Expert: Jene Aviram - 9/15/2010

Question
Hi, I have a 17month old son who was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 6 months old.  He is currently on epilim but i have started to notice a change in him. If i have been out and come back home when he sees me he has to pull my bottom lip down and then goes away and then comes back and does it again and again.  He screams a high pitched scream if people he does not know comes near him and he has started ignoring us when we speak to him, and if i walk him down a particular road he only wants to walk one way if i try to take him out of the swing he starts screaming and will only stop when i put him back in.  he does not like to hug or kiss that often  

Answer
Hi there,

You have given very little information about your son.  His situation is far more complicated because of the medication and diagnosis.

Have you spoken to your pediatrician about this?  It's impossible to determine if he has autism, but I do think the behaviors you mentioned warrant an evaluation.  It sounds like has has some sensory challenges and this can be helped greatly with Occupational Therapy.

I'd like to direct you to a couple of things that will help you get a better idea.  The first thing I recommend you do is read this article called "How do you know if your child has autism?"  You can find it here.http://nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm

The next thing you should do is take the MCHAT. Answer the questions and then see the results.  You can find that here http://nlconcepts.com/autism-mchat.htm

Make a list of all your concerns and contact your pediatrician.  I'm not sure where you are located but do you have early intervention?  If not, get a referral to a professional that specializes in childhood disorders such as ADHD and spectrum disorders.  This way, you can quel any fears you might have.  Because of his existing medical condition, a pediatric neurologist might be able to help in this area too.

You are taking all the right steps in helping your little boy.  I wish you great luck and success and I hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com