Is my almost 4 yr old daughter on the autism spectrum?

Karen - posted on 06/10/2012

I would check this out: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/... this helps give you an idea of the things to look for and what Dr.s look for...I have a 23 month old that has ASD but I suspected it from birth - her dad and his dad and his grandpa and so on have it so it was no shock for me...but read up on that site all the info it's amazing and can help you better understand what to look for :)

Gina - posted on 06/21/2011

Have you taken her to see a neurologist or a developmental pediatrician for evaluation? That would be the best place to start.

Lola - posted on 06/20/2011

I would definitely suggest testing and do not let them diagnose or eliminate simply from ADOS. I have learned from another psychologist this is a very useful tool and not to be relied on solely for purposes of diagnosis because the test alone is too subjective. Depending on where you live and the care available, this could be a very long road. My son is now 9 and has been diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, OCD, Emotional Lability, Lack of Coordination in addition to other physical diagnosis. He was tested using the ADOS Test (he received a speech evaluation, OT evaluation and a psychological evaluation which was done in one setting for a duration of about 1-1/2 hours including time spent with me providing history) After all was said and done we were still left with the same unanswered questions. No one wants their child to have autism but you definitely want to know one way or the other. According to the ADOS my son fell 1 point below the autism spectrum and the psychologist said she was "still on the fence". After going over his results with the pediatrician, he suspected my son was tested in the wrong module too low and is sending him elsewhere to be sure. Even if you daughter is on the autism spectrum, I would agree with Alyn Bowards The Out of Sync Child is a great book to read and I would recommend it while you await testing. There are some close similarities between Sensory Processing Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome (which is on the autism spectrum) and also to some extent, High functioning autism although more so towards Asperger's Syndrome. The Autism Spectrum is vast with dramatic variance from one end to the other. I don't know when you plan to enroll your daughter in school, but I would make sure you document everything, and work very closely with the school to ensure your daughter receives all the help she may need. I am currently in an awful struggle to change my sons 504 plan to an IEP (even with his diagnosis because he is very intelligent yet struggling) and I would just suggest prepare, prepare, prepare. Know your rights and your child's rights. Hope this helps. Lola

Alyn - posted on 06/18/2011

Very similar to my son, now 7, he has Sensory Processing Disorder. The Out of Sync Child is a great book to read. I used it to figure out what my son had and then could find the correct place for a evaluation. I would get this book, it really helped me.

Erin - posted on 06/15/2011

and my daughter's meltdowns got better after I put her on a gluten free diet at 18 mo. I thought she might have DC but testing showed she did

Erin - posted on 06/15/2011

Melissa I started potty training at 2 and it didnt work os I kept trying every few month until it worked.

Erin - posted on 06/15/2011

what kind of thinks does your OT do? brushing, jumping, swinging, rolling on floor or yoga ball, deep preasure, rolling in a barrel.....I had an OT as a child and have working with special needs kids with OT and PT and ST for 10 years so I understand what your saying and see alot of sensory issues with my daughter. thank you

Lynne - posted on 06/14/2011

Erin, it sounds like your daughter has sensory issues, which is on the autism spectrum. All four of my kids have sensory processing disorder and all four of them have come a long way with OT. There is help out there. We still have our very hard days, but I've learned what my kids need and my kids are also learning to meet their own needs when they become overwhelmed. The very first step is getting her evaluated. I'd talk to your doctor and see if he'll give you an OT evaluation referral. We got ours through Children's hospital and it gives you tons of information about what's going on with your kid and what they now need to help. Hang in there!

Melissa - posted on 06/14/2011

This is something you need to discuss with her pediatrician. We can't diagnose her.

When did you start the potty training process? My daughter was also potty trained by 3 years and 8 months but I started when she was 3 years and 5 months. Whn they are older, it is harder to get them potty trained because they are so set in their ways.

Iridescent - posted on 06/14/2011

We have a son with PDD-NOS (12 years) and another with autism (4 years), and honestly your child sounds more like my typical children than my ones with ASD. I second getting formal testing if you're concerned, as there may certainly be something going on, but I wouldn't be set on autism.

DeDe - posted on 06/14/2011

If you have not gotten any formal testing completed that is where I would start. I would make an appointment with my primary care physican. I would tell them about my concerns and request a referral for testing. I wish you and your family luck.

Angela - posted on 06/14/2011

My son isn't autistic or on the spectrum (at least that's what they tell me) and he didn't get potty trained until a week before kindergarten. He lines all his trucks and things up, his currect thing is to sort the legos by color and have a thousand baggies lined up LOL. He still has issues talking (he's 7 & 2 mo) and has gross motor issues. I knew there was something wrong by the time he was 6 months old. I took him to a place at a university hospital and had him tested. He's been on medicare since he was 4. He just gets therapies to help out with his needs. We go again this October to have him retested to see where he falls on the charts - have her tested. The best way to know for sure and then once you know what's going on, you can have a better understanding. Good luck!