Autism/Questions Answered by Expert Michelle Fattig

SubjectDate Asked
Inclusive classroom2/14/2009
  Q: My almost 9 year old son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in kindergarten. He was moved from our ...
  A: Numbers, numbers, numbers! If you have multiple parents involved the school is much more apt to ...
autism question2/4/2009
  Q: I'm working as a behavior specialist in an elementary school. In the past I have dealt with children ...
  A: I am so very sorry for the delay! For some reason my computer started sending things to junk mail ...
SPD micro preemie2/4/2009
  Q: My daughter who is former micro preemie (27wks)due to a torn emergent cerclage is severely delayed ...
  A: So sorry for the delay in my response. My computer began randomly sending questions to my junk ...
6 yr old with possible stereotypy or tics???1/30/2009
  Q: I have a 6 yr old son who is displaying several strange tic-like behaviors. The first one he has ...
  A: The "tics" you describe sounds like sensory seeking behaviors common with autism, adhd, and other ...
Autism Diagnosis 3.5 yr old child1/27/2009
  Q: am writing about my son who is 40 months old. He has been having good motor skills and upto 30 ...
  A: Sounds like a very interesting little boy. The following is a good checklist for children with High ...
Autism and ABA/IBI therapy1/26/2009
  Q: My three year old son has had ADOS plus IQ testing done by a psychologist and has been categorized ...
  A: Wow. I would have some concerns as a mom if it were my child. I do believe from years and years and ...
Problem in speaking‏1/23/2009
  Q: My son is 5 years old. He is having problem in speaking the following words – R, K. He says L to R ...
  A: It is actually age appropriate for these sounds to be missing or unintelligible until the age of 8. ...
is my son autistic?11/16/2008
  Q: my name is Krissie. I have a three year old son whom I think might be autistic. I would just like to ...
  A: It sounds like you have very valid concerns. The following is a questionnaire for Early Childhood ...
child with PDD-NOS/ 504 plan11/12/2008
  Q: My son is 9 years old and was dx with PDD-NOS at the age of 4. He is very bright but struggles with ...
  A: Yes. He would qualify for a 504 plan as well as an individualized education program. When IDEA was ...
Hyperlexic 9 year old10/28/2008
  Q: When my son was born he would completely tune out the world in public, be up all night and startled ...
  A: Is your child in special education? If so, the school can make appropriate services available ...
Hyperlexic 9 year old10/25/2008
  Q: When my son was born he would completely tune out the world in public, be up all night and startled ...
  A: What you are most probably describing is Asperger's Syndrome. At the highest end of the Autism ...
Asperger's10/18/2008
  Q: My daughter is 12 and was diagnosed with Asperger's 2yrs ago and before that ADHD and Persuasive ...
  A: Sorry for the delay! A great site for answers regarding school issues: www.wrightslaw.com If you ...
child in my class10/14/2008
  Q: There is a three year old in my class who exhibits some strange speech behaviors. She seems very ...
  A: It certainly sounds like it could be the case. The following is a questionnaire that can be ...
working with autism10/3/2008
  Q: I'm not a parent of an autistic child but I am a therapeutic day treatment counselor in an ...
  A: What I would suggest is a functional behavioral analysis to include sensory profile in order to ...
My 18 month twin boy9/25/2008
  Q: I have 18month twin boys. While twin A is very social and demanding all the attention twin B is ...
  A: If you have worries about Autism, a nice screener for you to print out and provide to your child's ...
aggressive child9/23/2008
  Q: My so is 9 yrs. old, and was diagnosed with PDD/NOS at 7 yrs. old. He was having difficulty in ...
  A: Sensory processing difficulties are often a part of PDD/ASD, and can contribute greatly to meltdowns ...
My 9 year old and school9/18/2008
  Q: I am having lots of problems with my son and the school. My son has been to a counselor and has ...
  A: You can request a free comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation through the school district. ...
High Functioning Autism House mate9/17/2008
  Q: So I started up a Christian community house for college students going to Whatcom Community College ...
  A: You will find wonderful insight and humor on the website: www.wrongplanet.com Also, I recommend ...
