Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 11/29/2006

Question
Dear Catherine,
My Grandson has been diagnosed with PDD.  I don't know much about Autism, but I think this means he is on the low end of the spectrum???  Anyway, I just wanted you to know that on Thanksgiving Day he said his first word..."momma". He said it very clear and continues to say it.  He also said uh-oh. I know it is just a matter of time and I will hear the long awaited word..."grandma". I think with therapy, he will be just fine. Thank you for your encouragement. I have one more question.  Houston Independent School District has offered a preschool program for my grandson, but it is an all day program. Since my grandson is only 3 years old and has never been away from his mother (who is a stay at home mom), I would think that they should also offer a 1/2 day program. Does my daughter have to accept the full day offer, or should she have a choice?  Thanks again!
Connie
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Dear Catherine,
Thank you for the quick response to my question. I would like to tell you a little bit about my grandson.  He is 3 years old and does not speak a word.  He does however, point to what he wants. He has never been taught sign language, yet he uses some signs he just kind of made up on his own to get what he wants.  He makes a lot of throaty noises and he does hand flap.  He knows his ABC's and can count to 10, by placing the letters and numbers out on the floor in a line.  He loves to be hugged and kissed.  He gets very upset if you interrupt his routine, but he calms down when his mother gets down at eye level and asks him to look at her...then she will explain to him what she is doing...like putting up his toys..or changing his clothes..or whatever has upset him.  I have noticed recently, that he will grab (not hard) at his mothers arm or throat and pinch her skin, while he grits his teeth.  It seems to be something he does not even notice he is doing. His mother has moved out of his reach when he attempts to do this, just to see what he would do. When she moves, he will just grab at the nearest thing, the couch arm or pillow and squeeze it and then grit his teeth. He does not play with other children, he tends to stay by himself.  He is in the process with EIC of getting evaluated.  I don't care if he is diagnosed with Autism, we will love him no matter what.  But, I would like to know if you think he will ever speak. Should we start trying to teach him sign language and learning it ourselves?
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I have a three year old grandson who is being tested for autism.  He does not speak one word.  What are the statistics of children who are diagnosed with autism, who never learn to speak?  Do all autistic children speak eventually?  Will I ever hear him say grandmother?

Thanks,
Connie
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Hi Connie,

I don't have any statistics regarding how many autistic children never learn to speak. I can tell you, however, that more and more is being learned about how to help these children and early diagnosis and intervention is his best hope.

You probably will get to hear the precious word, "Grandma". How well he uses language in a larger way is hard to predict.

If you would like to tell me more about him, I may be able to give you a better idea of how he will do. Autism is a very variable condition, no two kids are affected in exactly the same way.

Best wishes,
Catherine
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Hi Again,

It does sound very much like autism.

It is a good sign that he has made up some ways to communicate. It indicates there is a bright mind in there.

Whether he is diagnosed autistic or not, he will be entitled to early intervention for his lack of speech development. They will work on spoken language, but they will probably also teach him sign so that he can develop language (which is not the same thing as speech, incidentally) as soon as possible. The human window for learning language is at its prime from birth through the age of three, so they know there is no time to waste.

His mom's technique of gaining eye contact and explaining is very wise. It is always best to warn an autistic child before a change in activity. I think the pinching is a frustration maneuver. Perhaps giving him a squishy ball to squeeze would help.

Continue to love him, talk to him, play with him, read to him. I suspect he will find his voice with therapy. In any event, you will find ways to communicate with him. Therapy should include his family in any communication system used, including sign language.

Read all you can about autism, especially books by parents of autistic children and by autistic adults. They are less preachy and more practical than the ones by the "experts" and "professionals."

Write back to me after the testing is done and there has been some therapy. I'd love to hear how things are going for you all.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Answer
Hi Connie,

I am so glad to hear of the first words! You're right, "Grandma" can't be far behind.

A choice would be ideal. If they are not willing to be flexible, I suggest that your daughter and grandson visit the program, together. That way, mom can see if she thinks it will be beneficial and check his reaction to the situation.

Personally, I think a 3 year old whose parent is willing to education him/herself in helping a PPD child and who has the support of Speech therapy and OT does not need to send the child to pre-school. Under no circumstances should she be forced to choose between all day pre-school and NO therapy at all. I think that is a violation of the "least restrictive environment" clause of the law.

Have a wonderful holiday season,
Catherine