Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 4/30/2011

Question
my grandson was right on task. could count to ten. say names. ask what's this. whats that.. gradually lost words. had home visits. toddler group and now is in an early intervention ISD school 4 days a week 3 hours a day. has some autistic tendencies.. is the best little guy. no fits.. but has absolutely no speech now. Is going to a neuropsychologist soon to see if it's just autism.. we live in michigan. if this is autism.. will he ever get his words back.  I am so frustrated. we noticed the loss shortly after his 18 month shots. he had a frebral seizure. it was a gradual loss. with words returning then coming back. but for the last 4 months. .nothing.. some gibberish but now words..he can sign eat and more. but not on his own..but he will bring us something if he wants to eat it. or get it himself.. sorry this is long. he has been to a geneticist, neurologist, pediatric surgeon, and soon the neuropsychologist. I feel so bad for the little guy.

Answer
Hi Tina,

Since I'm not a doctor, I can't say if the febrile seizure caused this problem. It has been proven that vaccines have no link to autism. If a neurologist does not think the seizure is responsible, then it is probably the classic onset of autism which happens around the age of two years. By all means, see the neuropsychologist for testing.

As yet, we do not know why this happens. However, he is getting the kind of intervention that has the best chance of helping him regain function. Each child with autism has a very individual response to therapy and education. It is impossible to predict the outcome. More and more, autism is a challenge not a lifetime sentence of disability. Do a search at your favorite online bookstore for some good books about autism. His parents need to read about the different therapy options. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is NOT the only way to go. It is the most common approach in the public schools and works well for some kids but not others.

On the parenting/grandparenting front, I recommend avoiding the "poor baby" syndrome. Yes, he's got challenges and all is not going to be easy, but he can still grow and learn. He should be expected to behave well and do his best just like any other child. Going easy on him out of pity does no one any good.

In particular, keep his food choices as widely varied as possible. It is so easy to end up with an autistic child who lives on french fries and chocolate milk. Tantrums should be ignored unless someone is going to get hurt. Never give in to a screaming child. Physical punishment is a bad idea with these kids. Redirection works better and you have to be willing to redirect many times before it "sticks".

Most importantly, keep playing with him, taking him to the park, reading to him, singing to him. He needs the loving attention grandparents provide more than ever. His parents will need your support and I can tell you are going to offer it.

Best wishes,
Catherine