I believe my 23 month old has some form of Autism. I need HELP!!!

Sarah - posted on 03/03/2012 ( 148 moms have responded )

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When my son was born he was the most laid back baby out of his siblings.(he has an older brother and older sister 7 and 3) He started walking at 8 months old and seemed to be meeting all his milestones! He was so quiet and laid back just really sat back and observed life and his surroundings. He had his first ear infection at 6 months old and it went away after antibiotics. Then at aboutt 10 months old he got anther one that never went away. He fought ear infections for literally the next 3 months! He lost his speech, not entirely he had learned momma and dadda and dog but never learned new words until way after he got his tubes. I had to switch peds just to get the tubes put in. I figured after his tubes he would start to livin up a bit and talk more. Only he didn't his speech was slurred and it was hard to understand him say momma and dadda which was clear as day before he got the the ear infections. He's almost 2 and is still very difficult to understand. A few months back I started noticing he does alot of repetive things. He'll play with the doors open and closing for the longest time. He'll play with the light switches if he can get a chair to push up the them. I started volunteering at my daughters headstart and he wouldn't interact with the kids he was always playing by himself. When we go to the park all he wants to do is slide. He doesn't really play with his toys, the only one he'll play with is his ball. He has sat in the living room for 3 hours and rolled a ball up against the door so that it bounces back to him and its over and over. I've tried to take it away from him and redirect him to playing with his siblings but he just throws himself in the floor and cries for hours seems like! Here lately he's gotten to where he doesn't like to wear clothes even out in public. He has tried taking his shirts of numerous times in public. He fights me getting him dressed and then there are days that he just will not let me take that shirt off! Water makes him the happiest. He could play in the bath tub full of water all day if I let him. He loves to play with my hair but in all honesty I thought it was just at night when he was tired and wanting to go to sleep. If my hair is in a ponytail he wants it down so he can play with it and go to sleep. It started out just being when he's tired, but yesterday at walmart was insane! He threw the biggest fit wanting my hair down i fought him the whole time I was there which was 2 hours b/c i was having to stop and calm him down. He loves to put ramdom stuff in the basket but also wants to throw stuff out. Anything out of sorts makes him go into a "fit" Apples mixed with oranges at the store drives him nuts and he has to remove them. ( that also just started) these last 2 days has been hell and i've been in tears both days. If I'm holding him and my hair is in a ponytail its a fight he wants it down! And its not b/c he's tired. I fight him getting him in his carseat,he has to help me buckle him in if he agrees to let you put him in. He's now obsessed with certain shows yo gabba gabba and team umzoomi. If its not on tv he throwing a fit. If he's throwing a fit over random stuff that's the only thing other than the bath tub that will calm him down. Other wise he's screaming in the floor. I understand that some of this may just be terrible 2's but to me most of its not. He was so laid back and relaxed before his infections and now he just seems so out of sorts. The other thing that jolted me was I was using my oven and I have had locks on my fridge and microwave and oven and he's managed to figure all the locks out or breaks them. He loves to open and close th fridge and watch the lights go on and off. He likes the beeps the microwave makes and has put stuff in there and turned it on. My oven was set at 400 degrees and he pulls down the oven door and says hot then proceeds to climb on the door, which was hot! If it wasn't for him having jeans on it would have burnt up his knees. Its like it didn't phase him at all! I don't know what to do or where to turn! I hear that drs don't wanna have your kids tested and its a fight to get the kids tested! How do I convence the drs to test him? Do you think based on what all i've told you that he mimics autism? Sorry this is so long!! Thanks to all who read and respond back! Such a blessing to have a group like this! Thank you again!

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148 Comments

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Sarah - posted on 03/25/2012

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Thanks for all of your encouraging words! You've helped me in so many ways. :)

Jamie - posted on 03/25/2012

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never lose that attitude about ALL of it and you'll be just fine!

Sarah - posted on 03/25/2012

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That's awesome! For some reason I get the feeling this school isn't going to be like that...I don't know I guess we'll wait and see..I almost hope he doesn't qualify in 2 areas just so he doesn't have to go and then I can get him into private therapy. I know things happen for a reason though so i'm leaving it in Gods hands!

Jamie - posted on 03/25/2012

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if the program is good they WILL let you observe....otherwise, no way!!! luckily my kid's classroom has a 2 way mirror-window whatever just for this very purpose. very convenient!!

Sarah - posted on 03/25/2012

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Also so the hand flapping isn't just something an excited 2 year old does? It is part of a sensory processing? I don't remember the other kids doing anything like that I mean maybe at 6-9 months old they did but not at 2.

