Is there a problem, or is it just me?

Sheila - posted on 03/25/2010

Hi Caryn,



I am glad that you are seeing a doctor next week.



Write down the information that you want to share with the doctor. It can be very overwhelming when you have a visit to discuss your child's development, and you might "miss" something that you felt was important.



You have mentioned behavioural issues that might cause red flags. You have also indicated an expressive communication issue (his ability to communicate to you). Typically, at 3.5, a child is able to fully communicate to such an extent that even a stranger will fully understand at least 80% of what they are saying. Full sentences, using simple descriptive language, is typical: EX: My big red truck goes fast. It's faster then the green truck. A three year old might still get pronouns mixed up (me/my she/her....but the message should be clear)



My frame of reference: my almost six year old is diagnosed with autism, and I am a kindergarten teacher (prior to kindergarten, I was teaching in special education...ASD, Downs, fetal alcohol, global development, etc)



My son, once language kicked in (after therapy) sounded like a sports commentator. We didn't have conversations, he would just comment on something, or quote television passages.



When going to a grocery store, I had to announce what we were buying...if I went to something else without announcing it, he would have a meltdown....this was behaviour after much improvement. We can finally shop fairly spontaneously, but still need to "prep" him for the store.



My son can smell the difference between types of processed cheese and breads...he always sniffs. If the noodle shape is different, he won't eat it.



I could practically shout in his ear and he wouldn't respond.



Daily 45 minute meltdowns (sometimes more than one...often more than one) happened with frightening regularity.



Just before he turned three we went to an OT, and began an extensive sensory diet. Diagnosed at 4 with autism. The OT therapy and her recommendations saved him....I am sure of that.



Questions about other behaviours:

a) Does he line his toys up?

b) does he fixate on wheels or spinning objects?

c) any toe walking, hand flapping, finger ticks?

d) constipation?

e) tags in clothing cause undue stress?

f) avoid eye contact?

g) repetitive behaviours (crashing into chairs, running back and forth)

h) does he follow simple, one step directions?

i) how is he disruptive in school? chatting, aggression, non-sensical behaviours?

j) does he build with the blocks or line them up? If you move the blocks, how does he react?

k) When is he "at his best?" what does it take for it all to go smoothly or for him to be calm (example: being in a swing? splashing in a pool? cuddling for a story?)

l) fixated interest in a limited topic?



Good luck with your doctor's appointment. Look into an OT assessment, because it does sound like there are sensory issues.



Be strong.



Sheila