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as someone who works with children i would not diagnose the autism myself as i am not a doctor. just did this with my son. I think it is important to
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my child is about 11 months old, and she has been having some behavior issues since about 6 months old, she will be sitting there watching t.v or something and just all of a sudden start throwing things, hitting people, slapping them, pulling hair, hitting her head off the floor and then just stop and continue watching t.v, she doesn't like to play with other children, she's not learning speech as good as she should be(though could just be a slow learner) she's extremely smart though when it comes to finding things, figuring things out, feeding herself, helping me put her clothes on, taking them off, taking her diaper off, un tying her shoes. her doctor told me that she might possibly be autistic, but wanted someone else's opinion that's all, and please be nice, this is my child we are talking about. does anyone else have this problem With their child? thanks.
Getting a second opinion now is a waste of time. Unfortunately its a wait and see with autism. Since the dx is based upon clinical opinion surely you can find someone who will tell you no.
But the reality is an 11 month old showing autistic features, or some red flags for autism can work themselves out of the quirkiness in a few years, or be clearly dx. My sons were dx at ages 25 months, and 9 months with PDD.NOS or autistic features. They are now 7 and 3 and the dx still fits for both. Even if your child is on the autistic spectrum the place on the spectrum isn't static. If she is, her symptoms will temporarily get worse, even with early intervention and then start improving at 3 and continue to for most to some degree.
Do get her into early intervention, its free and you don't need a referral, just call yourself and they will set her up for an assessment. Certainly an OT will help address her sensory integration issues.
Here is a nice accurate autism rater that will give you an idea of things.
http://www.childbrain.com/pddassess.html
My middle son dx at 9 months scored on the borderline of clinically significant with a score of 49. His highest score was at age 2 and was an 89. Currently he just turned 3 and is scoring at 82. My oldest, was over 100, now is in the 50's so the line is getting blurry for him where typical quirky ends and autistic features begin.
Definately get to a neurologist but if you are going for a definative answer you won't get one. More so, so they can see the development progression of your child over time.
Suggest getting some reading material about autism for your understanding. If you are interested I can recommend many things.
Here is a useful site for books. AAPC autism aspergers publishing company
http://www.asperger.net
PDD or pervasive developmental disorder is the umbrella term for all of the autistic disorders.
It is very hard to be dx with a speech delay before age 2. For autistic spectrum children the delay is more in understanding of language.
My son at 9 months did not answer to his name, repetitively and perseveratively played with something for hours. Had poor eyecontact, was a picky eater, and had sensory issues. He also has exceptional executive functioning skills, figuring things out, this scattered or splintered ability indicates high intelligence, and a learning disability, things frequently seen with those on the spectrum. Autism Diva: How to spot autistic adults::
Someone was bound to end up the parent of a retarded autistic child in the 1990s and ask him who Autism Diva is and if he thinks shes working for Big
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Uh, she's eleven months old. Most eleven month olds cannot talk and don't play with other children - and many can't concentrate on TV. You are describing a normal baby here - except that normal babies can't put on and take off their own clothes. This reads like you are expecting your young baby to have the skills of a two or three year old. Give her some time!
Sound like my son, and he is not autistic, so yes I would go some were else, sounds like a place were they just want to say anything to get you out and get your money from the office visit, NOTE no matter what praise her for every accomplishment she does, and ever mountain she has climbed, I always try to find my sons strong sides, and praise him for it, even when the doctor says he has adhd.
You should get a second AND third opinion. She might not have autism, or she may have a different problem. Your doctor may be on the right track but you want to be sure because:
1) if your doctor's wrong, and your child is not autistic (that's a blanket term, all ranges of ability there) she may have a physical or other developmental problem that needs to be addressed. More boys than girls have autism spectrum disorders, though of course it's possible.
2) if she does seem to be developing an autism-spectrum disorder, have hope, but she needs early, intensive intervention to do her best - so you need to establish baseline data for testing in order to measure progress and access services, if needed. She may be young for a confirmed diagnosis, but if there's some consensus among several doctors then you should begin to work with her. There is something called "pervasive developmental disorder" that should be ruled out also. (Her intelligence is reassuring--but you should check.) You should also investigate sensory integration disorders--especially if clothing, sounds (tv), light bother her.
3) You're obviously confused and worried so you need more information at this point. Some extra visits to some other doctors might be reassuring.
4) has her hearing been checked? If she has a hearing impairment that would explain the delayed speech and frustration.
A pediatric neurologist or specialist in autism should be involved in the assessment. A hospital with a university (research) affiliation should be able to refer you to a good practioner. Also, as you are going through this you should look up your local autism support group or learning disabilities association. There will be many other parents in the same situation who can give you honest advice about who the good doctors are, and who to stay away from. Get lots of opinions before you act because there are some fringe treatments out there that could be harmful. There are also lots of online forums if you can't find local support groups (again, get confirmation of any advice).
Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television before the age of 2. Of course many parents let their kids watch t.v. but if your daughter is having trouble connecting with people, or is more prone to fussing during a t.v. session, I'd keep her away from it and try to spend as much time relating with her one-on-one.
Good luck-she's lucky to have a mom who is on the job and getting information.
Definitely get a second (or third) opinion. As for speech, my son was slow too, but he was an only child with two adults in the house, and rarely had any interaction with other children. His speech is still a bit hard to understand at times, (he's almost 5), but the speech therapists say he's right on track. Some kids just speak better or faster than others.
Try to think about anything that your child has been exposed to that could be causing this behavior. What kind of tv shows has she seen? Has she been around anyone who has exhibited this type of behavior (you know how sometimes adults can behave)?
Again, if you see nothing that could be causing your daughter's distress, definitely seek another opinion.
every child is different. even those with confirmed autism develop & behave differently - hence it is called a spectrum disorder, and it is very difficult to be sure at this age altho' tools & techniques have been developed to start early diagnosis.
my 6 1/2 yr old autistic niece was a very happy baby. she used to look at curtains & smile as if she could see somebody there. seems that wasn't really normal. she too is very intelligent in many aspects/areas.
but the fact that your little girl can dress herself, etc. is actually a positive sign. usually autistic children have difficulty doing that since their muscular & kinesthetic coordination is hampered [all related to nerves & brain]. my niece is still being taught how to button & unbutton her shirt, put on her shoes, etc. And she still does not chew properly - prefers pulpy foods.
you definitely should seek further medical advice & opinions. And seek proper testing. a good, experienced paediatrician can tell the difference. i've merely related some of my personal experience & knowledge.
all the very best to you & your family
i hope the diagnosis comes out fine.
When people hear the word Autistic the think the extreme form of it.There are many degree's in the spectrum.Many Autistic children have very mild forms of it.Don't panic.My 21/2 year old grandson has the mild form,he's very bright,but has the behavioral traits like your daughter.Take your daughter to another doctor and see what they say.Also do some research on the subject,that way you'll have info when talking to the doctor.My daughter signed up my grandson for a special daycare program that works closely with autistic kids.I see a big difference in his daily living/social skills since he started.It doesn't cost her anything either.The program is through the local school district.Once your daughter is officially diagnosed,see what is offered in your area.
My best to you and your daughter.
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Doctor thinks my child is autistic, can someone help!?