Could my daughter be at risk for developing autism?9/16/2008
  Q: My husbands has no signs of being autistic but his younger brother had sever autism. I'm just ...
  A: Studies show that autism spectrum disorders are of a genentic influence. If you are worried, you ...
4 year old -Autism?9/15/2008
  Q: Me my wife and my 4 year old son have been traveling a lot in last 4 years and have changed various ...
  A: It is hard to say if they are signs of a child with Autism, Autism like characteristics, Asperger's ...
potty training9/11/2008
  Q: Our almost 4 yr old son Jake is diagnosed with autism he gets help in the normal spanisch school ...
  A: I would highly recommend that a speech pathologist work with your son to increase functional ...
potty training9/9/2008
  Q: Our almost 4 yr old son Jake is diagnosed with autism he gets help in the normal spanisch school ...
  A: It is very common for children with autism to be potty-training resistant or unsuccessful. Some of ...
behavior8/7/2008
  Q: MY SON IS THREE AND HALF HE IS VERY HYPER AND DOES NOT LISTEN HE WILL NOT SIT IN TIME OUT AND I USE ...
  A: At 3 1/2 it is very common for little boys to have a lot of energy; however, when it is very ...
Concerned about 14 month old daughter7/7/2008
  Q: I have a concern. I have a 14 month old daughter. Her sister is 2 1/2 and was diagnosed with PDD-NOS ...
  A: My suggestion would be to call your local school district or early childhood group and request a ...
Granson - Autism?6/26/2008
  Q: My grandson is 2 1/2. I am mildly concerned with his speach development and some of his actions. ...
  A: Boys can be late in developing speech; however, the AMA does list not putting two or more words ...
do you think he's autistic?6/24/2008
  Q: First of all, thank you. I have a 20 month old nephew who is just now starting speech therapy ...
  A: It sounds as if you have very valid concerns. The following websites may be of benefit: ...
hearing problems or autism6/19/2008
  Q: I am looking for an unbiased opinion about some problems my daughter is having. I have an ...
  A: So sorry for the delay. I think a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation is probably the best ...
hearing problems or autism6/19/2008
  Q: I am looking for an unbiased opinion about some problems my daughter is having. I have an ...
  A: It sounds like you have been very proactive in trying to obtain answers and interventions. Bravo! ...
diagnosis of ASD6/10/2008
  Q: Am I correct in assuming that the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder is made by a health care ...
  A: It depends on the state in which you live. Some states allow for the educational diagnosis of ...
answering to name?6/9/2008
  Q: I have a 2 1/2 year old little girl who has been very verbal since 1 years old she loves people and ...
  A: Some experts indicate that the best predictor of Autism, both classic and high functioning include ...
CPSE5/31/2008
  Q: My son, age 4, is currently being worked up for an autistic spectrum disorder. He has received ...
  A: How very sad that you are having to work so hard to get the school district to provide what they are ...
Possible cause or Autism?5/29/2008
  Q: I am the Mom or a very loving affectionate 2 and 1/2 year old. Since birth there have been many ...
  A: Very interesting questions. I am most definitely not an expert in this particular area, but have ...
ADHD/Aggression5/21/2008
  Q: My son is 11 yrs. old and has been diagnosed with ADHD, Sensory Dysfunction - mainly Audiological ...
  A: Your son's diagnoses are an overlap of "symptoms" typically present in children with autism, high ...
If it's not autism what is it?5/19/2008
  Q: I had my daughter taken in to a center that specializes in Autism and had her tested. The results ...
  A: I am not surprised at all. I have found that most "specialists" think they know more about ...
Autism Infant/Toddler symptoms5/18/2008
  Q: My grandson is 14 months old and a wonderful baby. My concern started several months ago with his ...
  A: It is important to talk with your son and daughter-in-law about your concerns. It sounds as if you ...
selective social skill ?5/1/2008
  Q: I have been reading about aspergers/ spectrum disorders. Are these kids with spectrum disorders ...
  A: If she is a happy, well adjusted little girl who doesn't appear to be negatively affected, you ...
my three year old grandson4/24/2008
