What's wrong with my toddler? Autism, Sensory Integration Disorder, or something else?

Hello,

First, if possible, I would try to get your son in for an evaluation before September, as it does sound like some extra speech and/or occupational therapy would probably be beneficial, whether he receives a diagnosis of autism or not. And definitely the earlier the better.

After you receive what will hopefully be a thorough evaluation, you can begin putting a team of people together who can get to know your son and give you some ideas about things you can do to encourage his development.

I was really glad to hear that although his speech is limited, he is able to communicate through signs. That is excellent, because if your child can communicate with you, it cuts out a major frustration that many families experience in not being able to communicate with their child. The speech therapist will be able to put a program together for you to encourage more speech, and will show you how you can help him even more in your home.

In reading through the symptoms, it seems like your child experiences some sensory integration problems. I have a lot of information and resources about this on my website, because I also experience sensory issues, and I have ever since I was a baby. An occupational therapist who is familiar with sensory integration would be the best one to consult with here.

However, you can help your son in the mean time by being aware of his issues and needs, which it sounds like you already are getting a good handle on. Noises, for example the sound of laughing (might be the tones or something) really bother him. Are there other noises too? If so, help him to stay away from those noises. Provide him a quiet place to be if you can.

He is probably sensitive to smells, based on what you said, and can probably smell things that most people would never notice. Food is a very sensory experience. Not only does it have many different kinds of smells, but also different textures, and tastes, and this will be something to pay attention to as you take this journey with your son.

Great that he loves water. You can use this because water is excellent for sensory stimulation. Is there a place you can take him swimming? If so, great! Another thing you can do in the house, is allow him time for water play. Fill the sink or tub, and (with supervision of course) let him go at it. You might consider investing in a sand & water table that he could play with. Also great for sensory input.

Glad also to hear about the eye contact, smiles, giggles, etc. This sounds like no matter what else is going on, you are connected with your child, and that will be one of the most important parts of his treatment in the future.

Good Luck, and feel free to contact me anytime with questions.

Jessica

www.sensoryintegrate.com

It sounds like your son may have some autistic tendencies. My own son has some of the same ones. He was diagnoased with high-functioning autism when he was 3 and he's now 6 1/2. Therapists have always been unsure of whether he actually has autism or just shows some of the tendencies. One psychiatrist diagnosed him w/ PDD/NOS, which basically just meant he's on the spectrum.

My son had the speech delay;HATES (still does) when people laugh at him; had difficulty socializing w/ peers (especially in a large group); and does this thing when he gets nervous or stressed out where he puts the back of my hand up to his lips.

My son excelled in kindergarten.

It's possible your son has high-functioning autism. Please don't feel desperation, though. My son has come so far, and yours will to, w/ help. We learn more and more about autism every day. The autism is who makes my son who he is, and I would not change him for ANYTHING in the world.

Do you have any way of getting him to a specialist sooner than that? My (limited) understanding of autism and developmental disorders is that the early you intervene, the better the prognosis. This does not sound like severe autism, but could be high-functioning autism, or merely a severe speech delay without additional emotional or developmental issues. At any rate, the sooner you get him diagnosed and treated, the better. By the way you put the question you are obviously taking the matter seriously but not being hysterical -- exactly the kind of parent a special needs child needs!

Good luck!

it sounds like he does have some sensory issues, and possibly would get a diagnosis of pervasive developmental delay. PDD basically means that he has multiple delays/symptoms, but not enough in the right categories to be aspergers or autism.

has he been screened for apraxia by a ST or SLP? My son has had a small screening, and the ST thinks he does have apraxia. she is going to do the full screening sometime this summer...before he turns 3 and gets screened for preschool.

a helpful book for you to read might be "the out of sync child". it deals with sensory problems. It explains them and how they affect behavior...it also gives you coping strategies.

Kind of sounds like a little bit of OCD, which can be different in children than it is in adults. Other than that, it sounds like maybe he's just been raised around a lot of adults. My best friend's daughter is 5 1/2 and acts sort of the same way, and she's never had the opportunity to play or spend quality learning time with other kids her age, except for with my daughter, and they only see each other about twice a month.

Anyway, best of luck to you and your youngun.

Hmmm, somethings up. I really don't feel qualified to answer you without feeling too dumb.

I do know that it's great that he uses eye contact; however the other things you mentioned to seem to fit in with characteristcs of autism. As I'm sure you know, there are plenty of different degrees of autism, so not having the "typical" signs doesn't really clear him for it.

I wish you the best!

Check with your school district about First Steps and Parents as Teachers......they have evaluations and can start a program to help him come out of his shell

Have you had his ears checked for fluid?