Autism/imaginative play

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Expert: - 8/31/2011


Question
It is likely my son will recieve a diagnosis for autism. He is awaiting diagnosis. He is coming up to 3 years.I am however confused by the concept of spectrum. Does it mean that each child will have different symptoms and at various degrees.My son has lots of red flags, however very recently he has started to play with a little imagination which I know is late in a child. Would you expect a child with autism to develop this kind of play at all, limited or late, I am finding it all very confusing. would he still recieve a diagnosis based on the other symptoms he is displaying.

Answer
Hi Sharon
The reason we call it a spectrum disorder is that there are so many varying degrees of the issue. Some children progress better than others and are higher in terms of functional abilities than others. To answer your other question: Yes, it is possible for individuals with autism to progress and develop skills. But based on the other red flags and the fact that he is still delayed in his social development, they may still give him an autism diagnosis.

Autism diagnoses are not based on a singular issue, but on several delays that are characteristic of autism.

Good luck and keep in touch

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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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