Does my child have high-functioning autism?

Question

My three old son has been exhibiting some odd behaviours since very young.  Currently he has been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder but I think it is just a symptom of something bigger.  He does not maintain good eye-contact, is disinterested in most toys with no pretend play skills, major sensory issues, wets his pants several times a day, hits, bites and otherwise attempts to hurt everyone in the family and our pets.  We are falling apart.  His behaviour is so disruptive and difficult.  I am an educator and have seen children similar in schools with autism.  If I could diagnose him, I would but the pediatrician and psychologist refuse to accept my words.  They say there's something wrong but no one knows just what to do with him.  I am tempted to go to a private clinic to have him screened but it costs nearly $3000.  Waiting for the public screening clinic will be about a year and I will have lost valuable time by then.  Everything points to early intervention and how kids are falling through the cracks.  What can I do?

Polly · Accepted Answer

There are certainly some red flags for Autism there and an assessment is probably a good idea but you should be able to get one without having to pay out $3000 to a clinic. 

A psychologist and/or a developmental paediatrician should be able to give you a diagnosis.  If your psychologist won't listen to you you should find a different one. These specialist will probably cost a few hundred dollars but if they want to charge you thousands then keep looking.

Try contacting an Autism support group in your area on online.  They should be able to point you to some helpful specialist.

In the mean time I found this online assessment tool helpful: http://www.childbrain.com/pddassess.html

Ethel · Answer

ODD is a pretty freaking big deal, it is just as if not more disruptive then Asperger's (high functioning autism), although it can be co-morbid.  I would not spend $3000 for that, better to take a trip to the US and spend $300 for a visit with a child psychiatrist who is familiar with child mental health issues.  Yes I know, the trip would be about the same cost but it would be a vacation...  ANYWAY, ODD is enough of a diagnosis for now - my son was not diagnosed with Asperger's until he was 6 and in 2 years he has made significant progress, enough that I wonder if he is simply late to develop the mind awareness that most kids get as toddlers.  So chill out, a year is not that bad.

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Does my child have high-functioning autism?

2 Answers