A question aboutAutism or Sensory Problems?

Question

I got custody of my son not to long ago. He has been evaluated and said to need speech therapy. His behavior seems destructive to me but I don't know if it is a result of autism or sensory problems. He does things like laugh a lot to himself, jump around, throws very important objects in water that has cost me a lot of money. If any one has any info on this or if sounds familiar please leave a reply. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

It sounds like autism. But a doctor will give you correct evaluation. Between two and three years old is when you can go to have him evaluated.  Colleges like UCLA usely dose the evaluation. Do it as soon as possible. Early intervention is best for children with autism. Autism is a spectrum disorder. I can go from very high functioning to low (profound) functioning.  

If he has autism, placement in a early intervention is key. I would try to contact a Regional Center. They help parents, and teachers of children with children with disabilities.  Each state should have one. In California we have 12. They can help you with the process. The one near me is the Inland Regional Center their phone number is [phone]. They may help you find one near you.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

His sensory problems sound like Sensory processing disorder.  I have that and I am 26.  You will want to get more evaluation and testing done to make sure they find out exactly what he has.  OT Occupational Threapist can help you too.

Answer 3

Your son's sensory problems would be best addressed by an OT (occupational therapist) who is trained in sensory integration, and familiar with autistic spectrum disorders.  Autism and sensory problems overlap.  You can have either but most that are autistic spectrum have sensory issues to some degree.  I can tell you that once you begin OT, your child will make dramatic improvements within a few short weeks.  Also behaviors peak between ages 2-3, so it will improve no matter what.

It does sound like your boy is very happy and doesn't have emotional issues.  This is such a strength.  My nearly 3 year old has wreaked havoc on our home, and his PDD.NOS older brother did not rip the house apart.  This is somewhat of a phase, these spectrum kids are much easier to deal with once they hit 5.  I have a large network of friends with autistic kids and they all seem to really improve at 5.  We don't really go on vacation but I have friends who have taken autistic kids on planes to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Disney World and I just couldn't imagine doing this at my middle son's age.  He just wouldn't be containable.  

Childproof the best you can.  We have locks on all our kitchen cabinets, that had to be drilled in, locks on bedrooms, babygates, water turned off in the bathroom sinks, Safety grips on the doors, chain locks, keylocks for a fire safe where we keep medications, we have a locked toolbox in the deadbolted locked garage where we keep detergent, windex, and any other chemicals.  Its ridiculous, but necessary for now.  

We did invest in a trampoline, which helps alot.  Ours is 8 ft. enclosed and is only 18 inches off the ground.  It came with a safety net.  We also have other sensory things like a sit and spin, an indoor net swing, play doh, theraputty, indoor ball pit that has 350 balls and 100 bean bag weights, weighted blanket, medicine balls.  Look into getting a free catalog from abilitations, and super duper.  They are very informative.  

Especially look at the sensory stuff, weigh me down, tie me up things.  Your son is seeking deep pressure with the jumping.  It causes joint compressions.  He would really like the ball pit, trampoline, and playdoh.

http://www.abilitations.com

http://www.superduperinc.com

Answer 4

Hi.

Many children who have autism suffer 'distortions of sensory processing.'  At one end of the spectrum this can lead them to totally withdraw from a world which overwhelms their immature sensory system.  At the other end of the spectrum, they can become 'sensory seeking missiles,' who jump around almost to the point of hyperactivity.  

Allow me to refer you to some sources which will provide further explanation, not just concerning recognizing the problem, but also treating it.

http://www.snowdrop.cc/info2.cfm?info_id...  -  This gives a good description of autism and some of the sensory problems children face.

http://www.lulu.com/content/1225081 - This book goes into detail about sensory problems and what you can do to try to minimise their effect

http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and...  - An article focussing upon some of the sensory problems surrounding autism.

Hope this helps

Answer 5

First, he is only 3 and a boy ( and understanding , this child is already in a satiation of divorce/separation) .Also, in the autism spectrum disorder sensory deficits are part of the symptomatic.

Second, if the child has been diagnosed with autism, he should be getting therapy ,and you can consult his therapists what would be the best behavioral (parenting) approach  toward a such ("desruptive") behavior.

Spending more time with your child and being part of his therapy makes the big diffrence.

Answer 6

Was he evaluated by the school district and did they recommend services?  If it was not, then take your evaluation to your school district and ask for services for your son.  Does he have the autism label already?  These behaviors could be related to autism, or AD/HD, or perhaps he needs a structured learning environment to help him learn to manage his impulses.

Don't wait!  Behaviors tend to get worse without intervention.  See what your school district has available to him, and these services are free of charge.

Good luck!