Borderline Austim in Toddler?

You've had great requests about your next step. I don't know much about Autism but have a suggestion... try sign language! If his hearing is at all playing into this that may help. If his brain is normal he just can't make words yet, signs will help you know that and also bridge the gap between when he is able to understand things and when he is able to verbally communicate.

I did it with my now 3 yr old and started it with my 18 mo old at 10 months. Both took to signs well at around a year old. My 3 year old is very verbal now and gradually signs were replaced by words. If anything I think the signs got him talking sooner. His first sentence was "one more book" in sign language at 13 months. My 18 mo old started signing at 11 mo and just in the last couple weeks has started to try to repeat things. That's 7 MONTHS he wouldn't have been able to communicate other than maybe 5 words if not for sign language.

There are books about it but I just make up the signs by watching what hand gestures they can do and what makes sense to us. Also... are you reading to your child? Make sure you do and you point to things and say them. Make it all a game and fun. If they are stressed or sense tension they can't learn anything.

Sounds like you are a great advocate for your child and a wonderful mom. Keep up the great work. So much can change in a couple months at this age. The first time around I think I convinced myself something was seriously wrong about 18 times with my perfectly average, normal son. I will hope for you that this is just first time mommy worrying syndrome :-) Best Wishes!

1 mom found this helpful

I wouldn't be so quick to jump on the autism bandwagon. That is diagnosed way too much these days for children with simple delays. It sounds like he might have hearing issues. Does he only play with toys that make noise or light up?? Has he had frequent ear infections?? I would find a pediatric audiologist and get his hearing checked first. And maybe see a speech thereapist, that might bring him out of his shell a little bit. Don't jump to conclusions, all kids are unique and individual. Good Luck.

Hi J.,
If your having concerns of Autism I would stop any further vaccines asap! I would take him to a Chiropractor that specializes in DAN. Do your research here, you are the Mom and you know your child better than anyone else. If it is Autism, you can help him with the right tools. Jenny McCarthys book Mom Warriors is excellant too. Best of luck!

J., I understand your concern. My son is 27 months old and is almost to the tee what you saying about your child. My son is in speech just to help him along alittle bit. Everything you say seems pretty a typical for some children and boys mainly. IF you want alittle relief from the fear of it, I suggess to contact "Babies Can't Wait". This is a program in GA that assists with chid that may have some development issues. The great thing is you call and ask to your son evualated. They will ask what your concerns are. They will pass that information onto a coordinator who will contact you and set a time to do the evaulation. This is a FREE service to you and it is done in your home. At least you could put your mind at ease. I did that with both of children and they did have speech but it was the best thing because I didn't worry other issues and if I had questions or concerns I could talk right to them. Best of luck!! You can look up Babies Cant Wait online and it will give you number to call. M.

Take him to the Marcus Institute for further evaluation. Then back to public health for Part C services under IDEA. The sooner you start the better he will do in school.

Hi J.,
I agree with most of the moms who have already posted... my son had reflux when he was born, and is still having a difficult time talking now. He is 4, and he amazes me by pointing out his ABCs and starting to write. He was really making me nervous when he was 2, because he would not make eye contact, and would not even attempt to communicate. My hubby and I decided to spend extra time with him at night, and instead of just one book and lights out - we did 3-4 books - mainly repetitive, so he would practically memorize them, and we would sing songs. He loved listening to songs and singing them, so that was his first real interaction with us.
So... what I am saying is... go ahead and follow through with the Head Start program (or whichever you choose), but don't stress too much. Even if it looks gloomy, you will be amazed at his ability to put it all together.
Also, take notes of his progress so you can track it. Don't push to hard for him to learn too much... school is right around the corner! ;)
I hope this helps! Good luck and take care!
S.

Who in Early Intervention evaluated your son? Did they do an actual evaluation or just talk to you? Have you talked to your pediatrician to get a referral for speech/language evaluation and/or evaluation by a pediatric specialist? I'm a speech therapist,and what I've seen sometimes is that the label of autism is given too readily sometimes when its not known exactly what is going on. Language delays can come from a number of reasons and/or causes. What you want to consider are some of these things: does your son have or has he had frequent ear infections, fluid in the ears, etc?; do you try to get him to talk (i.e. do you try to get him to ask for juice if he wants it, or try to get him to verbally choose what he wants between two choices); When he does say words, do they actually sound like words or like words with sounds that are mispronounced?; How many words does he have that he uses?
My advice is to work with your pediatrician and don't believe when they say "oh he'll just grow out of it" (he may because it may be that he's just a late talker, some kids are, but there also may be a delay of some kind that should be considered and ruled out), get a referral for speech/language evaluation (there are several places in the area: MCG, Hitchcock in Aiken, University maybe, as well as several private therapists), get a referral for an audiological evaluation to test hearing (don't just go for a screening at the health dept, but an actual evaluation in a sound proof booth).
The process to get in for evaluations may take awhile, but in the meantime, I would just maybe teaching your son some simple signs (look up information on Baby Signs on the net), and have him use some functional ones like 'more', 'eat', 'drink', 'ball', 'book', 'help', etc. I would also recommend having your son begin to make choices of things he wants, and say them (even if it sounds like babbling). Don't just let him point and cry out, but have him actually ask for what he wants. Above all know that it's nothing you have done, and it's okay to be confused, and it's okay to be occassionally frustrated. :)