Sarah - posted on 03/25/2012

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Thank you! How do you suggest doing such research? I mean I can talk to people all day long about this program and get equal sides. Some love it while others hated it! What if this program will not let me observe how they do things there then what? I'm surely not about to just drop my kid off without knowing how they're going to handle him or with out seeing how they do things. To me them objecting to me being there just for a few days is a red flag! I'm sorry Rosie that you've had such issues with your daugther and her regressing back. I pray she can get back on track. Jamie I haven't heard of the rise and shine program but will def. look it up. I will try to play with him and do what he wants to do more even if its ALOT of nonpurpose playing. I think I try so hard to bring him to my world b/c I want him so bad to be like the other 2 kids and have a normal life, but I realize what's normal for them isn't going to be normal for him.

Rosie - posted on 03/25/2012

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Hi Sarah,

that is awesome that he uses a utensils, non of my children did until they were older! The hand flapping may or may not go away. It is a sensory issue, my oldest daughter still does it when she gets excited, not as much as before. She is 6 yrs. old now and functioning at a 2.5-3 yr., old level. Sometimes she acts like she's 6 when she's doing her homework or asks if we can go to the mall and go shopping other times she goes into her mode & that's when, I remember that she's autistic. My other children had earlier intervention & are almost caught up. Early intervention makes a huge difference! If your son is given the opportunity to be in a program that offers intensive speech/language as well as age appropriate peers for development. Get him in there! However, not all programs are the same and do what they claim. So be very careful, you may need to observe for a week or more to see if your son could get the help he needs. I was always told typically developing peers will help more. This may not be in every situation, sometimes kids need to be in a program that helps with OT, and Speech etc. Right now my 6yr. old is in a high functioning class for autism & the kids may talk more than she does but she is more well behaved & has regressed for a few weeks because she sits back & watches their behaviors all day. Fortunaly we got an attorney who was willing to work for less & helped us sue the school district, she now has a one-on-one behaviorist with her all day. We also have a wonderful company that comes out to our home & was able to help stop the regression from school. Do your research on the programs offered to your son. Treatment is better than no treatment at all & you being scared is normal.

Jamie - posted on 03/24/2012

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unfortunately, and it's hard to do, running the show, but maybe sit with him around the other kids and let him hold the bubble wrap or a toy he likes and just be in the vicinity of the other kids doing what he wants to do. it's about all you can do to make him be a part.....not so terrible if he's not interested. you have to respect his interests too....have you heard of the Son Rise program? i haven't attended their start-up program (but i'd love to)....they do have lots of videos on-line and you can request an information packet that includes their dvd's.....you'll find them on facebook at the Autism Treatment Center of America. they deal with autism in a fascinating way that differs completely from the usual ABA.....i don't adhere to any one philosophy, but their approach is unique i think....all about loving and accepting your child for who he is and building a bridge into their world instead of trying to pull them into ours. they do what is called "joining" and there are lots of vids to see this in place at their site.....basically, have play sessions with your child in a non-distracting environment where you play-by-play mimic their stims.....building that bridge....supposed to result in them wanting to join us in ours. an approach worth checking out for sure....something you can do at home.....i understand where you're coming from as far as the heart-break, but damn, my skin has gotten so much thicker over the years. i certainly still have those moments and daily sometimes. it's such a rollercoaster.

Sarah - posted on 03/23/2012

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Our doctor referred us to a sub of childrens hospital in Arkansas but its going to take months to get him in. In the meantime he's had an evaluation for motor skills(not sure how he did on that) and they called wanting to do a speech evaluation. When that's done and over with they'll determine rather he needs therapy or not and if he does then he'll go monday through friday 8-3 for therapy. So I have another question. I have 2 other children and my oldest is have a sleep over tonight. The kids are watching movies,playing with legos and cars and jumping on the beds etc. Having a blast and Ayden is just playing all by himself not with toys though. He discovered our printer so he's been turning it off and on and lifting the lid up and down did that for 30 mins then found some bubble wrap and played with that. Now hes rolling a car up and down the coffee table. How do I get him to interact with the other kids? My friend who brought her son over tried talking to him and patting him on the back and he totally just sat there terrified and closed his eyes. I had to go over to him just to get him to stop being so withdrawn. It breaks my heart to hear all the kids playing and having my lil one in here with me playing with just stuff really.

