Autism Spectrum Disorders

Hi, I have a 28 month old daughter. Just about three months ago I decided that she wasn't just a little behind, and made an appointment to get her hearing tested, which didn't go well at all. She wouldn't let the lady put the headphones in... she started crying as soon as she came in the room and tried to run out. So we took her to the ENT Specialist who said she had fluid in both ears, and prescribed some nasal spray, which worked great! She started listening and even learned to say her name and a few other words. But about a month later I noticed things were right back to what they used to be. We went back to the ENT and the fluid had come back. She had to have to have tubes put in both ears. She also has a Speech Therapist(twice a week) and an Occupational Therapist (once a week). I haven't seen major change if any at all. I scheduled an appointment today to get her tested for autism. And I would like to hear from those of you with kids that have autism. What kind of things does your child do?

Ariyanna:

-Can say maybe 10 words.
-Could count to 10 before her 2nd b-day, but later stopped.
-Rarely turns when you call her name.
-Rocks on the couch a lot!
-Can't stand for her 7 month old sister to touch her.
-Doesn't point
-Grabs my hand and takes me to what she wants.
-Cries and yells at family gathering or when company comes over.
( Has gotten a little better)
-Little eye contact.
-Throws tantrums for no reason.
-Hates mushy foods. Loves crunchy foods.
-Only knows... well can say nose, feet,and toes.
-Doesn't take clothes off or on just shirt.
-Doesn't follow commands.
-Lines up toys.
-Doesn't wave or say bye or hello.

That's all I can think of now.

Thanks in advance for you time and replies.

Hello and welcome to the board. It's great that you are on top of things. Getting help early is the key!! How long has your daughter been doing speech and OT? Speech explosions can happen as late as 30mo. My son never hit a speech explosion. Everything came soooo sllloowww.

There are a lot of red flags that I see in your post for autism. So it's good that you are getting your daughter evaluated. A dx isn't as important as knowing what help your child needs. I do think it's important to get a dx if you can't access services that your child needs. As was our case.

Jessie mommy to Gabe(4.4 years ASD/CAS/SID)and baby Zane

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Hi! Welcome to the board!

Your child's story is actually pretty similar to mine! We did the tubes, hoped for perfect hearing and speech, and while hearing ended up being fine, speech didn't start, but several months later? It did. He now is a very very verbal 8 yos...but he does have autism.

Some of the things you mention are things that are on the list of symptoms for autism. But, they could also be a result of her not having heard properly for months and months. That can really slow development and things may improve on their own.

But, that said, I'd still follow up with the assessment. If there is any problem, you'll want as early help as possible. Just don't let it get you all stressed out, though I know, really, how hard that is. I'd had myself convinced that my son's problems were sensory integration disorder, so the word autism literally kicked me in the belly, so I think that being prepared is good but don't worry until you know you have to.

Each child with autism is different, and kids without autism will line things up and rock, so the best person to help you is a developmental pediatrician, neurologist or even a school assessment team who can tell you if there are 'autistic tendencies.' (They can't diagnose, but they can provide services to help with delays.)

Let us know how it goes -- and come back for anymore questions or concerns, there's a great group of ladies here.

Lily

Arismom, you've received some great advice already. But I just wanted to add that there are many things other than autism which can cause delays and disabilities.

If you are trying to find answers, don't focus on autism....keep your mind open to other potential causes too.