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Autism/is my daughter autistic?

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Expert: - 3/11/2006


Question
My daughter who just turned 3 was diagnosed with PDD in January 2006.  She maked great eye contact with family members, but she has very limited speech, she can say mama, dada, no, can't, good girl, go.  That is after 6 months of speech therapy.  She wont say any of those words when asked to only when she wants to and sometimes completely out of contects.  She doesnt understand dangers,  she is extreamly hyperactive, doesnt take naps or sleep threw the night.  She mostly only likes Dora the Exployer toys and movies and goes beserk when we move them or take them away ar pass them in a store without getting them.  She is runs around in circles or up and down hallways when she is extreamly hyper.  When we take her away from a movie she is watching or just rearrange her routine she has a temper tantrum.  She needs help to get dressed and doesnt always play the right was with her toys.  Right now we live in florida we will soon be moving to texas.  

Answer
Hi MaLena,

It surely sounds like she is.  Keep with the speech therapy and make contact with your local school district as soon as you get to Texas.

I don't have the time at this moment to send you Internet links to Texas resources, but I will send another message in a day or two.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

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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.

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