Expert: Paul Johnson - 3/25/2011

Question
I have noticed in the last 3-4 months that my 6 yr old Autistic son is "zoning out". It's almost like he goes blank for a few moments. I have watched him closely to see if there was any type of pattern and although there seems to be no specific "pattern", he seems to do it the most when he is at his Speech or Occupational therapy visits. Since he is non verbal he's not able to tell me what he was feeling prior to the event or how he feels afterward. I have also tracked his diet and nothing new or unusual has been introduced. Although I would like to take him to see a neurologist, I do not want to subject him to unnecessary testing as they may have to sedate him for it and the whole situation would be incredibly stressful for him. Is there any other forms of testing that would not require sedation that could be performed to figure out what is happening?

Answer
Hey Chrisse,

Thank you for your interesting question.

It does not sound as if your son is at risk of harm.

Individuals on the spectrum are very very sensitive to our environment. As such we are so sensitive that are feel things and experience things generally not felt by the wider population. I would guess that when your son "zones" out he is actively interacting with something beyond your sensibilities. What he is in touch with will not be understood until or unless the language barrier is removed.