10yr old dtr just diagnosed with autism

Summer - posted on 07/22/2012

Maybe you have gone this route... But have you ever asked for a fecal pathogen and year culture and vitamin profile and hair analysis? Girls are a different animal all together and yeast can play a big part in the behaviors you describe. You can email me if you want more info on looking at seeing if there is an underlying issue there.

Cathy - posted on 11/17/2010

Wow that psychologist was soooo wrong about her.He or she obviously doesn't know much about Autism.That statement is so outdated,how old was this person,and it sounds like they don't keep up.My son is almost 13 and was diagnosed when he was 3.He always loveed to be held and to this day gives the best hugs and kisses and tells me daily that he loves me. She would do wonderful with ABA therapy,they help extinguish those behaviors she is having and help her with social skills.You are correct,if she was diagnosed years ago,you could've gotten her the help she needs.I'd read the book Unlocking Autism,it's a wonderful book.My son is on a gluten/casein free diet,it helps him so much.Did she have a lot of ear infections with anitibiotic therapy? A lot of times kids with Autism have gut proplems and can't metabolize the proteins gluten and casein,they get metablolized in the brain like an opiate and they crave carbs,it's like taking herroine to them.When we changed my son's diet,he came out of his cloud,started talking,gave great eye contact,and his behaviors stopped.When his father gives him gluten,these come back.He used flap his hands,pase or walk around in circles,grind his teeth,among other things.If you have any other questions,post them and we'll hellp.There are a lot of moms out there with Autistic children,and know how you're feeling.

Iridescent - posted on 08/25/2010

That's good! I just found out today that our oldest autistic child (11) is not doing as well as we thought. He was given the diagnosis, and other than treatment through the school, which the school has been trying to drop, he's gotten nothing. I found out today he should be re-evaluated at least every 3 years (it's been 8) and new therapies based on current need, not school based only like we've been getting. It has a lot to do with his inability to react to pain, hot, cold, and a lot of other "minor" issues; apparently his system is way overstimulated (sensory/vestibular) and he's in panic mode, and it's causing autonomic dysregulation and can be really dangerous. Love how that was missed. So he's been added to the kids to be seen.

Tina - posted on 08/25/2010

Amy, they are hooking us up with the "Regional center" (Missouri's mental health) and we are waiting for a referral to a place called "Touch Point". They are supposed to do parent training, help deal with her specific behaviors. We will see I guess. Will keep you all updated and let you know if I find anything helpful! Thanks everyone for the encouragement, book suggestions (I am planning a trip to the library tomorrow!) and for sharing your stories...

Elizabeth - posted on 08/24/2010

My son is now six and has been diagnosed with Autism since he was 2 years old. I can't imagine the trouble you are having since your daughter is bigger considering the trouble I had with my son at the younger age. I am very sorry. I am now having to deal with Autism Spectrum and Severe ADHD Combine type brought on by the Autism. If there is anything I can do or possibly suggest PLEASE send me a message or if you just need to vent I will be glad to help or lend an ear.

Sarah - posted on 08/23/2010

That is extremely frustrating to think that you could have helped her earlier, had you had the diagnosis back then. What was the diagnosis based on? Did she get a full neuropsycholgical evaluation? I'm not second-guessing the diagnosis or suggesting that she isn't autistic, I'm just curious. I think it's weird that it wasn't recommended to you that you have one done long ago. But, I wanted to tell you--there are things that work. Nothing is a magic bullet, it's very hard work, but please take heart in knowing that there are children who had such OCD issues as to make going out in public with them nearly impossile that have managed major improvements. I've not been there with an older child, I just wanted to tell you that. As for advice as to where to go, it depends a lot on where you live. Services vary from state to state.

