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Autism/My grandson has been diagnosed as being autistic, and perhaps, has other develomental delays
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Question
I'm very worried about Tyler. He is 5 years old and does not eat solid food. Parents and professionals have introduced yogurt into his diet and he seems OK with that depending on his mood. Other times, he just pushes food away and only drinks a bottle. He's also chewing through all of the nipples and is grinding his teeth something awful. He does not talk, and is still in diapers. Is this all related to autism, or could he be more severely impaired?
Hi Jacui
Oh wow. This is not a good thing. He is presenting with a severe sensory issue and it is manifesting itself in the food and chewing and grinding issues. He needs intensive oral stimulation therapy with a qualified occupational or speech therapist.
The diaper thing needs to be worked on as well. Also with an OT. Perhaps a behaviorist as well.
Not knowing him, I can't tell you whether he has other issues besides the autism, though some people with autism do have big sensory issues as part of their symptoms.
Good luck and let me know how it goes
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 6 | Clarity of Response = 3 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much for this advice. I will follow up with my son and his wife. I know that they are doing their best. Thanks again. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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