Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 4/9/2011

Question
Hi,
My son is 3 1/2, seen by neurologist 2x, in special ed preschool 12.1.1. but being moved to integrated this summer and hopefully fall if he does well over the summer.  I have been told no 3x by neurologist that he doesn't have ASD but as you can see i have my moments.  he recently was tested by the district and there were so many tests.  he scored 98% in visual perception; 1% in fine motor, 12% in receptive and 31% in expressive.  Cognitive standard score of 87.  I really don't know what this all means but they are saying since overall although low he is still in the average range for speech so they are moving him to group 2x; 1 individual from 4x (individual). They didn't want to place him in integrated but i pushed for the least restrictive and they were willing to try.  He displays resistant behaviors inconsistently.  
Last summer he pushed a stroller all over the lawn even when kids were playing.  Over the winter i didn't see it.  Now with the good weather, instead of a stroller he pushes a little bike around on bumps.  he says he likes bumpy roads and dirt.  He will do it even while kids are playing.  Sometimes he stops and does the trampouline or the play house with the kids but he prefers walking his bike everywhere over bumps.  What is this?
I am going backwards again thinking autism b/c he is still delayed and this behavior really gets me.  He listens to my instructions by staying on the yard and no street.  If i take it away he is upset but he gets over it.  Its not necessarily enough to motivate him to play w/the kids.  Sometimes it will. I tell the therapist this but they don't see it at school and they tell me its sensory.  How should i treat this behavior?  let it go?  Should i go back for a reevaluation?   I am beginning to accept that the diag doesn't matter but the educational placement does & its more important w/a kid like my son.  Isn't there studies done on kids with these behaviors and how to deal with them?  I can work through the rest with him, but since its nice i want to put my mind at ease w/how to deal w/it.  I can't take the bikes away b/c i have a 5 yr old and other siblings.  He does ride his truck around the house instead of pushing it which baffles me too.  He uses the vacuum cleaner cord and rugs to create bumps.

Answer
Hi Cetta,

You're right, placement means more than diagnosis. Keep working with the school to find the ideal situation where he learns his best. Reevaluations will be part of this process as time goes on.

As to the "bumps" thing. Most 3 year olds like repetition. It is comforting to hear favorites stories or play with favorite toys in consistent ways. Maybe it's autistic behavior and maybe not. Given his delays, I understand why you suspect an autistic disorder. I suspect he gets some sensory stimulation from going over the bumps that he finds pleasant. I think I would not interfere with the behavior unless it is creating a problem at a given moment.

It is really not possible to force him to play with others. You can create the opportunity and that's about it.

The best thing you can do for yourself and your son is enjoy him for the unique individual he is. Play to his strengths and interests as they develop. He may surprise you in wonderful ways as he gains more ability to communicate.

Best wishes,
Catherine