Beth - posted on 08/22/2010

I recently found out that my eight year old son has asperger's. This is a "mild" form of Autism and I can completely relate to what each and every one of you is going through. The only thing I can say with certainty is that YOU ARE YOUR CHILD'S STRONGEST ADVOCATE!!!! For thos struggling with doctors who won't listen, make them listen, or find another doctor, those struggling with school issues and IEP's, fight for your child! Our children have rights under the children's disability act. Do not let school "officials' push you around. You know what is best for your child and you are the one that must fight for him/her.

Paige - posted on 08/22/2010

I have a 10 yr old daughter to with autism. they state that it is not common for girls and I have had lots of problems seeking help for my child as she changes. she has emotional impairments that throw her into melt downs and when the day starts out bad just know that is a day to stay home and have mom daughter time. my child is 58lbs and less then 4 foot tall. she is going to 5th grade (middle school) luckly we have a good support system in our school just for her. I fought her abnormalities since she was 6 months old and finally broke ice at age 7 when a teacher started helping me. It does get better as they get older but with girls its an emotional battle that you cant give up. I have lost two jobs because "she hated her life and no one liked her and boys are mean to her" she tryed to hurt herself. she still trys sometimes because her body is changing and she hates it. she feels that shes ugly and people are mean to her. she has cryed lots of tears and so have I.

Kelly - posted on 08/22/2010

i know many people have already responded, but i wanted to throw my input out there. i have 9 and 5 year old stepsons (i am mom to them though as biological mom died when they were very young). My husband and his first wife knew something was wrong with their oldest almost right away; however, we tried EVERYTHING until we finally put him in a children's psychiatric ward to have him evaluated. We found out he had asperger's (which we suspected), along with being bipolar and having ADHD. It took so long to get to the bottom of it because he had more than one thing going on. He was properly medicated and has been great for the last 3 years. now, don't get me wrong - he is still socially inappropriate and sometimes hyper - but compared to the child we had before the psych ward he has totally done a 180. we thought all was well until our youngest son was almost 4 and he just totally changed. cussing, hitting, spitting, throwing fits, etc. we took him to doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists for almost a year before we finally broke down at the beginning of this summer and put him in a children's psychiatric hospital as well due to the fact that he had become a danger to himself and his siblings, as well as my husband and I. he was there 3 different times this summer and was diagnosed with a mood disorder not otherwise specified (the dr. did not want to give him a specific diagnosis due to the fact that is so young). he came home about about 2 weeks ago and it has been wonderful! he is back to the child we used to have. as a former special education teacher i always saw the need for medication, but only as a last resort. however, after seeing the improvements in my stepsons i am an advocate of PROPERLY medicating children when you have exhausted all other possibilities. my only fear now is that my biological daughter, now 10 months old, will have problems as well in the future. as bad as it seems, i am hoping that if the problems my sons have are genetic, that it is from their biological mother's side and not my husbands. or it was just the combination of my husband and his first wife because we do not know of any mental illnesses on my husband's or their biological mother's. anyway, hopefully my daughter will be fine - i do not know if i could go through that emotional roller coaster again.
well, i just wanted to share with you our story and let you know that when you do find what works for your child, that life will get so much better.

Renee - posted on 08/22/2010

Hi Tina - yes, it will get better if you have the right team around you!

what has worked for us - son is 9 & autistic, OCD, ODD, ADHD - is having:
#1 - an understanding pediatrician supporting you & guiding you.
#2: Has your daughter been formally diagnosed with autism from a Child Psychiatrist? If so, then the school must offer services to meet her needs in school with an IEP.

Also, I hear Developmental Pediatricians are helpful, too.

In regard to her behavior, follow your gut & be creative. Sitting in time out may not work, or at least not immediately. Your specialists should help with that.

We invested in a big trampoline outside for our son - to burn off his excess energy & the motion is soothing for him. We have a small one in our family room, too. If he's getting rammy - I say "go jump it off" and he gets it. Instead of punishing him for a behavior he can't help - or not fully, yet -- I provide an 'escape' for him proactively.

