Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 5/10/2007

Question
I am a full time working mom, recently(last 6 months) divorced from a good dad to our three year old son Dawson. Dawson has always been a handful, He cried for most of the first 6 months of his life, going through what the doctors thought colic, RSV, and allergy to milk?, we had him tested and never really got a great answer. He is now three and very smart, but everything is routine and has to be the same all the time, he plays by himself, not interested in other children, and is not warm or welcoming to others, sometimes not even to us. His father and I share Dawson week on, week off, and he seemed to be coping well, but for the past two weeks it is very apparent that there is a problem with his irate tantrums, hitting us, pushing others away and sitting in his room alone, other times he can be very active, almost hyperactive, with very little listening skills. His speech is extremely behind and does not even really try although we do cards, books, and alphabet puzzles. Others around have suggested that he may have autism, he has never been an overly happy child. I am wondering how much of this is from the separation, where to go to ask for advice, as our family doctor in Victoria Canada is not great on these subjects, or basically know whether to have him checked? How do they test for autism?

Answer
Hi Nicole,

I agree your son should be tested for an autistic spectrum disorder. While tantrums are normal for 3 year olds, combined with the speech delays and avoidance of people, it makes me suspicious.

The "tests" for autism in a young child consist of checklists of milestones and behavioral characteristics, IQ tests for children (don't be surprised if he scores low due to the speech issues, he may be perfectly bright but unable to show it to the test giver). A good doctor will spend more than one session with him to observe and interact with him. He should be seen by a child psychiatrist who specializes in autism and other developmental disorders.

Being colicky, crying non-stop, etc. are typical of autistic babies. They are hard to soothe. Many do have allergies to foods, in particular wheat gluten but also milk and other things.

Don't let anyone tell you that everything is related to the divorce. You have described symptoms that existed from birth that are consistent with a spectrum disorder.

You know your child better than anyone. Keep asking until you get some answers.

He will need speech therapy to catch up and occupational therapy which will help him learn social skills. This should begin as soon as possible. The "golden years" for acquisition of language happen before the age of three.

I do not know the law in Canada, but in the U.S. he would be entitled to early intervention as soon as he is diagnosed and special help in the classroom for as long as necessary.

I am including some links where you can find more information about autistic spectrum disorders.


http://www.neurodiversity.com/main.html (many links to books, articles and resources)

http://www.patientcenters.com/autism/news/resources.html (books and resources)

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm (the definitions and government links)

http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/as/asteachersites.html (teaching resources)

http://www.autism.org/ (many links to information)

Best wishes,
Catherine