Sarah - posted on 03/23/2012

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Our doctor referred us to a sub of childrens hospital in Arkansas but its going to take months to get him in. In the meantime he's had an evaluation for motor skills(not sure how he did on that) and they called wanting to do a speech evaluation. When that's done and over with they'll determine rather he needs therapy or not and if he does then he'll go monday through friday 8-3 for therapy. So I have another question. I have 2 other children and my oldest is have a sleep over tonight. The kids are watching movies,playing with legos and cars and jumping on the beds etc. Having a blast and Ayden is just playing all by himself not with toys though. He discovered our printer so he's been turning it off and on and lifting the lid up and down did that for 30 mins then found some bubble wrap and played with that. Now hes rolling a car up and down the coffee table. How do I get him to interact with the other kids? My friend who brought her son over tried talking to him and patting him on the back and he totally just sat there terrified and closed his eyes. I had to go over to him just to get him to stop being so withdrawn. It breaks my heart to hear all the kids playing and having my lil one in here with me playing with just stuff really.

Jamie - posted on 03/23/2012

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who has time to borrow trouble?! maybe start asking these moms who gave their child the dx and you'll possibly start hearing the same docs mentioned, and then see that doc or psychologist. we went to the children's hospital in pittsburgh;s autism center for both our son's dx'es. learned about it by word of mouth and believe we needed a referral from our ped. take it one day at a time. all any of us can do!

Sarah - posted on 03/23/2012

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Thank you Jamie!! I really want to meet some of the moms here in my hometown but all of they're children have been diagnosed and are alot older than me. I need the support but don't feel right even being in a group with my son not diagnosed yet. I get alot of flack from them b/c I'm a what if kinda person. I like to know ahead of time what I'm getting into. All they can say is you don't even know if your son has autism yet so stop borrowing trouble and wondering about all the what ifs we have enough on our plate without the what ifs and what could bes! There are a few good people in the group but for the most part that's what i get. I have a few friends that have children that are autistic and they support me but like the rest of us have our hands full and don't have much time to meet and just talk. I want to be able to get together with other autistic moms and have them observe my son just to see what they think. Maybe that's a bad idea i don't know, but I feel I need something to grasp and hold on to ya know? I feel that there is something wrong and the doctors do to we just don't know what and until we find out its going to drive me insane!! To me at times he shows signs of being autistic and then at times it seems he's just being a normal 2 year old. I'm sure he does things that are autistic related that I don't see and maybe someone else could see it and let me know that's not him just being a 2 year old. I'm sure I'm reading too much into this whole thing! I just don't know what to think or do anymore!

Jamie - posted on 03/23/2012

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he definitely needs the structure, ABA, socialization and therapies and resources he gets at school. it's a very good program at the Barber National Institute in Erie, PA. they deal w/autism, blind and deaf, and cerebral palsy. only autism in his classroom. about to finish his second year and will have one more before transitioning to an Autism Support Room in an elementary school closer to home, which will be frightening. still no words and not potty-trained at 4.5. he uses PECS and some signs though. it's a ride and there is SO much to learn. one thing i can say for sure is Autism has definitely made me a better mom. i wish you the best of luck getting supports into place.

Sarah - posted on 03/23/2012

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lol so you really see a difference in him? I worry about the school..I've heard good and bad stuff about all the schools like this in our area. I'm just not sure which one is going to be best! I'll try them but if all else fails then I'll do private therapy even if it means one appointment after another.

Jamie - posted on 03/23/2012

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now i cry when he doesn't go to school!!! ; )

Sarah - posted on 03/23/2012

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Thanks Jamie!! :D

Jamie - posted on 03/23/2012

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i cried the first few times sending my just turned 3 year old off to a full-time program w/ a 1.5 hour bus ride each way.....but he LOVES it!!! you can do it!

Sarah - posted on 03/23/2012

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Rosie he does use a spoon. I was wondering about the hand flapping. I've watched the youtube videos about autism and have felt the same way that's my son! But on days that are semi normal I think there's no way he's autistic. I'm sitting here thinking that when I take him to be tested they're gonna laugh and say there is nothing wrong with your son he's just being a normal 2 year old. At the same time I want something to be wrong just so I have an explaination as to why he's acting the way he's acting! I worry about his speech but it could have put him behind due to the ear infections..but given that he's had tubes put in over a year ago everyone says he should be saying alot more. He says about 21 words and only a few of those are 2 word sentences. The rest are one words. I THINK he says about what a one year old would. I mean my other children were talking big sentences and telling me what they wanted to do where they wanted to go and what they wanted to eat. Ayden doesn't do any of that. I'll just be glad when we can finally get him tested and know what's what. He has been evaluated by therapist and has tested his motor skills they want us to come back and test his speech and then determine whether or not he'll qualify for therapy. That's an all day program for kids under the age of 5 monday thru friday 8-3. I'm not too keen on him being there all day!! lol I know that's the best thing for him right now though. I'm going to have so much time on my hands I'm going to go crazy!!

