Help with Finding Information on Autism

First let me assure you that being autistic doesn't mean the same thing as it did when we were kids. Over the last few years they have made leaps and bounds in research. Your daughter is not to young to do anything about the problems she as developed and don't let your ped tell you she is. Mine did the same thing, he told me my son would grow out of some of the things he was doing. Now he is 3 has been diagnosed with PDD and we're fighting to catch him up. I don't mean to upset you or anything just some times doctors take a less active approach than they should So that's where us moms step up to the plate and start swinging.
I've read other moms suggestions about an early intervention assesment. This is really what you need. Early intervention is a not-for-profit organization that is free to everyone and helps children with everything from just speech delays to full on autism. So even if your daughter doesn't end up being autistic they can help. I don't know the number in your area but here it's 275-kids. They will provide you with something called a service coordinator who will be your best friend and your liasion through the entire process.This person can recommend you to support groups, will listen when your daughter has had a bad day and you need advice and will go to bat for you with the school district when your daughter is 3 and transitions into the schools care from early intervention.
As for information on Autism there is a website called unyfeat.org that might give you some and when your daughter goes to a developmental pediatrician which will probably be in a few months they will give you more information than you know what to do with. I am always available if you have any questions just message me I check this web site like every other day.
I didn't mean to sound like a know-it-all but less than 3 years ago I was right where you are now and everything will be okay. But the more info you have the easier you can get your daughter what she needs and the easier it is on you when there are no surprizes. Good luck and feel free to message me anytime.

Jen,
Hey Jen, my name is J.. I have an 8 yr old son with autism and 3 more after him.I can help you find answers.First of all when you say I just found out my--- is showing signs, what do you mean? who said that, because 8 mo is pretty young to determine signs of autism, age of onset is "usually" 15-18 mo's.HOWEVER, I just happen to have a brochure sitting in my lap that is for a conference in CA, titled SIGNS OF AUTISM IN INFANTS, Recognition and early intervention.The web site is www.childdevelopmentmedia.com there are all these different speakers scheduled to speak that all have info on early signs from 5 mo's to 18 mo's.But I will say this... my 3 typical children that came after TJ(the child with autism) all did things that TJ did at certain times.I expressed concern to 2 of my friends who have autistic children about another friends child who only wants to be held by her ect.. like you descibed (because that is how TJ was) and they both said, well that was not my kid, he would go to anyone, not phased in the least.So it is really hard to say. I've sworn all 3 of mine that came after him had some sort of autism related issue, and they were completly fine.For now until you know more I will say to stay away from vaccinations, antibiotics, tylonol, and any obvious toxins, even cleaning products can be so toxic for our kids.But ADHD is considered a spectrum disorder and it can also be treated and the sypm==mptoms your daughter is showing could be precursors to that.So give me more info, look up that website and then I would love to help you further.There is specific diet that helps tremendously and avoidance of certain things that are really key.Talk soon!
J.

i suggest getting a referral from your pediattrician for a develpmental pediatric study at either Hackensack univ hosp Institute for child development or at St josephs hospital...
my daughter hinges on nthe edge of the spectrum so i have some experience...
early intervention is the key here... dont wait, for your childs sake
also you can go thru the county in which you live .. special services or health dept to find out about early intervention services thru them usually at no or low cost
there are special preschools that can help with self stimming, speech and behaviors...
good luck

First, a big hug for you!! I've been through some things with my kids and I can't imagine what you are feeling. Hang in there. Feel what you must and get it out. Then get informed to help your child. There are a lot of programs and funding for Autism now. I googled and found two to possible start with. Also, ask your doctor about information sites and contacts. She is too young for them to know/test anything but keep pushing for information. As you learn, you will be able to detect and offer theraphies for your child. Early intervention is the key. Good luck.

This is a state program:
Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Ages Birth through 2
Terry Harrison, Part C Coordinator
Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Family Health Services
Early Intervention System
50 E. State Street
P. O. Box 364
Trenton, NJ 08625-0364
###-###-####; (800) 322-8174 (Childfind Birth-21)
E-mail: ____@____.com
Web: www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/eis/index.shtml

Parents support group:
Parent-To-Parent
Malia Corde, Program Coordinator
New Jersey Statewide Parent-to-Parent
35 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102
###-###-####; (800) 372-6510
E-mail: ____@____.com
Web: www.spannj.org/familywrap/parent2parent.htm

I have a son who is ten and is autistic. We have gone to see Dr. Volkmar at Yale New Haven Child Study. You can look this up on the internet as well. There is also another dr. Powers in Stamford or Norwalk) less expensive but good.
"Birth to Three" is a great free program that provides your child with help in your home to start. I assume you are in fairfield county. They will play and test the child's needs in your home weekly. From there, they do the paperwork for the public school system and the child can start at pre-school in the public school system.