  Q: I don't know much about autism but am hearing more and more about it. My grandson is three years ...
  A: It is hard when you live far away, but it is better to voice your concern. Intervention sooner, ...
hand movements4/16/2008
  Q: I have a 6yr old daughter who "wiggles" her hands only when she is in her "make believe land" She ...
  A: Hand wiggling alone is probably not a concern. You can replace the behavior by giving her ...
Motor integration therapy4/14/2008
  Q: Motor Integration Therapy related to Autism. Could you please explain what this is and how it ...
  A: I have not read or utilized the method; however Sensory Motor Integration is an area we utilize ...
can autism diagnoses be wrong?4/8/2008
  Q: my son is 2.5 and has just recently been diagnosed with autism. is there any chance of it being ...
  A: Was he diagnosed medically or educationally? If you have questions about being wrongly diagnosed, ...
ASD or something else?4/6/2008
  Q: I am concerned about my (4 ½ years old) step daughter, Addi. She exhibits many odd behaviors that I ...
  A: It sounds as if you have very valid concern. I would suggest contacting your local school district ...
Conerns About my son and Autism4/5/2008
  Q: I have some concerns about my 10 month old son. I know autism is not usually diagnosed this early ...
  A: If they have ruled out seizures, you may want to request a free multidisciplinary evaluation through ...
Normal 3 yr old 'stuck' on objects/noises4/2/2008
  Q: My son is almost 3 years old and is a happy normal boy as far as I can tell. He is a late talker and ...
  A: The getting "stuck" on things is called perseveration, and is very common in our people. We tend to ...
niece has delayed motor and verbal skills4/1/2008
  Q: my niece just turned 3. she didn't crawl till she was 12 months and didn't walk till about 20 months ...
  A: It is very hard for parents to understand that there may be more wrong than just the obvious, and it ...
developmental delay - autism??4/1/2008
  Q: My daughter has just turned 15 months, she began babbling quite late, 11 months but only says baba ...
  A: It is very common for children to have somewhat uneven development. One of the biggest predictors, ...
curious if I should say something to a parent regarding her child4/1/2008
  Q: I care for a little boy who will be 2 years old shortly. I have seen many children this age, I have ...
  A: It sounds as if you have very valid concerns, and yes it is best to seek early intervention. ...
autism in 12 month old3/31/2008
  Q: Your question was my son just turnes 1 on march 11. i am very worried about him having autism ...
  A: The only real concern might be that he doesn't respond consistently to his name. It is not uncommon ...
developmental delay - autism??3/29/2008
  Q: My daughter has just turned 15 months, she began babbling quite late, 11 months but only says baba ...
  A: The language struggles could be related to many things, not just autism or spectrum disorders. I ...
My ADHD/PDD3/28/2008
  Q: You had sent me an email that was very helpful on 3/22/08, but I have another question, how do you ...
  A: Taking things away is not usually effective for kids on the spectrum (out of sight out of mind). ...
severe behavior problems3/23/2008
  Q: My grandson (10 yrs old) was diagnosed as autistic about 4 yrs ago. There has always been an issue ...
  A: I apologize for the delay, I tried to answer earlier, but my computer has been acting up. Again, so ...
My son adhd/pdd3/20/2008
  Q: My son was disgnosed years ago with adhd and last year they also disgnosed him with pdd. He has an ...
  A: The very best option is to make sure than his IEP is very clear about his accommodations and ...
Aspergers3/19/2008
  Q: I have asked you questions in the past about my son and now that I am less focused on him I have ...
  A: She has some peculiarities, but as long as she is happy and the characteristics are not interfering ...
my childs behavior3/19/2008
  Q: i have a 3 year old boy and hes always been withdrawn when socialising, but normally quite a good ...
  A: It is very possible that you are both demonstrating some characteristics associated with Asperger's, ...
is it autism?3/17/2008
  Q: We have two 22 months old daughters (fraternal twins) who don't speak in two word sentences at all. ...
  A: Many "experts" do not understand (or even acknowledge sometimes) high functioning autism or ...
autism?3/17/2008
  Q: My son is four years old. Since he was 1, there have been concerns about repetitive behavior, ...
  A: It sounds like your son is demonstrating some characteristics that may indicate spectrum concerns. ...
Autism3/16/2008
  Q: My son is four years old. Since he was 1, there have been concerns about repetitive behavior, ...
  A: Although the added "ed"s on words may just be developmental, or a kind of stutter (I am not a speech ...
ADHD/Asperger's/PDD_NOS3/12/2008
  Q: I've taken my son to a Neuro-developmental Ped. 2x. He has been diagnosed with ADHD. My son ...
  A: I just love the "experts" who don't always get it! I would recommend asking your local school ...
SID3/7/2008
  Q: I have a question about my 6 year old son. When he was in preschool (age 4), his teacher mentioned ...
  A: There is a questionnaire that you can download, and print off at: ...
Non-Verbal Learning Disorder3/5/2008
  Q: I'm wondering what you know about non-verbal learning disorder? My son was just tested by a well ...
  A: Very interesting. This is a link that you may find helpful: ...
Higher Function Language skills2/27/2008
  Q: My daughter is 6 years old and very bright and happy , has Aspergers, and in many ways just like ...
  A: My daughter struggles in this area, as do many children with AS. What I would suggest is providing ...
is this also a symptom2/27/2008
  Q: First let me say that I do not know that my son has any of these disorders, however, he does have ...
  A: There can be many causes for children to be delayed in toiletting, and children on the spectrum do ...
Asperger voice volume2/21/2008
  Q: I work with several students with asperger syndrome. Occassionally, they speak with too loud of a ...
  A: A couple of good websites that may be of help: ...
teaching social skills2/14/2008
  Q: My 1st-grader does well socially in class, but needs help with unfamiliar situations, groups, ...
  A: How interesting that a school doesn't understand or "see" social skills deficits in a child with a ...
giftness vs AS2/8/2008
  Q: I have a 5 year old son. We have been round and round with him and school. He is set to have ...
  A: It very well could be both; however, in order to be on the spectrum you would need to evaluate his ...
giftness vs AS2/8/2008
  Q: I have a 5 year old son. We have been round and round with him and school. He is set to have ...
  A: He sounds like my son at that age. Although my son preferred pokemon or ninja turtles to trains! ...
my son2/7/2008
  Q: My son just turned 4 years old last month. I've never been too concerned about him up until now. He ...
  A: Everything you described sounds like high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome may be a ...
autism2/6/2008
  Q: My son is five years old he gose to Meyer Elementary. He was suspended from school because he cant ...
  A: Good morning. Is your son on an IEP? If so, they can suspend for up to 10 school days; however, ...
ADHD or maybe autism2/1/2008
  Q: I have a soon to be 9 year old grandson. He was a preemie weighing 1lb 11oz at birth. He attended a ...
  A: You can request a free comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation through your school system. Many ...
Autistic evaluations1/31/2008
  Q: My question maybe somewhat lengthy so apologize in advance. Let me preface this quetion in hopes of ...
  A: It sounds like you have some very valid concerns. You can request a comprehensive evaluation ...
Pretend Play1/30/2008
  Q: I have a question about pretend play. It seems that everywhere you read it is a criteria for a ...
  A: I would love to be able to conduct an evaluation on this child, he sounds very interesting. The ...
Pretend Play1/29/2008
  Q: I have a question about pretend play. It seems that everywhere you read it is a criteria for a ...
  A: Interesting. Can he involve others actively? Meaning, if they join him, do they have to play by ...
Pretend Play1/29/2008
  Q: I have a question about pretend play. It seems that everywhere you read it is a criteria for a ...
  A: Pretend play is a tricky one, because so many of us look like we are doing pretend play, when in ...
8yr old girl1/27/2008
  Q: My eight year old step daughter talks all the time, plays with toys appropriate for babies and ...
  A: It can be hard to find a correct diagnosis of high functioning autism, especially in girls. One ...
important question about autism and public schools1/21/2008
  Q: I have a 5 yr old autistic son and having lots of problems getting school services he needs and ...
  A: I have a free powerpoint on our website for parents entitled Parent Rights in Special Education on ...
my autistic student1/18/2008
  Q: i have an autistic girl in my class who is 4 and she has been having screaming outbursts pretty much ...
  A: I would recommend evaluating her sensory hyper vs hyporeactivity, which may help to isolate how she ...
10 month old signs of autism1/16/2008
  Q: Michelle, My son just turned 10 months and it seems like he selectively responds to his name. Most ...
  A: This is an excerpt from a good article involving autism in young children, and the difficulty in ...
33 months Aspergers?1/13/2008
  Q: My son is 33 months and we've been suspecting some issues for some time. He has been in early ...
  A: I'll copy and paste some information from my website about my son and my own experience (my daughter ...
Autistic children and visitation after divorce1/13/2008
  Q: I have a 3y/o daughter and a 4y/o son that are both on the spectrum. Nether one of them can talk, ...
  A: I can not give legal advice, but my assumption would be that the plan is aimed at gradually working ...
33 months Aspergers?1/12/2008
  Q: My son is 33 months and we've been suspecting some issues for some time. He has been in early ...
  A: I have to laugh just a little (and not in an offensive manner), as you just described both of my ...
nephew1/11/2008
  Q: I have 7 year old nephew that has been diagnosed with PPD-NOS. He is in his 2nd year of ...
  A: It would be a good idea to discuss all of these concerns with his physician, in that other ...
4.5 month old son1/8/2008
  Q: I am a mother of twins. My husband and I were blessed with a baby girl and a baby boy. I know I ...
  A: At 4 1/2 months, it is probably too early to get overly worried, however, it is always good to be ...
eye contact1/5/2008
  Q: my two month old rarely makes eye contact with me. i've read in books how breastfed babies look at ...
  A: It is typical for babies to make eye contact during the bonding of breastfeeding. However, two ...
3 year old Autism / PDD-NOS12/29/2007
  Q: I have some concerns with my son . I have an appointment with a specialist, but I am very anxious to ...
  A: It does sound like he demonstrates many characteristics of high functioning autism or Asperger's ...
integration Vs. Non- integration12/19/2007
  Q: My Husband was recently awarded custody of his 5yrold daughter after finding that the mother was ...
  A: If you are seeing regression, and were seeing progress in the previous school, it would be a good ...
My 14 year old autistic daughter12/18/2007
  Q: My autisitc child is out of control. My daughter was recently diagnosed with autism (at age 14). Her ...
  A: Is she emotionally out of control, causing the behaviors? You can ask the local school district to ...
a9 month old son if he is developmently behind or Autism12/16/2007
  Q: My 19 month old son is speech delayed ,although he babbles a lot and says mama ,babab,aaaaha.the ...
  A: At 19 months old, it would be difficult to predict based on developmental milestones alone. Is ...
My daughter11/22/2007
  Q: How are you? I am Rajendran from Chennai, India. My daughter Age 5, studying LKG. She's having some ...
  A: If you have concerns about her development, language, and social interaction, you can ask her doctor ...

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Michelle Fattig

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Expertise

I can answer questions about educational testing, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Special Education, IEP, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing, Parent Advocacy, Response to Intervention, living and parenting with disabilities, parent rights in special education, school psychology, and more. I cannot provide a medical diagnosis.

Experience

I am a school psychologist, medical technologist, author of the Annie Books series: Experience Aspeger's Syndrome and Attention Deficits Through the Eyes of a Child, RTI facilitator, ILCD facilitator, parent advocate, presenter, and researcher. My children and I have Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities.

Organizations
National Association of School Pyschologists, American Medical Technologists, Learning Disabilities Association of Nebraska

Education/Credentials
Ed.S. in School Psychology, doctoral studies in SPED Law, SPED Systems Enhancement Leadership, and doctoral candidate Education Leadership. MT(AMT) and MLT(ASCP)

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