Mary - posted on 03/23/2012

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Hi Iam basically going through the same situation some of the comments you made about your son are very simular to my son. I think my son has a touch of autism too. My peditrician got us involved in a program for speech delay and delelopment she also said that he was fine so the program that iam working with suggested that i take him too see a developmental pediatrician so i have to schedule that and they say it takes months to get in too see them. And I have four older children and none of them was like my son. So hang in there !

Rosie - posted on 03/22/2012

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Hi Sarah,

I'm going to be as honest with you as possible. When my first child was diagnosed it was hard for them to distinguish between speech delay & autism. This was due to the fact that the label autism was so scary to me. I had no idea what it ment & didn't have the desire to want to find out, if possible. I was actually in denial during the psyche eval & was giving her more skills than what my daughter actually had. I was lying to myself but not intentional, it was just hard for me to admit my child couldn't of fallen so behind, so fast. My husband is also guilty of doing that too. This in fact, does more harm, we got a later dx because of this & my daughter actually lost out on services for 6 months. One day when I was on the computer, I googled autism and a utube video popped up. It's was of a Ichild being shown hand flapping & getting excited over the tv. I couldn't believe it! It was my daughter! I showed my husband but he refused to believe what I was showing him. By the way the flap their hands due to sensory issues, I believe you were wondering about that. Does your son use a spoon or fork to fed himself yet?

Sarah - posted on 03/22/2012

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He had his first evaluation at kids first. He goes back to have a speech eval wednesday. I'm not sure he'll qualify, but we'll see. I'm just a little on the fence about all this. I mean there's times where I'm like there's not a thing wrong with my son but other times I'm ready to pull my hair out and cry and can clearly see there is something wrong. Honestly my biggest fear is them telling me there's no explaination for his behavior other than he's just being a 2 year old. I would love for that to be it, but my gut tells me otherwise. He doesn't really play like he won't go find cars and just sit and play. He has an elmo piano and guitar and hasn't touched them in months..unless his siblings pick them up then he wants them. He's mostly watching his team umizoomi that he's just gotten into the last few months. He used to never watch tv. Now its an everyday all day thing. He'd rather twist bottle caps on and off 20oz bottles then to play with toys. But once he gets started playing with one he plays with the same one over and over. He doesn't interact with his siblings very much either..he's a loner even in his own house. It just breaks my heart! He's always in my lap if he's not watching tv or something else. Always hugging me or kissing me and hardly ever does anyone else that way. He doesn't seem to be very affectionate with them(daddy, brother, sister, aunts uncles), He's started flapping his hands alot too(what's up with that?) it used to be sometimes and not an everyday thing and now he does it all the time. I really notice it when he's excited. That's something all my kids did when they were babies. Why is he doing it now? Its something he's started also in the last few months. I've read its a sign of being autistic but why? I know he's not as bad off as most kids that are autistic well in my eyes he's not but maybe to someone else he is...I don't know, he'll growl at me when i put him in the car or just randomly when he's in my lap almost like he's clearing his throat. I'll do it back and he'll laugh or smile. How do you know rather its part of autism or just him being 2? How do you discipline your children with autism? We've tried spanking and he'll scream and put his hands over his eyes and then withdraw himself like he just shys away..time outs don't work b/c he doesn't sit still and holding him down in your lap is cruel. I just try to redirect him but out in public what do you do just tell them no and redirect them? I think that's why I get alot of stares b/c people think I should bust his butt! He doesn't respond well to that not normally anyway! It can either make him worse or he withdraws himself almost like he goes into a shell. Thank you all so much for responding... I always feel better after chatting with you guys! :)

