Expert: James Michael Roan - 6/29/2006

Question
my family physician told me at my son's two year check up that she had suspicions that my son could be autistic.  He has very little language, but understands when asked questions or to bring something to me.  He plays with other children, is cuddly,and loves to be touched, but when he gets excited he flapps his arms.  I have since been trying to encourage him to clap his hands when he's excited and to point at objects he wants.  He's slowly getting it after 2 days of encouragement. I seem to feel that because my husband and I encouraged the flapping because of his lack of language, it might not be a symptom if he is able to stop doing it.  He does have a language issue, that to me is obvious.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Catherine;

First, begin by downloading the M-CHAT from the Internet:
http://www.pediatrics.uthscsa.edu/PDF/CHAT-M-2006.pdf

The scoring is at the bottom. If your answer for a particular item is the same on the scoring section, then it considered a failure. If you like you can discuss the screener results with me.

If there is any risk noted, then I highly urge you to do two things:

1. If you live in the U.S., then contact your school district's special education department and make a referral for a special education evaluation. School districts are responsible for the assessment and appropriate services of any child suspected of having a disability between the ages of 0 and 21 years of age.

2. Additionally, take the results of the M-CHAT to your pediatrician for a referral to a Children's Hospital or University autism unit for a complete team evaluation.

Please do both to get the ball rolling. Early intervention is absolutely essential to your child's future. The sooner the better. DO NOT be put off by professionals who believe your child may be too young to diagnose.

Kind Regards,
James