Hi Ladies,
I wrote last week that my son is getting evaulated for a speech delay and wanted to know what to expect. He just turned 2 and I stay home with him. He was evaluated yesterday and he does qualify for therapy through EI but they were also concerned because he was not interested in interacting with the 2 therapists unless they brought out their toys and assessment tools. He was very excited to play with them and their toys. When they put those things away he was not at all interested in them. This does not surprise me since my son usually completely ignores strangers (does not speak to them , do what they say or respond to his name when they call) but is very affectionate and interactive with those he knows. He also didn't want to do exactly what they wanted each time. He would examine the toys, often put them in different spots and then sometimes do what they showed him but not always. He also wanted to hang on to the toy not giving it up right away. He was not upset about giving it up but didn't give it to them right away when he saw another toy. Are these a big autism red flags? Also, is it better to go to a nuerodevelopmental ped over a childhood nuerologist? They reccomended the former but the earliest appt I could get was with the regular nuerologist. Your imput is very much appreciated.
I'm glad you are following up with the specialists. You are doing the right thing by getting the earliest appointment. Are you able to get him assessed by both the nuerodevelopmental ped and a childhood nuerologist? Maybe call EI and/or the thereapists and tell them you can get in to see the one doctor before the other and why they want the Nuerodevelopmental and they can clarify it for you.
To be honest, Beata, I don't think it sounds like Autism. Those therapists are being too "picky" and not taking into all other things into consideration like age, personality, etc. My oldest was in EI and was getting speech here at the house and he was not into giving toys back nor was he overly excited....in fact, he got mad at them because he was so frustrated. Believe it or not, 2 year olds know that there is something wrong with their own speech and he may be the kind who walks away from things that may be difficult whereas other children get frustrated and act out and others just cry. I think he's being a typical 2 year old and those things he displays may be just his personality. I am annoyed that they would consider other things without realizing he is who he is. Therapists are not doctors and are not God so they should be extra careful labeling him something that is not with him. Don't take everything they say. Now, you can take him the doctors, but more likely they will be totally honest if there is anything else, but autism does not look like that is the issue. Be careful what people say, Mom, and you're doing a great job.
Hi,
I really understand your concerns, but what you describe overall does not sound like the typical autism red flags. However, autism is a spectrum disease and no kid with autism is alike. Definitely continue down the road with getting appointments and go to the one where you get in earlier. Also tell the doctor's offices that you are a SAHM and that in case they have a cancellation, they can call you anytime and you can come on a very short notice. That usually helps with getting an earlier appointment.
Meanwhile, start setting up playdates with kids his age and see how he does in these. Work with him on sharing toys (even if he just has to share them with his teddybear, or you) and also start other pretend games, like saying hi to the teddybear. Whenever you meet strangers, you have to first be the perfect example of how to greet and interact with strangers and then make him interact with them, too. Make him say "hi" or wave at least, even if you have to go to him, pick him up, go to the stranger and then encourage him to say "hi" or wave. This can also mean that in the beginning you have to guide his hand for the waving. It is getting warm out, go to the playground every day and try to encourage interacting as much as possible.
For speech, also encourage him to speak as much as possible. Make him say "up" (or an approximation, not just screaming) if he wants to be lifted up into your arms. Make him say "milk" if he wants his milk. Don't get discouraged if he doesn't say what you want him to say right away, just hold on to what ever he wants for 20 - 30 seconds. If he says the word, praise him, give it to him right away and repeat the word. "Yes, milk, that is your MILK, good job, here is your milk".
It is your job to model the right behavior and the correct speech from now on. Once the speech therapy starts you will see the therapists doing a lot of the same thing. Try to learn as much as possible from them.
Oh, one more thing. Get Baby Bumblebee DVDs! They are great for kids to learn to speak and increase their vocabulary and they are made for this age group!
Good luck!
Hi Beata - I commend you for following up with EI's recommendation. They are obviously seeing something that they want you to follow up on. I really understand your concern and your need for advice.
I support you in making an appt with both practices. Since you can see the neurologist sooner, use that as your first step and help it guide you into your 2nd appt. The two practices are different specialties and the neurologist is going to have skills that the neurodevelopmental office doesnt. With that said, you are going to have to consider what info these evaluations offer, look at their strengths and weaknesses and compare them to what you know is true about your child. Ask them lots of questions and give them things to thoughtfully consider.
I dont blame your son - he didnt really know why he was in the meeting or who those people were and what they wanted him to do. Kids naturally relate better when toys are involved and are disinterested in a stranger when the toys go away.
Personally I have a feeling your son is not autistic based on what I've learned from my son over that last couple of years. Language processing disorders combined with sensory processing problems can present like autism.
After the evaluations, your going to feel alot less fearful, I promise. You will be armed with some real information and plan on how to help your son develop.
He is only two. Forgive me, but it seems in. todays world everyone is
so focused on achieving so much, Moms have forgotten to just enjoy
your child. Give him time to grow. I know I personally would not subject
him to a neurologist at this time, but that is me. They all develop
differently. Does nolt mean anything is wrong.
IMHO I would wait to see the developmental pediatrician as I think they are the better match for your situation. My 8 year old son started seeing one when he was 1 (he had global physcial developmental delays including a severe expressive speech delay) and it was when he was 4.5 years old and his behavior started to change that he suggested that we have the ADOS test done to see if he was on the spectrum. He was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. Before the diagnosis he was social and affectionate, and still is. From how you describe your son he doesn't have severe Autism signs. I would start the speech therapy and just keep a close eye on him. He is young and things could change. My 5th child (2 year old girl at time) had expressive speech delays and was not interested in people, except her immediate family. At first I thought she was going to be on the spectrum, but she was just emotionally immature. Now at 4 she talks up a storm (still has articulation delays) and talks to everyone. She just had a slower start. I hope this helps. Feel free to send me a personal message if you would like to chat more. Good luck!
I have a five year old son with autism. No, I do not think that any one of these things alone are red flags for autism. There are a many number of things combined together that can be diagnosed as autism by a developmental pediatrician. Go ahead and make the appointment with a developmental ped. In the meantime read up on autism to try to get a better understanding of autism. The autism spectrum is so wide and children are all so different so it is hard to tell unless tested. Does he have any other symptoms like insistence on sameness, lining up objects, fixating on ceiling fans, does he play with his toys appropriately, in other words does he run a toy car along the ground or does he just fixate on spinning the wheels? Take it easy, don't panic, and bring a support person with you to his doctor appointment. In the meantime here are two good web sites on autism. http://www.autismspeaks.org/ www.autism-society.org/
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It all depends on his age. As a toddler (up to age 2), he should at least make eye contact, possibly even be shy of them, but they should be able to at least get his attention (they don't have to be best buddies or play). After age 2, I would be more worried, especially if he ignores them like they do not exist.
I would also go with your gut!!!!
Good luck!
My son has a trach and we have had him tested for speech through EI (obviously) for different reasons. However, you know your son, if you feel that he is not 'up to par' than by all means go with your instinct. The first time my son was tested he was about 9-10 months old and didnt qualify. He did qualify at the time for PT and has PT 2x per week at 45 min sessions. I requested that he be tested again for speech because I thought that they were wrong and they had me wait until he was 2 because the requirements for therapy are greater for a 2 year old than an 22 or 23 month old. What does your pediatrician say about the nuerologist?