Rosie - posted on 03/21/2012

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Hi Sarah,

how are you? One of the hardest parts of having children on the spectrum use to be going in public. My husband and I would fear going anywhere with them. I can proudly say, this is no longer an issue. We actually started to conquer this fear before we started receiving in home therapy. It's hard to have a child with a disability when they act up in public but the good news is, the more you bring them in that particular social setting and remain consistent by stopping the behaviors, the better off they will do. I'll give you a perfect example, my kids use to tantrum when we'd go into a store & would cry if they couldn't get something random like postcards or an eraser & I mean LOUD! At that time they had no form of functional play or knew how to play with toys appropriately, which expains why they wanted objects that dont make sense to use. They were so loud we'd just give in & let them have it, which is the worst thing you could possible do for an autistic child who doesn't use functional communication. They learned real fast "if I tantrum, I get my wants & needs met" whether it be negative or not. Well with a little consistency & letting our fears go about what others would think we slowly stopped giving in to them. Sometimes my youngest who is 3 1/2 will try the tantruming but I stay strong & don't give in. I tell him he has toys at home & will start to talk about his favorite toys he enjoys. I also prep my kid's before going into the store & remind them that we are just going to the store for items for the house "no toys". I am a broken record but that's the only way they will remember :) Don't give up, things will get better. Right now being the bad guy will only help mold your son into being socially excepted. You have to stay in control, tell him what he was doing by taking off his clothing @ the mall is "NOT OK!" very common verbiage with ASD. However, anytime you want him to know that his behavior is not ok, needs to be done immediately! Their attention span is very limited & they need to be corrected immediately following the behavior. This also helps fight off the stares because at that moment it seems like everyone in the world thinks your the bad parent. Which is not the case, you just dont know how to deal with behaviors that are not as common. Try not to get upset, people are ignorant & those who are not will understand. One day i was in an elevator standing in my scrubs going to work. I saw a little boy who was about 5 my daughters age. He was babbling & stemming in the mirror, very cute kid. I asked the mother his age which was 5yrs., I told her he was cute. Then I asked "is he autistic?" she got so offended & said "well what makes you say that?!!" i said "because I have 3 that are autistic" by the time we got to our floor we were talking in the lobby & she was so relived that I wasnt judging her she was hugging me. The point is, we as parents will always be protective of our cubs and it's even worse, when our little cubs are extra special.

Jamie - posted on 03/21/2012

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got two autistic boys myself. out of 3 they were my calmest babies....my 3rd son is just 7 months old and heaven help me....but he seems to be right on track. also not vaxxing him or giving him grains until age one and he'll be gluten-free like the other 2 which is a recent change. it seems to help. haven't had the problem, but i know chronic ear infections are common w/asd, with that being said, i encourage you to seek out alternatives to repeated use of anti-biotics, and do your own research into continuing vaxxes. i don't think vaxxes themselves are the issue, but some children seem to handle them differently than others. and call early intervention!! they'll do their own assessments without doctor referrals. good luck! none of it is easy!

Sarah - posted on 03/16/2012

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Kelsey he's been to ENT and has had tubes put in the audiologist swears that there is nothing wrong with his hearing and there is no scarring! I think she's a wack job! I made special appointments on top of what appointment we had in a few months and she said he's fine tested him several different ways. We go back in June but I'm sure it'll be the same. She even suggested that I get him speech. Rosie EVERYTHING you've mentioned he does..Some of the stuff he's just started to do within the last 3 weeks or so. The thing he does the most that drives me nuts is take my hair out of its ponytail holder! He's constatly pulling at my hair and I can't distract him from doing so..he will scream at the top of his lungs just to get my holder out of my hair! He also took his clothes off at the mall today! I was a little embarassed but just put it back on. My question is HOW DO YOU HANDLE PEOPLE LOOKING AND STARRING AT YOU WHEN YOUR CHILD ACTS OUT!?? I JUST WANT TO SLAP SOMEONE FOR STARRING AND MAKING COMMENTS ABOUT HIM BEHIND MY BACK!!

Sarah - posted on 03/16/2012

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Kelsey he's been to ENT and has had tubes put in the audiologist swears that there is nothing wrong with his hearing and there is no scarring! I think she's a wack job! I made special appointments on top of what appointment we had in a few months and she said he's fine tested him several different ways. We go back in June but I'm sure it'll be the same. She even suggested that I get him speech. Rosie EVERYTHING you've mentioned he does..Some of the stuff he's just started to do within the last 3 weeks or so. The thing he does the most that drives me nuts is take my hair out of its ponytail holder! He's constatly pulling at my hair and I can't distract him from doing so..he will scream at the top of his lungs just to get my holder out of my hair! He also took his clothes off at the mall today! I was a little embarassed but just put it back on. My question is HOW DO YOU HANDLE PEOPLE LOOKING AND STARRING AT YOU WHEN YOUR CHILD ACTS OUT!?? I JUST WANT TO SLAP SOMEONE FOR STARRING AND MAKING COMMENTS ABOUT HIM BEHIND MY BACK!!

Rosie - posted on 03/16/2012

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Hi Sarah,

I have 3 children on the spectrum, if you feel something is not right, go with your instinct. Take it from a mother who has been through the diagnoses 3 times. It is hard but the sooner you get help the better! I am not a psychiatrist, therefore I am not able to diagnose however, one of the main components in meeting the criteria for ASD is having speech delay, severe tantrums, walking on tip toes, hand flapping, not able to adapt to changes, repetitive routines or rituals, lining things up, non functional play with toys, no interest in other children ( running around with other children does not count) I made that mistake with the first one. Picky eaters, carrying around objects all day, or strange attachments to certain objects and poor eye contact. Many pediatricians rely on the parents to report milestones that have not been met as well as other concerns. If you feel in your heart something is just not rigth get help. Don't be afraid to get help for your child. Sometimes friends and family will hurt you by denying or convincing you that your child is just a bit delayed and "they will catch up". This is the case, but without help, you will not be able to play catch up and research shows, the sooner the therapies beginning the better the prognosis for children with autism.

