Could my son have Autism?

Question

My son is 5 years old and has been diagnosed with Sensory processing disorder. He has had a delay in speech in the past, but with intensive speech therapy he has been able to become age appropriate. However, he has times when he says he understands you, but it seems like he doesn't. He also has a difficult time communicating with others, expressing himself (especially his feelings), and having a meaningful conversation. His answers are always short and very vague. He does not interact well socially. He doesn't seem to care about playing with others or making friends. His routine is very important and he has difficulty functioning when it is disrupted, but he doesn't seem to display any repetitive behaviors or obsessive interests. He is having an evaluation on tuesday and I want to be as informed as possible. I have been doing alot of research on both SPD and Autism but would value any input from parents of children with autism or anyone else. Does this sound like Autism to you?

Answer 1

I have a 3 yr old with autism, I would say yes there is a possibility your son may also have autism. Your son seems to have a lot of charcteristics my son has.   I think an important thing to know, is each person is an individual..they can exhibit any combination of these behaviors in any degree of severity. So some characteristics that may be present in one diagnosis of autism may not be found in a diagnosis of someone else with autism.

If you go to the link below, they have characteristics of autism and the other PDD's, they also go over what criteria needs to be met for autism, asperger's and the other PDD's. (Diagnosis of PDD, including autism or any other developmental disability, is based upon the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association (Washington, DC, 1994), and is the main diagnostic reference of mental health professionals in the U.S.)

They also talk about other disorders that have similarities to autism but also can be more prevalent in autism.

Answer 2

possibly - who is doing the evaluation?  If it is a school they will look at a variety of neurobiological disorders that sound somewhat like your son.  Then they will determine the educational impact.  

If you are going to a private center - please do your homework not all centers are the same.  Remember when you walk in the door and pay your money - they get no money if your son is not diabled.  Most groups are good and ethical BUT I've bumped inton enough of the other kind to be skepical.

Answer 3

Yes it does. This is how my son started out. He's not 15.

So let me tell you it is possible to raise a happy, healthy child who just happens to have autism.

My son has been on the Honor Roll for the last 3 years, he's been inducted into the National Honor Society when he was in middle school along with good standing. He's now in high school and doing well.

The best advice I can give you is to be informed. Also, find a parent group in your area, or on line, to chat about how they are living life with these amazing kids. Yes, it's great to go into an evaluation with tons of questions. I would also suggest that you keep a diary of your son and his actions, what works, what doesn't.

I can give you my story...oh, but you'll have to buy the book (lol - and only on request...)

Just know that YOU are the expert of your child, don't ever let anyone tell you different.

But research is the key. Support is to keep you on the right track. And polish your sense of humor.

Good luck.

(email if you like)

Answer 4

I am a speech-language pathologist and work with special needs children, including ones your son's age with sensory issues and with autism, some with both. I applaud you for learning about your son's abilities. It is always good to be informed. That way you can be part of his team at school and advocate him.

Having sensory issues and the behaviors which you've described does not provide enough information to make a diagnosis of autism. His diagnosis could be any number of things.

The evaluation you have scheduled will give you more definitive information, because they will ask you more specific questions, observe your son, and assess his abilities in various developmental areas.

Please know, that while a label may be reassuring (or perhaps disturbing) to you, it is only that---a label. A label or diagnosis is simply the way a school or clinic must categorize children in order to provide services or for insurance/ billing purposes. You are the expert on your child and it is unlikely that you will hear anything that is a major surprise. The most important thing is---do they have a complete picture of how your child communicates and learns---do they feel there is anything that will interfere with his learning---and if so, exactly how will they help him?

Answer 5

Another possibility you may want to research is Asperger's Syndrome.  Some of the symptoms you describe sound like that might be a possibility.

Autism falls onto a broad spectrum of disorders of which Asperger's also lies.  

While it is best to inform yourself by research, don't diagnose. Let the professionals do that.  The knowledge you acquire will help you understand the terms and treatments that a doctor will inform you about after a proper diagnosis.

Good luck.  I can sympathize.

Answer 6

Yes it does sound like Autism because I too have autism and I'm  15 years old. you may not know this but people with autism can have it and deny it because trust me... I've been there a lot of times and I think people should know that  we're special people with a purpose in life. I mean there's me I've been in the honor roll in my middle school for 2 years I have volunteered a organization for little kids with autism

It takes time to get over things like this but we are special we just need to learn from it. Take it from a fellow autistic child. Good Luck and Best Wishes.

Answer 7

It sounds like one ppossible explanation for his differences.

