Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 8/31/2011

Question
Well there's  a lot  to say...My child is 4 right now but from a young age has had trouble talking .It was more so pointing and grunting about what she wanted.She was more into toys that were challenging or puzzles .She rather play along side then with other kids,she likes playing with other kids but nothing to interacting.There are times it seems as though she not listening at all and I have to really get her attention.She likes to line up her toys PERFECTLY in line(she does this only once in a while now)If I move one out of place she gets upset.She's very bouncy and likes to play but only sits down for her favorite shows or food .She will not color or draw for no more then maybe 5 mins if I'm lucky .But will sit for things she likes like painting and crafts.I can give her a bowl of water or sand outside and she is more then happy to sit and play for a while.The only thing else I can think of is she doesn't talk much and it seems like she ignores people .Would really like your opinion.Thanks

Answer
Hi Kim

though I am unable to diagnose, your child does appear to have several red flags that point to a developmental delay such as autism: the speech and language delay, lining up her toys, playing alongside but not interactively with other children, appearing to not listen to you, having to do a lot to get her attention, hyperactivity, lack of focusing to a task, not liking her things to be out of order. These are all red flags.

Please get her evaluated and subsequently some help. She is young enough at this point to be able to make a lot of progress. But it is imperative that you get started right away.

Keep in touch and let me know how it goes