Aspergers'?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2003
Aspergers'?
2
Tue, 03-28-2006 - 3:58pm

My son is 2.8 years old. He's been diagnosed with apraxia and sensory integration dysfunction. A psychologist observed him and felt he was not autistic, but I can't help but feel that there's something more going on.
Some of my concerns:
- he spends the majority of the day either wanting to watch tv or playing with his tools. He loves anything to do with construction, and is always building or fixing. So much so - he has a toy room that he has barely touched in the last week or so -because he just plays with the tools (he does play with them appropriately, though).
- He does not interact with peers. He's only talked to a child his age once, and that was with prompting. He does often observe what others are doing, but will never join in. Group situations are the worst for him. He keeps to himself as far away from the others as he can.
-His tantrums can get very severe, and comforting him by holding him only makes it worse. He does better if left alone (in a safe place of course).
- He usually doesn't respond when someone says hi or addresses him.
- He often will not respond to his name or questions (even though he's capable)
- He has never danced or sang
- He's a very picky eater and is usually on a food jag of some sort (right now it's strawberry milk).
- He seems very bright, and many people have described him as "you can almost see the wheels turning" when he's playing
- He's very serious and has a straight face most of the time (although he does laugh at times, too)
- There have been times where he's gotten upset by a change -rearranged furniture, a missing area rug, etc. He can get very particular about how he wants things, but other times he can also go with the flow.
-He get's along better with adults than with peers (he definately sticks out when around other kids).
- He's awkward and clumsy. Currently he's got a mild gross motor delay. He runs very strange (kind of choppy, and with his hands down).
-He's got a good many sensory issues.
-He has a tendency to hit or bite, but does well with redirection most times.
-He was considered nonverbal at 18 months, but with therapy he is now actually above age appropriate, except in articulation.

I'm wondering if anyone sees anything similar to Asperger's in him, or if he's just a quirky kid. Thanks,

Jen

Avatar for nutmegspice
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 03-28-2006 - 4:24pm

Welcome!

I'm curious what kind of psychologist it was that observed him? Was it a development psych, or neuropshych. "regular" psychologist will often miss some things in high functioning kids. My DS wasn't dx until he was 5.5 and had seen at least 2 different psychs. for behavior since the age of 3.

From what you've written, I'd say an eval. from a good pediatric neuropsychologist or developmental pediatrician is warranted. In the particular the lack of social interaction and fixations on certain toys and food that comes and goes. I'm not saying it's Asperger's but it's definately something to check out.

I wish we'd picked up on our DS earlier; he may be better off now if we had.

Good luck!

Chrystee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 03-28-2006 - 10:30pm

If you are concerned, take him for a second oppinion. It can be very hard to diagnose at a young age and unless a doctor is very very experienced with ASD's they may miss it. Diagnosing ASD's unfortunately isn't an exact science.

It doesn't seem that you are comfortable with this oppinion so get another.

Renee

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