Autism is hard at every point! But there is hope for a harmonious family life!!

and oh - by the way - our son loves giving & recieving affection - that doctor that told you otherwise obviously doesn't know how austim affects each child!!!

hugs
renee b

Sharon - posted on 08/22/2010

Hi, yes it does get better, it is extremely hard but with good friends and help you will get there. My son is autistic and has Jacob Syndrome which involves an aggressive temper and taller than normal also with severe behavourial and learning difficulties. Life has been hard but he is nearly 16 now and 6ft 3 and is alot better thqn he was we still have off days and bad days but then we have good days and that is what helps you carry on and get through the bad days. If you need any help please dont hesitate to contact me x

Elena - posted on 08/22/2010

Dear Tina, it was such an amazing decision to adopt the child with delays and agree to become a parent knowing there there will be bumps on the road. So much love and respect to you for that.
Most important is - take care of yourself. If you are frustrated and angry you can help that situation at all. Once you establish the routine for yourself (yoga, meditation, whatever works for you) then it will be easier to help your daughter. everyone who was involved were most likely doing the best they could only their best was not enough.
What are the things she likes to do? Is art a part of her routine in any way? Are there support groups around?
Much love to you. I wish you find your answers soon. With a lot of respect. Elena

Jessica - posted on 08/22/2010

My twin boys weren't dxed with autism until 10 years old either and that was just through the wonderful school here. I will have to say they didnt go to the doctors often and our insurance was always changing. Anyhow sadly many doctors just dont get it they dont like parents telling them what is wrong with their kids. I told one of the docs we had for the longest period of time my son was having absence seizures. She said wait a month and we will see a month later went back in she asked if he was still having them YES!! He had been having them for a long time. Then another month before the EEG and on and on.

Maria - posted on 08/22/2010

Hi My son is comming up for 7 and we have been toing and frowing to child mental health specialist since he was 2 as he has both ADHD and ASD (Autistic Syndrome Disorder) traits but because he has traits of both and falls smack bang in the middle of both the mental health teams here (UK) won't help him they refuse to help with both but will give us help with 1 problem so we have to wait till he is older and 1 condition comes out strongust (I say it is the ASD) so he has be discharged and re refered every 6 months or so. In the mean time his temper gets worse, his random noises get worse, his education suffers (He needs 1 to 1 but can't get that until he leans to 1 condition more) and he continues to wreck the house. No disapline works on him either (I use the posative behaviour stratages with him as I don't believe in smacking). Just going out to the shops is a major operation in its self as I am in the process of getting a proper car seat with a 5 point harness for him specially made a but can't get the funding (In the UK childs safety in the car is not priority, thats what I keep getting told when I apply for funds they will only give funds to priority cases) he gets out of his seatbealt climbs about in the car opens the back windows (Can't be locked as the are not electric at the back and I can't afford a car with electric at the back and front) and hangs out of them and undoes his sisters belt she is 9 and it is a total nightmare and no 1 in the medical proffession wants to help.

Abigayle - posted on 08/22/2010

My 8 year old was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism and Sensory Integration/Perception Disorder when he was five after two years of trying to get him help. He was delayed in diagnosis due to being "too social". Come to find out in my research that a form of Autism children are too social, inapprorpriately so. I am sorry to hear that your child has this illness but too be honest; even after the terrible violent self destructive tantrums lasting hours; the bear hugs to keep myself safe; the endless appts and such...he is the most lovable and kind child...aside from his occasional meltdown. He has had one year without a violent fit that hurts himself or others. He is now developing symptoms of OCD and terrible anxiety. If you ever want to talk here is my email abbykorinnelee@aol.com