Kelsey - posted on 03/16/2012

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I went thru this same thing with my son. He had a "silent" ear infection for almost a year. I took him to doctor after doctor telling them I thought something was wrong with my child. He wasnt walking or talking at 18 mths. He would randomly fall over when he was standing up and even crawling. Finally I got a doc to listen to me and they sent him to a ENT. They told me about the silent ear infection and put tubes in his ears. After the tubes his balance improved greatly and he started walking but he still wasnt talking. I took him back to the ENT and they had an audiologist evaluate him. He told me Deven was completely deaf in one ear and 50% deaf in the other ear. The constant infection had caused scaring which was making him still not be able to hear. They did another minor surgery and corrected the scaring. My son started talking within weeks. He is now 4 and his speech is still hard to understand because the first 2 years he couldnt hear. He is speech therapy and is getting better to understand. Maybe you should also have them check to see if the ear infections affected his hearing. Not being able to hear could be causing some of his behaviors. Good luck and hope everything works out!

Sarah - posted on 03/14/2012

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I'm willing to take ALL information you have here's my email address feel free to email or look me up on facebook oilfieldwifey04@gmail.com





Also, I went to Aydens well child check and answered all the nurses questions. She said the dr will be in shortly but I heard them talking outside the door and the nurse comes back in and says the dr wants us to go over this worksheet and then come in and discuss it with you. So we do the sheet and then she gives it to him and he comes back in with more questionares and says he wants to send us to have him tested for AUTISM/developmental delays...I never once had to tell him that I thought there was something wrong it made this decision based on my answers to the well child check. I was soo relieved that he noticed there was something wrong. I'M NOT CRAZY AFTER ALL!!! HAHAHA Once again thank you all for listening and I'M OPEN TO ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE!

Diana - posted on 03/14/2012

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Hi. Sorry to hear about your news. The first few years can be really tough. If you ever need someone to talk to about methods or DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctors, I'd be happy to help. Typically, you won't find much help from a primary care physician.

Sarah - posted on 03/14/2012

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Man, I can't seem to get mine to take naps or really go to bed at a reasonable hour. For the most part 8 times out of 10 he sleeps decent he wakes up screaming most nights but as long as I'm right next to him then he'll go back to sleep. I hope things get better for you all!

Amanda - posted on 03/14/2012

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Alot of kids on the spectrum have sleep issues. My son sleeps 2-3 hrs and then is up for 3 or 4 then sleeps another hr. He even takes melatonin. :(

Sarah - posted on 03/14/2012

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Thank you all so much!! This means more to me than you'll ever know! We go to the doctor today to have a well child check and I'm going to discuss with him the issues that we are dealing with. My biggest fear is him blowing me off and saying its just terrible 2s! There are times I feel like Well maybe I'm reading too much into this and he's just doing that b/c that's him and b/c he likes it or maybe he's just doing that b/c he's tired! I try to justify why he's doing it 1) b/c I'm scared of the out come and 2) b/c I think maybe its all in my head I sound crazy I know but I'm sure you've all been there. I feel crazy for not thinking there something wrong then I feel crazy for thinking there is something wrong! I CAN'T WIN FOR LOOSING! Did any of your children have sleep issues? My son fell asleep last night at 9 then wakes back up wired at 10 and didn't go to sleep until 430 this morning! He's never really been a good sleeper but my goodness! He wanted to stay up and watch cartoons his favorite one over and over and over again! I finaly had to turn it off and let him scream for an hour before he went to sleep! I will let you know what the doctor says! Pray that he approves us for testing!!!

Krisy - posted on 03/13/2012

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I struggled with my daughfer for months. I fhen fook her into a psychologist ~phd to complete full psyhcatric testing, including asd spectrum, respeetand expressive language, social age, i had to complete sib~r and gars reports to allow for full testing for diagnosis. We found senory issues, speach with receptive language disorder, ocd, odd, pdd and adhd... they road seems long and a lot of work but the end result will help.in securing a best future. With the tests we were also able to determine partial complez seisurez....

I am service coordinator for special needs children and ic you need any help please feel free to contact me....i have a special.neess child and work wiht both dd children and adults.. best wishes and thoughts to you and your family.