Dr. Joe Haddad at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital is a great ear, nose and throat dr.
There are so many websites just type in Autisum.
I have to go now. Sorry.

Hi,
Where do you live? I dont want to downplay the shock but I have to say that a doctor alerted you this young is unheard of, and better for your child if he is right. There is plenty you could do, like I would notify my local birth to three right away and tell that what your doctor told you so they can come out and evaluate and begin services if needed. You can also look into dietary info and begin changes in your child , it is controversial but some believe highly in it. Google autism research institute it is a good beginning. Both my kids have autism

C.

Hi J.,

I don't know too much about autism, but there is a website you can check out www.autismspeaks.com

An excerpt from the website:
"Autism Spectrum Disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, although new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as 6 months. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. Pediatricians may initially dismiss signs of autism, thinking a child will “catch up,” and may advise parents to “wait and see.” New research shows that when parents suspect something is wrong with their child, they are usually correct. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait: speak to your pediatrician about getting your child screened for autism"

If your doctor is putting you off, maybe you should seek a different doctor who will be a little more proactive in your daughter's treatment and diagnosis. There was a woman on the Today Show a few years ago. Either she or her husband was a big executive of GE which owns Today SHow (NBC). Her grandchild was exhibiting signs of autism and she said they knew something wasn't right because he was developing normally and then "lost" skills, but the doctor kept putting it off as something else. They finally saw a different doctor, but she said that she wishes they wouldn't have waited as long. Good luck to you. {{Hugs}}

K.

8 months is very young to be too concerned yet, but it is helpful to be prepared. You may also want to look into a disorder called SID, or sensory integration disorder. Two really good books are "the out of synch child" and "the out of synch child has fun".. you can have sensory issues which may seem like autism symptoms but are not a full autism diagnosis. You can also go to a developmental pediatrician who are more knowledgeable generally in this area that general pediatricians. Good luck.

hi- I have a friend whose son is 8 and has autism. She has done 8 years of research and would love to help. She is very knowledgeable. Let me know if you are interested.

My three year old son sounded a lot like your 8 month old daughter. When he was two his speech was so delayed and he wouldn't eat much of anything solid. We put him speech therapy. His therapist recommended having him evaluted for occupational therapy. He qualified and is now recieving services for a sensory disorder. It's no where near as severe as autism, but has many of the same symptoms. He is very oversensitive to any touch... be it food, certain clothing, or anyone or anything touching him. He just started the program and we're already seeing some improvements. E-mail me if you want... ____@____.com
Good luck,
T.

J.,

My 6 yrd old son has PDD which is a form of Autism. I was once told he would never talk. Well, they were so wrong. Find an early childhood program and take full advantage of it. I did and believe me I am glad I did. Be pro-active in your fight with autism. Arm your self with every speak program you can get your child in. And if you live on Long Island the very best school for autism is Variety Child Learning Center in Sysosset NY. ###-###-####. Good Luck!

Hi J.

I am a great believer in alternative medicine because it's worked for me. I wouldn't have my daughter if I hadn't tried it. I also believe in reseaching as much as I can.

I don't have a child with autism but I saw a Dr. Neubrander on a video surfing he seemed impressive. I couldn't find it again but here are some links.

http://www.drneubrander.com/page1.html
www.danconference.com/
http://www.sashasrecovery.com/

Whatever you decide good luck and God bless,
G.

HUGS 2 u! My brother is Autistic. He is 10 years older than me but I have done a lot of research regarding Autism. I also used to work for an Early Intervention Agency so I understand both ends of the issue here. It is a little young to determine whether or not your daughter in fact has autism. Some kids had difficulty with any sensations including noise and cuddling. Even if it is a sensory issue Early Intervention can help. Ask your pediatrician for names of agencies in your area. Then call them up and make an appointmetn for an evaluation. The evaluation will consist of, usually, a psychologist, a special education teacher, occupational therapist, physical therapist and a speech therapist. They will evaluate your daughter in a play setting in which they can see whether or not she is delayed in any of these areas. If she is (knock of wood that she's not) they will recommend services for her, free of charge, in your home. Once you receive the recommendations you will have what is called an IFSP meeting (individualized family service plan). any services your daughter is entitled to will be finalized at that time. as for the autism piece right now...the best you can do is keep her environment structured and only slightly stimulating. Individuals who are autistic or have sensory integration issues have difficulty with overstimulation.

Best of luck to you!!!!!