sailing from them on. Very rarely is that the case.

There will be some children with autism spectrum disorders who show tremendous growth during the preschool years. With others the degree of progress is less marked.

Since you mention worrying about his development, I would guess that you feel he is not at exactly the same stages as other boys his age. Your feelings may be accurate. That is not a reason though for him not to enter the school system; in fact, it might be a good reason to take this leap and avail yourself of all the help and experience his school has to offer.

Many, many children with autism grow and flourish in the public system. The majority of kids with autism are likely in regular schools rather than in autism-based programs. Again, I'd suggest you speak frankly with your school to begin the team process that will help your little boy.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell