Expert: James Michael Roan - 9/13/2006

Question
My 1st son, Matthew, is 11 and highly functioning possible asperger syndrome, bright pleasant boy.   We've known of his difficulties since age 3 when he was slow to talk and diagnosis of PDD then, later to turn into ASD-NOS.

Daniel, 3rd child, age 7, had a typical growth with no signs of any autism.  Thank God!   
This year, we switched schools so they could all attend the same private parochial school.   A very good school and we're really pleased.   Here's the question.........Daniel is displaying characteristics of an Autistic child while at school and the new teacher even had the Intervention Specialist observe him who said that Daniel appears to be more autistic than Matthew.
Daniel has no communication problems, speech problems, or academic.  He has friends, plays imaginary games all the time so "yes" he daydreams which could account for the distracted, in his own world, comments I got from the teacher.  She wants me to have him evaluated.  

Is it possible that these behaviors are copied or learned from Matthew?   If he did have Autism, wouldn't we have known this sooner?   Believe me, I looked for it when he was younger.  It wasn't there and the Dr. never suggested any reason to believe.    Now I'm wondering what is my course of action?   Do I need him evaluated by a professional who can diagnose Autism, or some other label, taking into consideration the "home environment" where Daniel could have picked up these mannerisms?
Daniel is stubborn and strong willed.  He does transistion difficultly, and gets anxious over new things, has trouble sitting still at times.  However, his teacher said she didn't think he had ADHD.
I'd appreciate your ideas.   I plan on contacting our Physician about it but would like any advice you're comfortable giving.
Thanks,
Barb Blasch

Answer
Hi Barb;

You are doing the right thing by having him evaluated. Just make sure the individual or team is very experienced with autism spectrum disorders including Asperger's Syndrome.

The fact is that the odds are 50-100 time greater of having a second child on the autism spectrum following the first. Children do imitate others/siblings around them, which may account for some of the behaviors observed. My thoughts are that most special needs professionals are getting better at identifying behaviors associated with autism, even mild autism. I have met dozens and dozens of siblings who have some traits but not all. We refer to these folks as "subclinical." I would not worry at all unless Daniel develops depression and anxiety and is unable to make a friend or two. If he has gone unnoticed this long, his difficulties will most likely be minimal.

Remember, autism is a spectrum and thus on a continuum. Most high functioning individuals become college professors, archaeologists, writers, musicians, engineers, etc.....just not politicians, which I consider a good thing!

Kind Regards,
James