Expert: James Michael Roan - 12/19/2005

Question
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Followup To Jaiden has 3 other kids in his class two of them he has low tolerance for such as shraring and turn taking. The other child has dowm syndrome and is very small for his age and he can tolerates him a little more. Jaiden tends to play along side other child instead of with them and becomes fustrated a great deal. I think that I will give it some time and sees if he shows some improvement.
Question -
My son Jaiden is 3yrs old and I think he has some characteristics of aspergers syndrome or pdd such as clumsiness, motor delays, obsession with certain things. He loves football and talks about it all the time. He wants to keep gloves on even in the house and keeps saying he's sorry even if he hasn't done anything wrong. Jaiden attends a special education class 4 days a week because he was premature(born 29weeks). I have voiced my concerns with his teacher although she doesn't think he has any social issues. Jaiden doesn't get along with children his age he actually perfers adults. Jaiden acts differently at home then in school maybe that's why his teacher is not concerned. Do you think that I am overreacting or is their a cause for concern?
Answer -
Hi Denessia;

Generally, if a child is O.K. socially at school, there is little concern. The issue is, is the quality of his social interactions at school appropriate for his age. Perhaps you could express your concerns to the school's psychologist and ask them to make an observation.

It is important that Jaiden be observed through the eyes of someone who is very knowledgeable about autism spectrum disorders.

Let me know who this works out.

Kind Regards,
James

Answer
Hi Denessia;

Please remember that there is a huge difference between poor social skills and no social skils and no social interest. How well developed is your son's language? Does he understand 1 or 2-part instructions? How many words can he speak? Does his speak in 2-3 word sentences? How is his eye contact? Does he bring objects to you in an attempt to share them with you? Does he point at objects of interest in an attempt to "show" you something that interests him?

I hope this helps.

Kind Regards,
James