Denise - posted on 08/21/2010

It can, given the right kind of treatment. from the right people. I know its hard to keep going, but for your own peace of mind and of your daughters as well, you have because no one knows her better than you. My daughter will be 10 in January and it's been a very long struggle, since she was about 2-3 and so far, she seems to be getting more and more stable, not by any means cured but stable for now. We too were also told she doesn't or couldn't have any form of autism because she "doesn't fit the profile", tho her counselors and us see some aspects of aspergers, which is a high functioning form of autism.
As for the behavior, I know all too well what her strength is when she used to be in those "episodes" and for the most part, so far has quieted down. We had her in C-B.A,T Therapy and between that and the school district sending a teacher to be specially trained to deal with her, she had more good days last year than bad and so far(even tho only 2 days into it) this school year is good. We also had taken her to a ortho molecular nutritionist who put her on all natural supplements and that has helped a lot and that is all we have her on, no more drugs, they all made her much worse and my stress levels arent that bad anymore.My daughter has Mild MR, ODD, ADHD, Severe Mood Disorder NOS(not otherwise specified and sensory issures and personal space issues.Have they ever done a Gordon Test on her?
Good luck,
Denise

Michelle - posted on 08/21/2010

My child is only almost 5yrs old and has Autism. I know when he started seeing a Occupational Therapist and she started a Sensory Diet. It has helped my son in so many ways that now he will calm himself down with the new tools we have. Good Luck to you and your family

Sonja - posted on 08/21/2010

This is exactly what the homoepath said, these chemicals and heavy metals that the children are ending up full of is environmental and she believes that up to 50% of our kids are affected and should be doing some homeopathy to strip these metals etc from their system. Give it a go and try to get her off the drugs as in the long run they do more harm than good.

Sonja - posted on 08/21/2010

My son was diagnosed with ADHD at about 5 and was put on ritalin, he is the fourth child of six and when my sixth child turned 3 I felt that I needed to change my ADHD sons life in a more positive way rather than just feed him drugs. I found a homeopath who believes that most ADHD, Autism, ADD, OCD related conditions are chemical or heavy metal based and she did his hair analysis to find out that he had high copper, lead, mercury and a few other issues. His behaviour was aggressive, compulsive, unable to concentrate, angry, unable to communicate what he need, hyperactive, etc...He was put on high doses of zinc, magnesium, manganese (Blackmores ZBM), Vitamin B, Vitamin C, EPA, Fish Oils, Ch77, and some homeopathic drops. Within 2 months he was off the ritalin altogether, his school work improved, he started to state what was bothering him rationally, still was a little hyperactive and was put on some alternate homeopathic drops which helped him immensely. It has now been 9 months since starting this and I have been extremely vigilant in getting him to take his vitamins but my God he is a different child. I am very grateful to the homeopath who has helped us so much and I would push anyone who has a child with any of the above mentioned conditions to get their kids to a homeopath and a good counsellor to deal with all the social skills that they missed out on developing because of the drugs they have been put on and just see your child thrive and grow as any normal child does. This does work, just give it your whole attention and be consistant and you will see results within weeks. God bless. Sonja

Shelly - posted on 08/21/2010

First of all....who cares what the diagnosis is? Just make sure your child gets the help they need. Most children are a bunch of everything anyway! :) Here is a book that can really help you. Beyond consequences, logic, and control by Heather T. Forbes, B. Bryan Post. Hope it helps!

Debbie - posted on 08/21/2010

First, get a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor. These doctor know things most doctors don't, and can also faactor her sirgeries and other issues into the equation. Second, learn about ABA therapy. Applied Behavioral Analysis is like human training. Personally I think if we have to take drivers ed to drive and get a marriage license to wed, we should ALL take ABA classes to understand the functions of behavior as well as how to respond appropriately as to correct and change undesireable behavior. Jenny McCarthy's ooks ( whether you like her politics or not) are full of wonderful resources every parent should at least investigate. Traditional doctors aren't real keen on giving credence to any of these alternatives, but they also refuse to give any credence to anything but their egos, in many cases. You might also check out Changing the Course of Autism, by Bryan Jepsen. He's a doctor, who also has a child with autism. His critical analysis of the data the physicians cite to convince parents we are all wrong about what happened with our kids, is enlightening!