Misty - posted on 03/12/2012

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PDD-NOS is pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified....meaning that a child has some strong traits consistent with autism but not enough to label them fully autistic even though they still require therapies and services

Sarah - posted on 03/12/2012

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Thanks Amanda...I called the early intervention center where they test their motor skills and social and speech. Hopefully the dr will sign off on it so he can get tested for the motor skills. Then I'll go from there. What is PDD-NOS?

Amanda - posted on 03/12/2012

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Def call and look into what they call birth to 3 or early intervention. The other option is calling your local childrens hospital and asking to speak to someone in the child development unit. They should be able to set you up with an appt. I went through a similiar situation. My son rocked constantly from the time he could set up, whcich was my first red flag for over a year our ped said it was normal. So at 2 I called early intervention, who proceeded to grant my son the maxium amt of therapies available. However they are not allowed to dx. My ped still said he was fine. So I called the local hospital and after we completed the eval we walked out with a pdd-nos dx, which has been changed to autism. I will warn you though that most of these places have a 6 month wait list. So its better to contact them sooner rather than later.

Sarah - posted on 03/08/2012

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Thanks Megan I'll check it out! There is a something called kids first they do pt,ot and speech therapy but not sure if you still have to have a referral from the doctor but I will sure call to find out! Its for kids younger than school age so it maybe the same thing. Thanks again

Megan - posted on 03/07/2012

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Call your local school district and see if there is a birth to three program in your area (Where I live the school district runs it, but thats not true in all states). The birth to three program should at least be able to assess him in specific areas and start services in any area he qualifies for. For my son, they started speach, cognitive, and social services. Now that he is kinder, they are doing a full assessment for autism, but he has been having services since he was just over 2.

Sarah - posted on 03/06/2012

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That's the problem...right now we have medicaid and in order for me to even get another dr. I have to call and find one available. Then if he won't make the referral start the process all over again..I had to switch peds b/c his old peds wouldn't put tubes in his ears, he kept putting him on all this medications that wasn't working then by the time he wanted to see us back (3 weeks) to check his ears I had already been to ER twice b/c he was still running such a high ass fever and the drs there said you should be able to tell a difference after 2 days, not 3 weeks! So then when I took him back for his check he had yet another ear infection. So 3 or 4 a month for 3 months straight is just insane!! At that point he had just quit saying momma and dadda and just babbled made little noises. When you would talk to him he had the look on his face like he had no clue what you were saying. He just walked around like he really couldn't hear a thing, almost like a child on pain meds..his balance was off. I know that was from his infections but I thought things would change after his tubes and he'd be more alert and talking more but its been a year since his tubes and he still doesn't talk much at all. His vocab has improved but its just a bunch of words he's put together to mean something else. Ya know like he'll say dddd for drink instead of drink. When you talk to him and ask him a question he doesn't respond just looks at you. I'm more concerned with his constant fetish for my hair and how it drives him to scream when its up in a ponytail.Once he gets the holder out of my hair he has to put it around his leg or up his arm. If you take it its another fit! (only seems to bother him if he's in my lap or if I'm holding him) He refuses to wear clothes most of the time and tries to take them off in public. He'll sit there and twist bottle caps on and off and gets extremely frustrated but will sit there for HOURS and do it. Same thing with balls rolls them against the walls for hours and he'll push a chair up to the light switches and play with them too. He's fascinated with the fridge light so he'll open and close the fridge plays with doors and my oven buttons just to hear the beeping. The thing that scares me is that he knows the oven is hot but when its on he's opened the door and tried to climb up on the oven and says its hot and proceeds to climb. Had I not been there to pull him off he'd burnt himself. Thank god for thick jeans! I've tried locks and he still manages to break them off and climb. He loves to jump off of things twice his size! I just don't understand some of his behavior, it may not be Autism and then again it may. I know something is wrong just can't put my finger on it! He can have cartoons (one show inparticular he loves to watch and will only watch) on one tv and come in the living room and get so mad b/c its not on the living room tv. I try redirecting him but he just doesn't understand..he'll kick and scream at me for hours until he falls asleep!

Shea - posted on 03/06/2012

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Hi Sarah, I live in California and kids with disablites get support from the Regional Center. They provide evaluations and if needed provide speech therapy and therapist that come to your home and work one on one with your child such as ABA therapy. They provide it until the age of 3 and they send you to your local school for futher help.My son is still receiving therapy at age 4 I was able to manage that :) Alot of the things that helped me since my insurance is HMO and there DRS are traditonal (way of thinking) is Generation Rescue, TACA and autism speaks. I elminated Casein which is dairy and I saw tremendous improvement. I know your son does not have a diagnoses

but switiching milk won't hurt him. I give my son Almond milk. I'm here for you.

