Hi. I'm a newbie here, and I need some help.

[gilliansmommy909]

Hello,

My name is Mary. My daughter is six years old and has been showing signs that she may be autistic.

# Most of the time does not respond to her name.
# Doesn't tell or describe she wants--mostly she points and says "That one mommy" without trying to elaborate on what she wants.
# Experienced language delays.
# Does not follow directions at all
# Appear at times to have a hearing impairment--Her hearing has been tested several times, and is totally normal.
# Has VERY little eye contact
# Always appears to be in her own world.
# Has odd movement patterns (She flails her hands around a lot).
# Has unusual attachment to toys or other objects (She chews on her toys).
# She regularly lines up toys, books, or just about ANYTHING she can get to line up. (She screams if someont puts one of her toys out of line).
# Always shaking her head as if she's saying "no" all the time.
# She throws very intense tantrums--screaming, stomping, throwing her toys, etc...
# She needs constant reminders to go potty, if she is asked if she needs to go, she'll say "No, mommy" and 2 or 3 minutes later she's wet or messy or both.

She's been diagnosed with ADHD, but I recently started to think that maybe she was misdiagnosed. Or maybe she has them both. I am at my wit's end. :(

We have a doctor's appointment on the 21st. I am not quite sure how to brooch the autism subject to her doctor. I have been researching autism, and many of the symptoms totally mirror my daughter's behavior.

Any comments or advice would be VERY MUCH appreciated! I need all of the help I can get.

Thanks!!!

[sharon]

Hi Mary -
Many of the things you describe are indicators that a diagnosis of Autism would be probable. Have you discussed your concerns with her pediatrician previously? I'm suprised that these things would go unnoticed by her health care team for so long. She's six years old, yes?

The best way to brooch the subject is to come right out with it. Unfortunately, many health care providers hesitate to "go there" unless the family requests it. When you meet with her physician, you can express your concerns clearly. Tell them what you are concerned about and why. Ask them to give you a referral to see a Pediatric Neurologist. I would also request an MDE (Multi-Diciplinary Evaluation). You are entitled to these by State and Federal Law.
Good Luck!

[gilliansmommy909]

Sharon,

I had a MDE done for her last year, and they said it was ADHD, so I thought that was truly the problem, but recently I have been researching her symptoms and I have come to a different conclusion than the doctor's who previously examined her. I have told her kindergarten teacher about my suspicions of autism, and she said the same thing you did about coming right out with it at our next doctor's appointment. I will do just that. Thanks so much for the advice!

Mary

[Greenclovers66]

Have you taken her to a child psychologist for an evaluation? That would be a good beginning. They can rule out or confirm many things. One other thing that should be considered is an appointment with a nuerologist. I don't know what area you are from, but your pediatrician should be able to assist you with this. If not, there must be a mental health organization locally that would be able to give you some help in locating these medical professionals. It is always a good idea to get a professional diagnosis, somethings can mirror autism and be something completely different.

[gilliansmommy909]

I fully plan to have my daughter thoroughly examined and tested to find out what is going on. She has a doctor's appointment on thursday. Her pediatrician hopefully can help me find out if she is truly autistic or not.

[sharon]

Hi Again Mary,

I forgot to mention something - sometimes children exhibiting similar symtoms as your little one can benefit from vitamin suppliments and/or restricted diets, i.e. the DAN protocol.

There seems to be a pretty firm body of evidence out there that suggests that they may have issues of malabsorption. I've seen some very positive results. Not always, but enough to make me wonder.

Some physicians are up on this, some know nothing or dismiss it because it doesn't fit into their box.(Beware of them!) We tend to be awed and at times intimidated by the medical community. They are there to provide a service, and most do so with kindness and compassion. If your physician can't answer a particular question, ask her/him to direct you to someone who can.

You could also check out a book "More Than Words"/The Hanen Approach to support communication. Am I allowed to mention specific texts here? Hmmmm. It offers straightforward and succinct ways in which to build communication. Although it seems to me that it is geared towards a younger child, it is easy to adapt the information to fit your particular needs. It also explains, in laymans terms the methodology and reasoning behind the approach. It might be helpful to you. Building communication will make everyones life easier. It also has cute cartoons. Perfect for my short attention span/easily distracted/busy self. Your local library could probably access it for you.

Finally, with some of the things that you mentioned in your original post, I'm wondering about auditory processing. It's kind of like, not what she hears but how she hears it and how she is able to process what she hears. Maybe your physician can tease that out with you.

[gilliansmommy909]

Sharon,

Thanks for the extra advice! I have been looking into the DAN protocol, it seems pretty interesting, but it is SO restrictive. I have a hard enought time getting Gillian to eat what is normally served to her, so trying to adapt her to a new diet would be VERY difficult. Gillian is a picky eater to begin with. Her doctor has taken her off of the ritalin she was on for ADHD because she won't eat enough while she is on it, and therefore doesn't gain much weight. She has always been very thin and frail looking, even though she is MUCH stronger than her very thin frame would let on. Anyhow, Gillian's doctor is VERY compassionate and caring. She listened to my concerns and referred me to an autism clinic for some testing. I am calling first thing in the morning to make an appointment. It's 90 miles from home, but if I can get some answers, I'll take her!

Wish Me Luck!!
Mary

[AutMom]

Good luck to you! The testing should be helpful.

[Bethintx]

I have a friend whose son was dx'd with ADHD and was given Ritalin. When they moved to our area, the school teachers and therapists noticed some of his behavior was more autistc. They noted their concerns to Liz and she took him to another doctor. It turned out he was not ADD at all, but has Asbergers! He's off the medication now and is responding better to the education and therapies for the autism spectrum. Now his parents know better whats going on when he acts out. Its wonderful when that light comes on and you discover the real diagnosis and get the right treatments!

I hope you find out soon. It sounds to me there is autistic-like behavior in your daughter!

Also speak with a neurologist about the symptoms. That's who dx'd my Ryan.

[sharon]

Hi Mary,

I'm so glad your doctor was supportive. Bring some good music for your long ride. Of course, bring some for Gillian but bring some for youself. Singing helps.

I'm hoping to meet with someone in my area soon to discuss her experience with the DAN diet. It has been my experience that many children who are finicky eaters can be eased into these (diets) with patience and time. A little sleight of hand doesn't hurt either. Believe me, I understand that her health and nutrition are of the utmost importance to you as her mom and it would seem that the above is easier said than done. Having said that, Moms are magicians and have uncanny ability when called upon. I'm sure that if this is the way to go for your family you will be successful.

The other important factor is that these diets are in some respects much closer to what is ultimately healthy. Removing the colors, additives and (fill in expletives) can only make ALL of us better.

Best Wishes, Mary, you and little Gillian are in my thoughts! I hope you get the answers you are looking for and the support you deserve.

Sharon

[gilliansmommy909]

Sharon, Greenclovers66, AutMom, Bethintx,

Thanks for all of your advice and support! When I take Gillian to her appointment, I will ask about the DAN diet, and ALL other forms of treatment that are possible. I want my daughter to have as "normal" a life as she can, and I am hoping that this clinic will help her. I desperately want to find my way into her world, so that I may try to bring her a little more into mine.

Best Regards,
Mary

[Khaleasmom1]

Hi Mary, my name is Brenda. I am the mother of three daughters. My 5 year old has been diagnosed with both Autism & ADHD. It does sound like your daughter has many signs of Autism. I would just tell your daughters doctor that you have been doing some research on autism and your daughter has some of the signs of Autism and you want to get her evalulated. I'm surprised they didnt suspect Autism sooner. Did she have these symptoms when she was diagnosed with ADHD? Good Luck.

Brenda