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Autism/tip toes/likes playing with hair

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Expert: - 2/18/2011


Question
Hi,
My questions addressed a little girl who is 2 1/2 who, most always, walk on her tippy toes.  She LOVES playing with my hair.  She gets upset when she knows her dad is coming to pick her up at my house (I am her daily care provider) and she doesn't get to answer the door.  She screams and throws a fit.  She is very clingy all day long, and she always wants to play with my hair. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi De De

Does she speak well?

Walking on tippy toes, playing with your hair and obsessing about answering the door are definitely red flags. If we add a speech delay to the mix, then we really are looking at developmental issues.

I'll wait back for your answer.

Of course, getting her parents to take her to someone is a whole other ball of wax

Autism

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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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