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Autism/3 year old
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Question
I have a three year old son and I was told today from an educational stand point my child is autistic. I see that he is diffrent then children his age but what is the line between being slower than other children and autism?
Hi Erin,
First, let me say that this must be devastating news to you, but I want to assure you that many autistic children become successful adults.
I would have to know where on the "spectrum" your child is to give a full answer.
Autism primarily affects the ability of the person to interact with his/her environment. Severely autistic children do not speak and often cannot stand to be touched. Whereas children on the high-functioning end of the spectrum may actually learn as well or better than their age peers. Their difficulties are primarily social.
If you observe that your son learns more slowly than others his age, it may be that an autistic disorder is in play. Or it may be a learning disorder that is separate from autism. A child can have both learning disabilities and autism.
Please, follow up with more information about your son. Does he speak at an age appropriate level? Does he play with toys in the "normal" manner or only twirl them around in a repetitive way? Can he make and hold eye contact with other people? Does he startle at loud noise, hate bright light, avoid certain textures or foods? Does he sleep well? What do you see, about him, that is different from other three year-olds?
Anything you can tell me about his behavior will help me give you better information.
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Ridenour
Expertise
I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.
Experience
I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.
We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.
Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.
Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.
NOTE:
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