Do you see a pediatrician regularly? What is their opinion? Many kids develop on such different levels that labels tend to be put on too early. Personalities differ between kids too and he may be just a shy kid who is content to play on his own and entertains himself in his own ways. If you have real concerns about his development have you ever considered, in conjunction with therapies taking him to a good family chiropractor to evaluate him? My family goes to Atlantic Coast Family Chiropractic in Summerville, SC. Not sure where you're located but I could help you find one in your area if you wanted. It is not a cure all if there is a true issue with his development but it can help.

At only 21 months old, it's still early for diagnosing autism. It's good to see that you know so much about the symptoms and have been proactive in seeking evaluations. That can also be a curse. This is a tough age to determine if the symptoms are autism or just a developmental delay, such as his speech. If he does in fact have borderline autism, then he can definitely be a full-functioning, successful child and later adult. Try not to stress about it too much right now. In another year, get him re-evaluated, and then decide the best course of action educationally for his success.

K.:)

Have you had his hearing tested?

i wouldnt jump to the autism conculsion just yet.
My daughter who is VERY smart borderline gifted , very active , Ballet, Soccer etc, Didnt say ANYTHING anyone could understand until she was 2 yrs old. My son didn't either, and Boys tend to be slower at milestones.Since his daddy didnt' talk till he was 3 he will prob follow that.

First try and get an appointment with a developmental pediatrician; they can help you more so than a regualr pediatrician. Also, look at the website for MayInstitute and see if they can offer you some intervention services; they specialize in ABA Therapy.
Hope this helps!

Your pediatrician should give you a referral to have him evaluated and tested. He may be just perfect, and a late talker like his Dad. But you will feel so much better to have someone with the necessary experience tell you that. Or, if there is a problem, early intervention is KEY.

You could also contact the Babies Can't Wait program (http://health.state.ga.us/programs/bcw/) for help.

Good luck, you're doing a good job!

Do what your gut is telling you. It could just be apraxia & he's just a late talker. Might I recommend the "your baby can read" series. It's a multi-sensory approach to learning language & words. I've seen a big improvement with my own son & have heard it works well for speech delays. It's expensive but you can find it much cheaper on ebay. Don't fret... I know it's frustrating but all kids are on different time frames. If this is his only developmental delay then the speech will come! There's a place called McKenna Farms (in Dallas) that does speech, occupational, & physical therapy. Ask your pediatrician about them. They're wonderful & one of the best kept secrets around here. Good luck to you!

I would get another opinion- I have a 26 month old (3rd son) who doesnt say much at all- both my others were talking sentances by this point-all kids are different and some are just "behind"- autism is a serious term- there are many steps you can take if he falls into this category- but he sounds like a normally developing child other than the speech...I would say- go to a developmental pedicatrician and go from there. Good luck to you! kusos to youfor beign your childs biggest advocate and taking action early!! You are an awesome, attentive mom for noticing!
Nikki
mom of 3

My oldest child had chronic ear infections he couldn't hear until he was about 2 yrs old with the help of ear tubes being placed in the drum we had no more infections. However he too couldn't talk a word no and then mostly momma dada and baby was it. We had him evaluated for speech therapy he had developmental delay he was not hitting mile stones as he should have because of the not being able to hear for so long. He started out with speech therapy at 2 yrs old in our home a few days a week. When he was 3 we took the next step and he went to a public school prek in a special needs class. He progressed so well and it was so wonderful however it was a process for all of us. He went to kindergarten at age 6 (he's an Aug 17 baby) he was in a regular class just before that he had him at a prek at a church for 1 yr before kindergarten which helped he had a teacher from the special ed services visit his teacher we were trying to progress out of special ed, he did and now he's in 2nd grade. He's on honor roll and loves to read, talks better (has a better vocabulary) then child in his class. That bit of help the my child received was a wonderful experience and helped him become the student he is today. I had my son evaluated by a ped. specialist in child development she's over on rosewell rd. I too thought my child might have autism he also and still does put things in lines, open and closes doors don't base it all on one person's opinion many children that have hearing problems do the same. I had a doctor tell me she thought my son had autism she was a doctor, she was incorrect it takes more then just observation of the child their are test...oh, the doctor that helped me was a developmental peditritian . Do not stop get more then one opinion. You are your childs advocate don't go by someone in your family talked late be proactive and get some testing done now. Your husband and your child are two different people and times have changed on waiting limits best to do something now then wait. I also went through Early Intervention folks they helped however they should be helping you get referred to a ped developmental specialist and also the county where they have some speech therapist eval your child. Also you may want to have some support folks to talk to get opnions from and plan jut have someone to talk to call email
focus-ga.org they are families of children under stress.
Lucy who started focus is wonderful i have talked to her and also joy I have shared many tears asked opinions from them and sometimes when upset just called to have someone who understood my situation. I highly suggest you call them check them out on line. My kids still love them and go to their summer camp. I also have a child age 5 now is only 20% erby's palsy he loves them at the summer camp and the monthly respet when they did go. I hope you keep going forward because if, only if at this point your child would be a child of austim he would still need therapy services. My best wishes to you.

