Gathering Info on Possible Mild Autism/aspergers Diagnosis

A.,

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I have a couple of comments. First, that is a huge change in your children's lifes and I'm not surprised if she is acting more withdrawn or different. Second, my little brother hardly talked at all until he was 3 and went to pre-school. I pretty much talked for him and he had no need to talk more. He is fine now. Third, the daycare workers probably meant well-- and might have been in line to say she isn't talking or interacting at the normal level for her age, but they certainly can not diagnosis such a disorder. I would talk to your pediatrician and follow his or her advice. If you feel your daughter should be talking more or more social-- try a class with other kids. I have a feeling she will be just fine.

Good luck. You will be in my thoughts.

Hi A.,

First, I am so sorry to hear about your loss! That has got to be incredibly difficult and scary. Good for you for working with a bereavement social worker. I'm sure they will be a wonderful support and resource for you and your children.

In regards to the possible autism, it sounds like you are on track having contacted your pediatrician. Another option would be to contact your local school district's Special Education Department to discuss your concerns and explore the possibility of having a formal assessment completed. I actually work for an Early Intervention team at a local school district and we routinely evalutate children ages birth to five for a variety of different concerns.

Here is a link from a wonderful website, Autism Speaks, that offers some wonderful information on autism including some red flags and a developmental milestone checklist:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/learnsigns.php

Best of luck to you!

J.

HOLY COW!! that daycare is TOTALLY TOTALLY out of line!! i cant even believe it! i'd pull my child out ASAP and find somewhere new...from experience, Aspergers is commonly mis-diagnosed as ADHD in children till the preteen years. and it happens because most of the symptoms are extremely similar in very young children. during the preteen years children may add symptoms such as a high sex drive unusual for a 10 year old or something like that....if you're concerned about behaviour issues it could be because your daughter just experienced her first loss...maybe a behaviour therapist would be a good idea...ask a pediatrician about what they may think...and PULL THAT GIRL OUT OF THE DAYCARE!!!! as soon as you can!

good luck! keep me posted if you'd like! ____@____.com

First - I am sorry to hear that you have to deal with all this. It was hard enough to deal with my son's ASD diagnois, I can't imagine all the rest. Additionally, we started to suspect ASD for Scott, now 2.5yo, at about 18mo. He is in the middle of the ASD range on most tests. Very socially interested in others, but not very communicative. Only about 200 words. We went through our ISD for testing and education info. We did try to start with Early On, but that agency only goes to 3 yo. Scott will go to the Early Childhood Delay classroom at our school this fall to get his speech and occupational therapy. Our doctor was not very helpful with all this as our insurance considers ASD an educational problem not a medical one. For us, it was better to not have him medically diagnosised. That way our insurance won't deny claims. I would say to contact your ISD and find out about testing. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. Lots of luck to you. N. ____@____.com

Hi A. - I would take with a grain of salt (make that a tablespoon) what the non-experts on autism at the daycare are saying. They do not have training in making this diagnosis and I have to say it is very irresponsible for them to say that to you. While your daughter may be displaying some behaviors that aren't quite normal for her usual self, there are some life-stressors going on here! There are specific criteria for autism and autistic-like behavior that only trained medical professionals can and should apply to the individual case. I really believe that a lot of kids these days are being thrown into the autism "pile" because it is a convenient catch-all diagnosis for a lot of anti-social behaviors displayed in kids. I would advise that if YOU think that your daughter should be evaluated, Early On is a good place to start. If you have insurance coverage (so it won't be too expensive), I would also consider having her evaluated by a pediatric neuropsychologist, who I think would be the very best specialist to diagnose your daughter if she really has something. If you end up needing a name for one, I have a suggestion if you want to send me a private message.

I do know someone who is said to have mild autism..he belongs to one of my cousins, and only was diagnosed. He is now 6...but I guess he also has been having mild sezures. Sometimes ya wonder if he has ADHD how he gets so frustrated with things..but that is what the doctor said. I guess this year he will change from his religious school to one that helps kids with autism. Oh by the way, he talks still..likes to lay down and play cars all alone for hours. Good luck

My condolences on the loss of your husband...you are going through a tough time right now. As for your daughter and getting help - you can contact Early On of MI (1-800-earlyon)- which is an early intervention program. They will come to your house and evaluate your daughter for speech, physical development, coordination, etc. If they see something that might need theraphy (such as slow speech, etc.) they can provide some money towards it, as well as offering lists for where you can get necessary services. Also, your school district will also do this evaluation and develop an IEP (Individual Education Plan). If speech is an issue, they will provide FREE speech therapy with a certified speech therapist. We have had speech therapy for over 2 years now (started before my son was 2) and he is almost at an age appropriate level (but don't let me scare you - my son didn't speak at ALL, and I was told it was unlikely that he'd ever excel at speech)! We've had a complete turnaround with my son and I'm so glad I sought assistance for him while he was so you - there will be no stigma of being 'special' in school! Good luck.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I'm taking my daughter to the University of Michigan to be evaluated for Autism. At first we just thought that she was very shy. But she had other behaviors that we couldn't understand, or pass off as a phase. I wonder if any of that is true for you.

Hi A.,

First I want to say sorry for the loss of your husband. For your children I think some counseling would be a good idea if you are able to get it. I lost my father when I was 7 and it affected my life in so many ways for years, counseling was not very popular back then, but I think it would have helped me deal with my loss. You should also be able to talk to the counselors about the possibility of autism/aspergers. My daughter was diagnosed with aspergers about a year and a half ago, she is 15 years old now. You can go online and find symptoms for autism or check out books at the library. There are checklists that you can look at to see if she has symptoms or not, you know her best. If you want to talk more about aspergers please feel free to email me.

good luck,
D.

Hi my name is D. and I am not sure if your local or not but the U of M Hospital has Doctors that can help you

Hello A.,
I'm sorry for your loss. I was going to mention Early On also, I know they have given help and peace of mind to a number of my friends. How long was your daughter in the daycare? It just seems strange to me that if they really were concerned they'd want until the last day. Maybe she is just quiet and grieving herself. I would see if your pediatrician or social worker can refer you to a child psychologist. And I'm not sure how daycare people are qualified to make any kind of diagnosis. Wish I could say more to help.

I just want to say how deeply sorry I am for you and your children, I can only imagine what you all are going threw. As for your 3yr old, my assumption would be that it is her way of dealing with the sickness & now loss of her father. You might still want to get her tested, just to be on the safe side & put your mind at ease.

J.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I think you are going about it the right way, first the ped appt and don't panic. It could be any number of things that they are "seeing." Your life has no doubt been stressful and so has hers. Hang in there!
Hugs