3 year old autism or just shy?

Question

My 3 yr old boy was evaluated by specialists and they said he did not score for autism. His IQ was normal . Academically he is above average incounting letters,shapes . However he does not seem to understand a story from a book .He does not ask questions about what he sees in the book and if I ask him a question , he always says "I don't know ". He never tells me what did he do at school .His eye contact is ok , but he doesn't talks to strangers . In preschool , he never says more than one word and when he is prompted to say it he only whispers . He was found 1 yr delayed in expressive language , but at home he talks in 4-6 words sentence. He sometimes ask questions but not as much as he should for his age. He does not flap hands . HE does lines up cars but not too often. He is not upset if we change his schedule . He had many ear infections in the past and still has a little fluid but his hearing test was ok

Should I get a second opinion?

Answer 1

Is he getting therapy for his expressive language delay? my son is 2.5 years old and has a 12 month delay in expressive language. He has been in speech for almost 3 months now. Now that I think about it, he does talk more at home than he does in public. He may just not have the words to tell you what he knows. try asking the questions in a way he has to answer with words he knows.

truthfully I think he will be fine, but if you really feel like the diagnosis isn't complete, get a second opinion. I know how it feels to not feel like the doctor is right. My son was 6 months late getting treatment for his speech delay. the doctor told me that "boys brain stems develop slower" .maybe he has a sensory processing problem. Check out the book "the out of sync child" and see if it sheds any light on what you are going through.

Answer 2

Get a 2nd opinion only to ease your mind.  He may just be shy.  Some young children also get nervous around figures of authority.  If the 2nd opinion says he is not autistic, I would just keep encouraging him with imaginary or expressive play.  Also, just because he doesn't react to stories doesn't mean he doesn't understand, he may just not be interested.  Oh, and test him to see if he is gifted.  The stories, expressive play, etc might be boring to him if he is on an advanced level.  Good luck!

Answer 3

I have been through the same carry on with my son from him being months old. He is now 17 yrs and I am still convinced he has Asperger. He was delayed in Speech,he never spoke until he was nearly Four and he lined up everything including Toys, clothes that I took off him before his bath and would sit for an hour at 8 months to line everything up with deep concentration. He is still very regimental and does everything in Rota.

It annoys me so much that the Dr's and Phycgoligists have not reconized what we, his family have.

If you think there is something wrong with your little Boy...Go for a second oppinion Hunny. As Mums, we see what the others can't.

I wish you luck Hun and I hope your little Boy grows up as happy as my Boy has even though I have been ignored by so called Proffesionals. Its a shame I cant give you my email address to help you through this because i dont want others to see it but if there is away to pm me on here, go for it and I will try to Support you.

Answer 4

My son has autism and that doesn't sound like him at all.

Answer 5

I would get a second opinion.  Better safe than sorry as disorders within the autism spectrum need early intervention.  Find out who the early intervention team is for your area - you can google your area with early intervention and you should find out.  They can also help you to get services (at no cost) for his speech delay.  You are his mom and you know him best.  You also have the greatest vested interest.  Don't let doctors brush you off.  You are your child's greatest advocate!

Answer 6

By all means get a second opinion but I would wait a few months before you do as kids develop all the time .

Your little boy is only three and lots of children of this age are a little shy and there is nothing wrong in not talking to strangers !

Also just let him listen to a story its ok to ask him some questions about the story but not too many or it could put him off and make him feel he is being tested.

I think your little boy will turn out just fine ....so dont worry.

Answer 7

I would get a 2nd opinion.  A few of those things would be red flags to me if my own 3 year old was like that.  Better safe than sorry.  The sooner you pinpoint an issue and get him help, the better it will be for him.

Answer 8

Does he smile at you or seem to prefer certain people over others? Not doing those things are also signs of autism. I would give him more time before getting him retested. By sending him to preschool, you're giving him social and early academic instruction, so he is already getting help in those areas. He may just not be a big talker.