Does my 2 yr old have an ASD?

Lisa - posted on 11/18/2009

Hi Danielle! I thought I would chime in with my 2 cents. My daughter was finally diagnosed at 2 1/2 years old but I saw things that you are describing even earlier. Trust your instincts that something is not quite right and your little guy is having a hard time expressing himself no matter what the formal diagnosis. Begin educating yourself as soon as possible on how you can help him at home. Many times there are local resources that you can tap to help you until you get that formal diagnosis. Parents as Teachers is a good organization here in KS but I'm not sure if they are everywhere. Picture schedules or visual cues will help him cope, my daughter freaked out with even the slightest change in schedule. You can also use these to allow him to communicate with you or start using sign language as part of his frustration may be in not being able to tell you what is going on. You can also see if your Ped would write a script for speech therapy and start that privately before the formal diagnosis. We found a speech therapist who was good with children and did that to improve her responsive language.
But overall, I just want to tell mom's in this situation, there is so much to look forward too!!! My child is now 5 years old and you would not be able to tell she has ASD. Early intervention rescued her in many ways and she is in a normal Kindergarten class with just a few hours of pull out for speech and OT. She is a blessing! These children are resilient and can overcome many obstacles if given the right tools early. Keep up the fight and remember no one else will advocate for your child the way you will!

Danielle - posted on 11/17/2009

Thankyou the Pead said a few months ago she thinks we are looking at Aspergers, so we are just waiting for the assesment nursery but i am worried that if he has an asd does that mean he will always be angry and unhappy or will he get better.

Meghan - posted on 11/16/2009

It sounds very possible that he has an ASD, but don't panic or jump to conclusions (even though I know that may be hard!) There could be many other explanations for those behaviors. Everyone is right, you should get him evaluated ASAP because if an ASD is the case, the sooner you get him into therapy, the better! Good luck with everything!!

Stacey - posted on 11/16/2009

Hi Danielle, it does sound like your son may have ASD or a related condition, get it checked out, especially since it may be 6-12 months or even longer until you actually get a diagnosis. In the meantime try to get speech pathology or occupational therapy. We put our 2 1/2 year old son on the gfcf (gluten-free, casein-free) diet about 3 months ago and we have been seeing some real improvement in him, it does not work for everyone, but it has worked for many kids and regardless of diagnosis your son may benefit, and it is all natural. It is very hard to start with, but after the first 2 weeks most people find it just gets easier and easier. Check out www.tacanow.org for info on gfcf diet and it has other info on ASD etc or just google gfcf, see what you think, feel free to message me if you wnat to talk or have any questions.

Danielle - posted on 11/16/2009

Thankyou for all of your comments keeping a diary is a good idea.

Jennifer - posted on 11/16/2009

I agree with Sheila. There is just so much to the spectrum that is take a few visits to get a clear idea on how much is ASD and just normal child hood behavior. My son was diganosed in may with ASD. He is high fuctioning. but it has been a long road. He wasn't talking and was having major temper problems. i kept a journal of his uos and downs. this helped the dr. get a good idea of how and what made the problems. When you do go in and you get a yes on ASD. You will never be ready for that. Some of my close family is still in denial about my sone being autisic. It took me a better part of a week to get to a little understanding about it and how it would effect us. After that i began to resurch it. I still find that not many people know what ASD is. ME included.
If it is ASD. Educate the people that are in his life. Knowlage will help your child and the people around him.

Danielle - posted on 11/15/2009

Thankyou both for your advice. As for Bens verbal skills he knows lots of words but he makes sounds rather than saying the words if that makes sense not sure if he has a bit of a speech impediment. He can tell u what things are in a book but has trouble using words to communicate and express himself he does a lot of screaming/shouting whilst pointing at things to get what he is asking for.

Renee - posted on 11/15/2009

I would agree with everything Sheila said. And emphasize earlier is better when getting therapy. Your son does have several red flags. You didn't mentioned his verbal skills - receptive or expressive - is he talking to you and understanding you? That's another indicator. Good luck to you.

Sheila - posted on 11/14/2009

While you are waiting, I would look into getting him into occupation therapy.



You are described many "red flags" that are associated with the spectrum. I would not delay. If you can afford to go private, do so.



Children with spectrum disorders display a whole host of contradictory behaviours. My son has autism, but he is verbal, laughs, hugs, etc...There are no real stereotypes, except what you see in Hollywood movies. I knew a boy with severe ASD, completely nonverbal, but when his parents would walk into the room after being absent it was like a Hallmark moment everytime....his face expressed more love than one could ever imagine!



It is wonderful your child has "typical behaviours" They will serve him well through your journey, but don't ignore the red flags.



Sooner is always better.



Good luck.



Sheila