Laurie - posted on 08/21/2010

Hi Tina... my son was diagnosed GDD when he was about 3. We found out later that he had a mild form of autism, probably PDD (pervasive developmental disorder). I found a HUGE amount of help from an organization called National Academy for Child Development. I believe this approach to helping special needs kids of almost ANY variety, WORKS and should be seriously looked into.

My son is now 23, attending college, knows how to appropriately behave (most of the time... girls are a difficult animal for him to grasp!) and is getting better every day!

Tou can go to www.nacd.org and read up on the information they have online. Insurance won't cover it, but they do have some assistance.

It's not a magic formula... it takes WORK to retrain their brains... but it CAN be done and it isn't hard work... just needs to be consistent, daily!

If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me: lmmfarris@me.com

Your daughter probably has some kind of sensory disorder... some things will bother her tremendously, like bright lights, or loud noises... or certain frequencies... sometimes it's the buzz from a fluorescent light bulb! My son had low tactility... so he didn't mind being held at all! As a matter of fact one of the exercises we did with him was to squeeze his toes, feet, legs and thighs, and then do the same with fingers, hands arms and upper arms.

this company knows HOW to evaluate your child and then create a program exactly for her... to work on her areas that need to be brought up to "normal" levels and BEYOND!

Have hope my friend... so much has been discovered about how the brain works... and autism, or at least the autism part of your daughters challenges is almost always a brain issue.

Take care,

Laurie Farris
Gage's mom

Allyssa - posted on 08/20/2010

I have a 9 year old diagnosed with Phelan McDermid, a chromosome deletion linking him to autism spectrum disorders. IT GETS MUCH BETTER! As he gets older we learn, I was a young mother, that had no idea about developmental delays at all. Your journey begins at home, we can only offer advice. You sound like I did last year asking all the questions that you did. what you MUST do is get her on routine, once in routine, start to address EACH behavior with positive reinforcement. Yes the dr's tell us they are "too social" to be on the autism spectrum, however, you will only notice some behaviors of a child with a spectrum disorder. I encourage you to start one step at a time and don't coddle her, this world is cruel so in my opinion you have to set and show boundaries now before the world gets a hold of your star and ruins her shine. Good Luck and message me if you would like some specific advice.
You have been blessed with an opportunity to make her life great, a lot of us never embrace that part.

Amanda - posted on 08/20/2010

I know how it can be, how many times children act out, especially in inappropriate places. I have a child with ADHD; it may not be the exact same as what you are going through, but I would like to share my experience. I hope this will help you see light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how far away, you WILL get there.

My daughter used to be a Sweet, innocent, caring child. I never had to worry about her; she was so good, up until she turned 3. Once she turned 3 years old I noticed a BIG change. I wasn’t sure if it was due to me having another child who was almost a year at the time, or if something else was wrong. So I would keep an eye out for her. One day I really noticed a HUGE change. Her and I would be yelling at each other, scolding didn’t work, time outs didn’t work taking things way didn’t work. I was at my wits end. These are the things she would do to my house and to me.


1) Lie
2) Destroy my house – by engraving designs in window seals
3) Spilling things on my carpet (turning it different colors)
4) Smacking me
5) Yelling at me
6) Telling me she hates me
7) Never sitting still
8) Destroying her room
9) Hit her little brother

It’s amazing, because she can turn around and be completely fine at school (when she started). It took me about 4 years to really have her diagnosed with ADHD. Once we got her on medication, she was able to calm down, we have a relationship now, I love her will all my heart and don’t know what I would do without her. She is no longer destructive; she is that precious little angle again. She does have slip ups where she gets frustrated easily and starts saying things she shouldn’t but all I have to do now is to reminder her “Do you think you should be acting this way?” Making her make her own decision and give her the chance to change. This works really well. Because she feels like she is in control, instead of the other way around. So please keep your head up. It does take time, but you will get through this.
God created your child this way for a specific reason. We may not know what that reason is, nor to do we agree with it, but maybe it was to make you a stronger person. Keep your head up and be strong for your child. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

