Expert: Tim Runner - 12/16/2007

Question
I am from India.....My son is 2 1/2yrs old.... he is autistic... from the day one he was born he never use to have a proper sleep... but after this GFCF diet regime he is doing fine with it..... he is attending is behavioral therapy classes.... n is showing some changes... but sometimes he gets wild n shows tantrums like hitting his hands against the wall n head on the floor..... now a days he has started rolling himself in the bed spread whenever he finds time.... i am very much worried abt his speech.... he keeps on babbling from morning till night but nothing is clear.... even though few words he tells properly.... he tells it once in a full moon day.... i don't knw why....he doesn't like brushing his teeth n having a hair cut done...... he keeps licking is hands... n keeps rubbing his teeth on my cheek n likes biting sometimes n makes sound by rubbing his jaws against each other...do u think he will be able to talk.... his speech therapy classes will start from next week... he can bite, chew (few things), suck n sip but i found he is unable to blow.... is there any oral exercise or massages which i can try....hope u can help me out in this matter n give me more information abt how to teach him the basics ..... n abt the potty training also.... the only problem his he doesnt knw to say.... otherwise he does it properly...thanks a lot... waiting for reply...

Answer
Bindhu,
It seems to me that you are doing the right things for your son. It sounds like he should be assessed for sensory issues given all the things you say in your question. Your speech therapist can give you suggestions on what to do with your child after he or she begins working with him. It is impossible for me to give you suggestions given that I am not a speech therapist and I have never seen your son. I am sure this expert will welcome having you reinforce what they do with your son in therapy.

You have many challenges to face with your son and you need to continue to get help locally. His doctor should be able to help you with what to expect and how to handle it.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com