Have you had his hearing checked? He could be tuning you out because he can't hear you well. If he notices you only when you shout this could definately mean he has hearing issues. A lot of kids who don't hear well act differently than other kids and will definately not talk or mimic sound (they can't hear it!). I would hate for him to be misdiagnosed as having autism when all he has is a hearing issue. It is worth looking into. If your doctor won't do a hearing test you can probably go to your local health department and request one. You may have to pay for it but it will definatley be worth it.

He sounds like a normal toddler to me. You just changed his daycare not too long ago and said all they did was watch TV. It sounds like maybe he doesn't know how to play by himself or play with toys cause all he knows is cartoons. Give him time to have the damage undone from the previous place. Give him time to learn how to interact with other kids and play together than depend on the TV to keep him entertained. Did you get the TV out of his bedroom yet???

Good luck!
S.

Hi J.,

Did the Early Intervention specialist recommend any speech therapy? I wouldn't worry about autism right now, but I would have him evaluated by a speech therapist asap. My daughter wasn't speaking at age two and was later diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a neurological disorder that requires intensive speech therapy. And the earlier, the better. There is a great website: www.apraxia-kids.org. It is a wealth of information. Best of luck to you and your son!

G.

Hello J.,

For the sake of your son, try to get the toxic cleaning products and harmful personal care products out of your home. (For instance - quaternium-15 is a preservative that releases formaldehyde and is found in MANY shampoos, lotions, soaps and other products.) We bring SO MANY things into our homes that can have a negative effect on us - especially developing children! Reactions to chemicals can intensify learning disorders and autistic symptoms and also contribute to ADD/ADHD, asthma, eczema, and even depression.

You can find more information at www.4thedinkins.fourpointwellness.com. I would be glad to share what I've discovered -- safer products that work better and are less expensive than the harsh products you can find at your local store. The information is free and there is no obligation.

L. ###-###-####

Hi J.,

I am an aunt of a 14 year old mildly autistic child. please get him serviced as soon as possible to rule out any problems. If it is not autism at least you know. I commend my sister everyday for how she cares for my nephew who is now an honor roll student in middle school. The services she receives for him is an agency out of California called Regional. Check it out. Hope it helps.

J.,

Autism is such a hot-button topic these days. It seems like Moms are just assaulted right and left with the "what if's" and "what nows", etc., etc.

My first thought is to throw the comment about borderline autism out the window. Unless and until your boy is evaluated by a specialist qualified to diagnose any ASD, then do not worry yourself. Who was this person who, after seeing your son only twice, made this proclamation to you?

My daughter, Mia, was a late talker. Well, a babbler, for sure, along with every other kid, but as far as intelligible speech, that was a little late in coming. Her delays were expressive and receptive in nature. She went through about four months of Babies Can't Wait, and then she started preschool. The speech issues have since abated. I literally cannot shut this girl up, nor would I want to.

Socially, she's coming along very well. She's got some little playmates we've had playdates with, and I am highly encouraged. Now, I just need to learn to stay out of her way and try not to DO things for her. But that's on me, not on Mia.

I went through a considerable amount of stress and worry about the whole autism thing. I think because we (moms, dads, etc.) are assaulted by mentions of this disorder on the media, both written and spoken. It seems everywhere we turn, there is another mention of it. It's easy for it to become a bit of an obsession. When Mia wasn't talking in complete sentences along with others, I panicked. I panicked over just about every little thing she either did or did not do. I drove myself insane.

Here's how it is now: Mia is a delightful, quirky, funny, charismatic, sociable, curious, chatty, irritating, annoying, cuddly little 5-year old minx. According to her teachers, she is not autistic. According to her special ed teacher (she goes for speech work at the local elementary school), all this labelling that gets bandied about serves no purpose whatsoever, accept in the most severe cases. Early intervention, for whatever delays children deal with, is the magic bullet. It is this Early Intervention that can bring your child right into the realm of just about every other child he or she goes to school with.

Chances are, your son is going to be right in the middle of the pack soon enough. Please try to keep what I've said in mind.

All my best,

E.