Carol - posted on 08/20/2010

My son has been diagnosed autistic since he was 5, but he has pretty much the same baehavior problems. He throws desks, chairs, stabs, yells, swears...well you get the point. He did horrible in summer school this year and I started to see the behaviors at home gettin worse and I had enough. He had en episode 2 weeks ago at the drs office and dr told me to get immediate help so I took him to the hospital and commited him. The doctor recomended rispidone since nothing we have tried (OT, speech, ABA, discipline, rewards, positive reinforcement....been through it all!!) has worked. Reluctantly (I hate meds) I gave it a try and he is due out of the hospital on Monday. The meds really help! My son has stop being so agressive and it has helped with his stims too! Rispidone is FDA approved for children on the spectrum. My son has PDD-NOS specifically. Since then I have started a group on facebook called Raising Autism so that I can talk to more moms about parenting kids with autism. I hope that you can find peace one day; I think that the meds are helping me to get there and the doctors are very supportive. My son enjoys being at the ward. They take good care of the kids at Yale (CT)!

Sandy - posted on 08/19/2010

Autism is a funny thing.. every child is different which makes it harder to diagnos. I have twins with ASD, I knew there was something not right since birth, but since they were twins,, it took forever for DX. There lack of speech was thought to be because they were twins, sometimes they have their own language. Next check up hearing was tested.. it was fine. Go to a speech therapist. Behavioral problems were thought to be because of the lack of communication skills, hence speech. While attenting speech their sensory issues became apparent. No one believed me about their behavior until they seen it. The boys were fighting and screaming and throwing toys in the waiting room during speech. The therapist came down the hall wonder what was going on.. I said "SEE this is what i have to deal with at home". They were tested and started OT along with speech. I finally got my family doctor to refer me to the Alexander Center were they diagnosed months later at the age of 4. FINALLY after two years.
This can be missed easily, I now know more about ASD and understand the signs.. I have a 16 yr old and an 8 yr old they need tested too. I was certain my 16 years old was aspergers. He was tested positive for ASD but did not recieve that Dx. He is ADHD, has Anxiety, Dsylexia, other learnign disabilties and possible ODC (we are still working on that DX) All of these together looked like aspergers, but now that he is on meds for ADHD and Anxiety, he is a totally different person. He has social issues due to the anxeity in specific situations unlike my ASD kids who ALWAYS have social issues 24/7 and just dont understand. My 8 yrs old was dx with ADHD and anxiety also and on meds too. The two with ASD are not medicated.. only for sleeping.

I am just saying that there is not one mold for dx ASD, all kids are different. Many doctors are not familiar with it either, some think just becasue they make eye contact they are not autistic.. mine did at first and I have a WONDERFUL family doctor. Many are not very well schooled in Autism.. doctors, teachers and the public in general. It is a learning process for every parent and all meltdowns have a cause. the hard part is figuring out what that is and preventing it before it starts. I have recieved an email from a special ed teacher that is ASD and what he says is very interesting if anyone wants to read it let me know. Smells, sounds, colors anything can trigger a meltdown. My kids screamed in the bath and would not sit.. i just found out why because they can talk now.. warm water is too hot for them.. no more meltdown.. cold bath it is. Sorry for rambling.. i could go on forever about this. We have had several years of speech, OT and ABA therapy..learned alot of new things.

Two books i found helpful :
A treasure chest of behavioral strategies
No more meltdowns

Iridescent - posted on 08/19/2010

Thanks. It really is frustrating. I was at a loss last year, when everyone kept telling me he's fine, I'm seeing things, exaggerating. I am not! I brought him to a dr for emotional concerns, same appointment as with our 3 year old (no doubt autistic) for his eval, and the doctor asked him 3 questions about school and said he's fine. Same dr gave our 3 year old a Denver and said "recheck in 6 months". No autism testing (specifically requested when setting up the appointment), no diagnosis. That was the final straw for me. I decided I don't care if nobody supports me anymore in my decision to find out what's wrong. I asked around with advocates and specialists about who can do a full evaluation correctly, and who does not specifically deal with autism because we do not want a misdiagnosis, we want the correct one and a thorough evaluation done appropriately. I called a couple clinics that were suggested and one was exactly what we needed, so I set up the appointments. They were familiar with doctors and schools that do not support having the child diagnosed, and had no problem with the fact that the referral was from "mom". Insurance still covers it. So now I feel like we're finally making progress, and if we keep pushing, things will improve.

