Can you tell me if my child has autism?

Question

My son is 3 and was not dg with autism or PDD by the developmental specialist . They did not even listen to ALL my concerns . He has a few autistic behaviors .Also a little speech delay .He does talk in 3-4 words sentence but cannot answer more complex questions or communicate like a 3 yr old . He rarely ever ask questions . He lines up and like to smell everything . He touches with his hands from one side to the other or up&down around chairs , table , foot board,etc. Mostly he is affected socially he is extremely shy . He doesn't play with other children at parties,preschool only watches them. At home he is interactive with siblings though .He never flaps hands , spins,rocks or repeats words and has good eye contact . Knows most letters&123,all shapes .

He is enrolled in a special ed pre-K because of his social delay .But the teacher is not spec in autism and most of the children in that class seem mentally retarded with Down Syndrome or Fragile X .

Answer 1

In addition to the other advice you have received here...you might want to look in to Aspergers Disorder...is on the PDD spectrum but is not as severe or all-encompassing.

Might also want to look in to the appropriateness of his current pre k...sounds like he needs role models...and it doesn't sound like he has them there...maybe a better option would be a typical pre k with a sped teacher as a shadow???

As a parent...if you feel something is not right...then persist with getting the help you need for your son...no matter what anyone else tells you!!!

Answer 2

my soon has autism/pdd diagnosed.we self diagnosed at 2 and doctor diagnosed at 6.it took 4 years and6 doctors to achieve consensus.keep watching and collect data.then present to agencies or specialist.proper diagnoses is key to therapy choices.glseems borderline.what was his score?

Answer 3

you should go to a neurologist ore get a DAN doctor they ARE specialized in autism..

my little bro has autism , for what i can read from you maybe your son hasn't a severe autism but he probably has it mild or has PDD.

i hope I'm wrong i don't deserve that to anybody...but if your son has autism ..an early intervention can make a lot for your child.

Answer 4

sped said it well. I would add that you are a consumer here, you can choose to find another doctor and get a different diagnosis. I've found that often people do not have the experience to diagnose fine differences in autistic spectrum disorders.

Answer 5

like the guy before me no one on answers can tell you if your child has autism. but if you have an instinct as a parent, go with it. my child has the same behaviors as your he is 6yrs old now, but at 3 i knew there was something a little different about him. he is my only child and i had no other child to compare the mildstone.(you know when he first spoke and how social should he be, and how many words he should be speaking). any way to make a long story short i pushed with his pediatricion and the school.now hes in 1st grade and has a diagnosis of pdd-nos high functional.now i am not diagnosing your child but i am saying TRUST YOURSELF and push for answers. if one doctor can't or will not help you move on. remember this is for your child not theres. i hope this helps and god bless you all.   kit-kat

Answer 6

My sons both have autism and I am currently working on my Master in OT. All or the answers are good ones. I would talk to the school and see if they have an autism specialist who can come and observe him on a couple of different occasions.

You know your child the best, so if you feel that something is truly not right...keep asking the doctors and teachers.

Answer 7

Even though Autistic children vary in behaviour, most of them have similar characteristics such as:  resistance to change, difficulty in espressing what they want, using expressions and point out things instead of asking for what they want, they have a very limited vocabulary,  they are not aware of dangers  such as crossing the street or playing with sharp objects unaware of dangers, they scream off pitch, laugh for no reason, they have difficulty interacting with other kids,  they avoid direct eye contact, they take tantrums. They may have special talents such as: in Math, Music, Art, and in general are good with their hands.

Answer 8

"sped"said it all,its good advice take it.

Answer 9

YEA IT DOES

Answer 10

Take him to a doctor

Answer 11

No one can tell you if your child does or does not have autism on Yahoo Answers. All kids with autism have different signs and symptoms, and they are unique to each child. Since you feel that the developmental specialist did not take your concerns seriously, you need to find a different specialist that is willing to listen to you. You need to be comfortable with your doctors. Does your son have an IEP? If so, you could request that he be re-evaluated through the school. Have a list of your concerns and reasons for requesting this. You can also request a referral from his pediatrician and tell him your concerns. You should have everything written down to document your actions. He's still young to have an official diagnosis, but if you do not feel that he needs additional assessment, then please push for this. He is at a critical age to start intervention if necessary.