The criteria for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) fall into 3 categories: Sensory Integration, Social Interaction, and Communication. From what you've described, I see 2 of the three categories. I'm wondering if you  have noticed any sensory issues, and just accepted them as quirks or being picky.

Sensory Integration differences include aversion to or cravings for certain textures, tastes, smells, a preference for darkend rooms, or bright rooms lit by only incadescent bulbs or natural light-almost universally, flourescent bulbs irritate people with autism, they can both see the flickering and hear the buzzing the bulbs make. A person with autism may rock back & forth incessantly, or hate to swing. They may hate any type of tight clothing or elastic bands or prefer wearing tight knits. They may need white noises to help concentrate or need perfect silence.

Social Interaction problems may manifest themselves as a preference for being alone, making too much or too little eye contact, needing more "space" than most people or ignoring personal boundaries. He doesn't get the "Win some-lose some" idea that most people accept. But this is also charachteristic of many three-year-olds.

Communication differences that are more subtle is difficulty with abstract language & understanding hints. The person with autism may dominate a conversation, or may be reluctant to speak at all.

You might noitice my user ID, I have Asperger's Syndrome, and although I struggle with some things, I am proud of my differences.  I would respectfullly ask though that you not refer to people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as "autistics" but as "people with autism."

Thanks & Good Luck!

Answer 8

There are certainly some indicators of Autism, but this is for the expert to diagnose.  In the meantime, go to these links for more information:

http://www.teacch.com/

http://cpla.fit.edu/aba/

In the meantime, this site provides excellent resources for schedules, learning about emotions, picture cards, songs & games, etc.

http://www.do2learn.com/

The two schools of thought regarding teaching Autistic children are TEAACH & ABA.  If my child had Autism, I would go with TEACCH, but that is just my opinion.

Hope this helps.  Good luck.  :)

Answer 9

this is much too complex to diagnose over the internet. Keep doing the research, check out the O.A.S.I.S. website. Read Tony Attwood's work. He may have Asperger's Syndrome (I have a son and a husband with it) if he does, take heart! I've been happily married to a man with AS for 27 years (although we didn't know it until 11 years ago) and we have four wonderful sons. Although my husband has lots of similar symptoms to your son, he has a happy, healthy, productive life with family and friends. Our son is doing FANTASTIC< and he is actually pretty involved on the Autism Spectrum. He is in a regular ed. IB ninth grade. The years have involved lots of intervention, help, and prayer, and many many blessings.

Again, get a diagnosis if appropriate from a physician who knows lots about ASD.

Go from there.

God Bless you

Answer 10

It does sound like Autism or a related disorder (Sensory Integration Disorder perhaps?). Autistic children often have the difficulties that you mentioned and a diagnosis may be helpful in putting a word to the situation your family is in.

However, the early development of children varies so noone can be sure how long a behavior will last, remain absent or even if it is out of the ordinary. The option of 'waiting to see' isn't really possible as early intervention services are more important. I suggest researching your area for doctors that have diagnosed Autism multiple times or can refer you to someone who can. Remember: Noone can give you a diagnosis without meeting your son at least a few times. They should observe him interacting with you/school mates/etc at the least.

A couple of questions (which a certified specialists should ask you also!)

1- Did he have difficulty with feeding/toilet training? Being touched? -- This gives us a clue to his recognition of body cues and sensory issues. For example: If he refused to eat foods of a certain texture/color/smell or cried when touched

2- Is there a topic that he loves to 'talk about' or a fave activity? Ex: does he ask a lot of questions about dinosaurs? Does he love to do the same puzzle over and over again? Is there an order to his play?

3- Any absolute aversion to things he loved last month? Ex: clothing with zippers, certain pajamas, toys, etc.

4- Does he get overstimulated in social settings? (ex: wants to leave the store as soon as he gets in)

5- Does he stare at his hands? at the light (autistic kids can see and hear things we cant!) Does he walk on his tiptoes, or have an unsteady gait?

6- Does he have a high or low tolerance for pain? (bump his knee and doesnt feel it or screams like he lost a leg)

These are just a few questions based on what I see reguarly. A specialist should be sure to ask you about overstimulation and fixation.

Hope this helps somewhat. Feel free to keep me updated!

Answer 11

I know a kid that has Autism. It seems like it. The way to see if he has Autism is that ask him something. Whatever it is.... if he has autism... h**l do it no matter how stupid it is. People with Autism don't understand right from wrong. They're not mentally disturbed. Just can't comprehend things.