Misty - posted on 03/06/2012

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Eye contact is not the end all for autism... both of my kids will make eye contact if they trust who they are talking to.. if they don't trust you implicitly, they will not offer you eye contact. The speech is a concern... do you have a 'First Words' program in your area?? some of them have walk-ins where they will do a preliminary evaluation no matter what age your little one is. But I would write down every single thing you notice about your son that causes him to not be able to reach his potentials without assistance.... like rigid routines, lining things up excessively, eye contact or lack thereof, lack of imaginative play, speech delay or precocious speech development, poor social interactions, repetitive behaviours, etc..... write it all down and maybe put some examples.... get it all in order and then make the calls to the dr and to the centre to get the ball rolling.... I hope someone can help.... and if your current dr won't listen, it never hurts to find another dr who might listen...

Sarah - posted on 03/06/2012

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Thank you both so much! He's had several hearing test since he's had tubes put in but they always say he's fne. I figured after having tubes put in that he would start talking alot more, but doesn't. They (drs) have said they won't even evaluate him on his speech until he's 3!!! That's another year away! They said wait until he's 2 and half then if he's not talking more we'll get him evaluated(he'll be 2 in 7 days) When I told her I'm not a dr but I think he may be autistic she said well he has good eye contact...UGH! I know of several kids that are autistic and make eye contact. Shea whats the regional center? Also I took him to a birthday party and a little boy around his age wanted to play with him and so he sat next to my son and he closes his eyes and I guess he thought the kids was going to leave when he opened them b/c when he didn't my son shoves him in the face and takes off running. He's never done anything like that before! He has 2 older siblings and will run around with them but for the most part he's playing by himself. Isolated pretty much. He was such a laid back baby but after his ear infections he just seem to have alot of anger and frustrations.

Shea - posted on 03/06/2012

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I know how you feel. You have to be an advocate for your son and don't let the DR give u a (lets wait and see approach) which most do. The earlier the treatment the better for the child. Insist on the dr giving you a referral, ask for a hearing test, which is always their 1st step, but make sure to ask for a speech therapist evaluation, There they should send you to a Pediatric developmental specialist or a Ped Neurologist. Don't give up and push! Also call your local regional Center because thats were they will send you if he has Autism/ disablities. Early diagnoses is crucial!!! Shea

Misty - posted on 03/06/2012

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I would put a call to your dr and tell him worried you are for your son.....the earlier you know what's going on the better for you and your son.... the dr (if he's worth his salt) will put through a referral....if you're unsure how seriously he would take you, I would call the intake people at the local children's hospital and ask if you can get a referral on your own for your son...they may ask you to describe his behaviour and why you're wanting this done... they will tell you if they think it's worth the effort of an assessment or not...I really hope you get some answers soon....but until then, you might consider a diet change to see if that helps (remove wheat and see if he calms at all..or if he has a lot of diarrhea, try removing dairy first)....there are some great behaviour management suggestions online for helping you help your son cope with what's going on in his environment .....if you have questions or want to vent, feel free to msg...

Sarah - posted on 03/06/2012

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Thank you Misty...I guess my biggest concern is the doctors blowing this off and not doing anything. Then what do I do? I've heard of parents calling the testing places and telling them what's going on and then they'll call the drs office and get a referral for you! I don't think his dr is certified to test for Autism, most of the people around here have to go to the childrens hospital. I'm in Arkansas.

Misty - posted on 03/06/2012

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*hugs* oh my word.. what a rough time for you....I would certainly take him to your dr/ped and ask for an assessment.... depending on where you are, your own dr might do it or you might be referred to someone to have it done...where we are, referrals take up to a year before you are seen by a psych and the testing is not invasive or anything....really, the good drs try to make it a fun game time for the little ones so that they keep their focus and get a good idea of what's really going on.... be prepared for a lot of tests and because of your son's hearing infections, you may be sent for 2 or more hearing tests as well as allergy testing (some kids exhibit ear infections with a dairy or wheat allergy).... what you say can certainly sound like autism, but then again other things going on can cause a child to have repetitive behaviour if they are in pain or uncomfortable and the behaviour is somehow comforting.... best of luck

Sarah - posted on 03/04/2012

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I took him to the dr. awhile back over being sick and just briefly mentioned it. The dr wasn't his primary care doctor,but a doctor in the same office as his pcp. She just blew it off said well he makes good eye contact. I have several friends whos kids have autism and they make eye contact. I can already tell its gonna be a fight, so where do I go if they tell me there's nothing wrong?

Maggie - posted on 03/04/2012

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Tell your pediatrician. They will direct you from there.