Are you getting the in home regular help you need? I mean, instead of giving you a diagnosis and letting you go, are they going through the daily problems present and finding out why, and how to address them?

Tina - posted on 08/19/2010

Thanks so much for the encouragement, I just needed to hear someone who has been there say there may be a light at the end of the tunnel! Amy, I am so sorry I will keep you all in my prayers. I totally understand the frustration you are going through.

Jennifer - posted on 08/19/2010

I have a 9 1/2 yr old who wasn't diagnosed until he was 7. I had questioned the drs since he was 3, but was told no way. I understand what it is like to get the diagnosis so late and to have missed years of help and services. My son became so overbearing that I felt I couldn't handle him. Keep your head up and keep fighting to get her the services that she needs. The last couple of years have been rough, but my son is finally making a turn for the better. And I was able to catch one of my younger sons also with the same problems and he was recently diagnosed at the age of 5. Things will get better, keep your head up

Janet - posted on 08/19/2010

I have an 11 year old with ADHD and mild Autism. He used to growl at people who got too close to him. He has come such a long way. It used to take 2 hours to get homework done, now he can mostly do it on his own. He used to melt down at the littlest thing or change in plans, now he can handle thing better. We did give him medication and that really seemed to help with the meltdowns and recovery. I do not give him meds over the summer and he still did ok. So what I am trying to say is it does get better. I was there, wondering if anything I am doing was having an affect. Then one day he did what I have been saying over and over again, his behavior changed. It takes months for him to change his behavior, even for things he acknowledges that he is changing (like showering more often) he needs advance notice. My school system was no help whatsoever. Teachers great, system horrible. So I can't help you there, but keep plugging at it. it will get better.

Iridescent - posted on 08/18/2010

Yes. My 9 year old son was deaf until he was 2. His ear canals were corrected and he needed speech therapy. Our 11 year old is moderately/severely autistic, so we asked when our second needed the speech therapy as well and wasn't learning from it if it was possible he's also autistic. We were told flat out no, all his problems were related to his deafness until that point.

Now he's 9. Last year he was having more and more problems in all areas of life. He was dropped off his IEP 2 years ago, despite me still seeing a need, and I couldn't do anything about it. I requested an evaluation this spring to have him put back on it. They refused to do half the testing! But his verbal skills are severely lacking. He can't express emotions or describe what is frustrating him; he goes from being happy to punching! He focuses so hard on some things, and we didn't notice it because his brother also does. Has no clue socially!!! I had to file for an IEE (appeal to the IEP they refused him, testing completely performed by an outside clinic) this week, and started taking him to a clinic several hours away for full testing to find out what is wrong. We honestly thought depression, only, and speech delay. Now it's really seriously looking like autism will be the final diagnosis. They set him up with PECS to identify and recognize emotions last week. Also a social book, with circles, to identify people in his life and what is and what isn't appropriate to say and do with each group. They said as far as eating (a major problem!), it seems as though his sense of smell is heightened and for now, let him refuse those foods. Pushing him has never helped, he makes himself vomit and everyone miserable. We'll be dealing with it, but there are more urgent concerns. Our 11 year old, really, he's easy! Our 9 year old, we have no clue where to start. As you said, if it had been diagnosed earlier... We are depending heavily on the clinic we are going to for help in day to day problems. We also got PECS for showers, so I no longer have to scrub him or let it go, the routine is printed out and taped in the shower. 2 chores, same thing. Bedtime and morning routines.