Need an educated opinion.

[hrmommy]

Hi I am new to this message board. I have a little girl who will turn 4 in August. She has a vocabulary of about 10 words, and makes no 2 word connections. Most of the time she talks in some different language. I have expressed my concerns with her doctor as well as the local pat providers. Her doctor recommended tubes in her ears for hearing loss. We did that 2 months ago and I thought it was helping at first. She has a very short attention span and seems to be sidetracked all the time. She uses her hands to signal her wants. She recently had tubes in her ears and that hasnt solved her speech delay problems. She started seeing a speech pathologist 2 weeks ago. Needless to say she is not cooperating with the speech teacher either. I have read to her since she was a baby. I have worked with her myself alot, but her attention span is about 1 minute. She has always been different, but I just thought she would come around. She seems to be going backwards developmentally, and she displays several characterisics of autism. She lines up her toys in perfect lines and she only eats certain things. She has a short temper, and sometimes she completly blocks me out when I talk to her. She can draw exceptionally well though, although she wont draw for long. I would appreciate your thoughts. :confused:

[AutMom]

Welcome to the group!

Seems like there's more going on than a need for tubes in the ears....Can the doctor refer you to some professionals who can better diagnose?

[autimom]

hi
i don't know if this is any help but my daughters doctor didn't believe she had asd because she's very outgoing and perceptive it just didn't fit to her of course she was a general pract. if you can't get referred to a specialist you may be able to go through your district school, or contact your school board. you can get evaluations for children 3 and up through the board of education where we live

[hrmommy]

Thanks so much for your responses. I took her to the doctor today and she thought it probably was autism. She is referring her to a specialist. Shes my only child and Im really nervous. I just dont understand this and its really overwhelming. Some of our family dont beleive it and others do, its frustrating. I just want Hannah to have a happy normal life. I really appreciate you guys responses. Its good to have someone who knows what Im feeling now. Thanks ;)

[autimom]

hrmommy, autism is such a scary word but it's just a word don't be afraid just raise hannah like the individual she is. There are times now when i think i'm afraid of a cure for my daughter. would i still know her, will she still need me? my own insecurities, best of luck to you both

[sharon]

Hi - You will be (are) a wonderful advocate for your daughter. Don't be afraid to advocate, question and implore. Ask the hard questions of your physicians and therapists and research all of your options. There are amazing things happening out there.

Give the relationship with her therapist a reasonable time to develop. They are both getting to know one another at this point. Speech/Communication is imperative. When you get a good fit, it's magic. But when you know it's not working, immediately request a replacement. This is in your best intersest, as therapists can be hard to come by and great therapists are even harder to come by. Look for a good fit for your family.

In the meantime, trust your instincts and respect what you know about your daughter. Don't be afraid to set reasonable guidelines with her. She can handle it. You will be her most significant teacher and you will guide those who follow.

[laurie]

if you only knew about christine she was also not a talker at the age of 3 and 4 she would rather be alone ,i am her daycare provider and in the beginning she strongly disliked her ''worker''as she knew while she was being programed at the workers house her sisters were at my house she gave her worker such a hard time that the worker quit, i trained and took over with everyone doubting it could work after all i was and had always just been her ''babysitter'' today christine is functioning in a normal school environment without a special assistant we work 2 hours each day mon to fri, she is the top student in her grade 4 class and if you saw her you would never ever know she is autistic
. i as well as everyone who knows her am shocked at her progress however i believe if she likes her worker she will do well never ever give up hope lauried