Recent Diagnosis/Questions

[Nappier]

My 2 year old nephew has been showing signs of autism over the past few months. He crawled late, walked a little late, and turned 2 about two weeks ago and is not talking yet. He is very social, and smiles and plays with everyone. He also knows every letter in the alphbet and knows the sound each one of them makes (for example, he knows the letter 'C' makes a 'kka' sound.) He also knows each number from 1 -20, but he can only speak about 15 words (moma, dada, poppa, up, down, etc.) He tries to say other words when we ask him to repeat them, but the words come out very mumbled. He is extremely receptive and understands everything we say to him or around him. My nephew does not spin himself around, but he does run back and forth consistantly, and occasionally runs on his toes. Also, when excited he does have slight unusual arm movements. I know these are all red flags. My sister got his hearing checked, and his hearing is fine. Yesterday he was diagnosed with PDD. My family was happy because the word 'autism' wasn't used in the dianosis. However, I am the only one in my family who isn't afraid of doing my own research. It is my understanding that Autism one type of PDD, as is Rett's, and Aspeber's, etc. My sister spefically asked if his diagnosis was autism, and the doctor said my nephew is not autistic, and with early intervention "he could do great." I am afraid the doctor did not want to use the word 'autistic' to upset my sister and her husband, and used the phrase PDD because it is not as well known as autism. Furthermore, I would like to know what "he could do great" means? Does that mean there is a chance with E.I., he can be retrained and attend regular schools, and fit in socially? Or does that mean he could do great for someone with this ailment, but he will always be noticably different? I realize there is no way for the doctors to know what a child will turn out like in 20 years, I would like to know if there is a possibility of EI helping a child back into mainstream society, or are we expecting EI to improve him to the best of his abilities. I realize my family is very lucky because at this point, whatever disorder he does have, it is not as severe as other cases. However, I would like to know if anyone out there has been in the situation I'm in now, and can give me their opinion or advice. If you have any further questions, please ask. Thank you.

[Boshie]

Hi Nappier
Maybe if you get a list of milestones that a child should have reached by age 2 the parents will get a "reality check". Unfortunately right now the child is "cute" and somewhat behaving himself, this may not always be the case, as I've heard and experienced biting and headbanging may begin approx age of 3-5. And is it still "cute" when the child prefers to be naked, still wears diapers, acts inappropriately at 13? Get help now! The sooner our children are helped the better. Check out the DAN protocol.
Boshie

[clgonzal]

Hi Nappier

My son has autism and mild case as your nephew, and he was first diagnosed as PDD and it is mostly a term used by doctor who are not familiarize with Autism disorder. Autism is a disorder and it means it is not affect all individual in the same way, but all thing you're mentioning are part of the Autism spectrum.

The best probabilities for your nephew futures relays in therapy, as early as possible and in their parents and family to realize that he may be autistic.

Beleive me is going to be a hard punch and hard to stand up, but for sure some doctor down the road will give the news in the appropriate way without any upset concern,

[marti jennings]

in Texas, there is ECI, early childhood intervention. untill age three. then, there is the public school system. my almost three yr.old will start summer school in early june. the school system has totally embraced us. After a year of almost zero help from drs. I decided to take controll. enrolling in speech therapy. look into book, More than words. apx 50$. look into casien,glutenand yeast free diet. Take pictues of all of his stuff and post on frig w/ magnets so he can communicate w/ you. good luck. Call the school system and beg for help. over and over if nec.