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My son just turned 2 on the frist.He has this thing were he hits his head when he gets upset.I didnt really think anything about it.I thought maybe it was from not getting his way.but when he was younger you could just look at him and sometimes he would do it.I have said something to the doc the last 2 well visits we went to,he said it was normal.But then my mother in law had said something about autism.He got a set of blocks for his b-day and will play for hours with them and when it comes time to put them away he gets very upset,and the banging of the head will start.also little things like opening an closing his hands alot while standing there watching a tv show.I dont know what to do.He lays on the floor and push's the toy.He dosnt speak very much and if you spent the day with him you would say his favorit word is "hi" can anyone give me a little understanding if this might be autism or just a normally 2yr boy.
Your son may or may not have autism. That determination can only be made by a doctor, however you have certainly mentioned some of the early signs. My son who is now 7 displayed the same characteristics when he was 2. We were always concerned about him hitting his head when he was frustrated. At the age of 3, he received a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome which is a form of "high-functioning" autism.
It's great that you are so keen to these early signs. Many parents don't realize that the signs could point to autism until a much later age. I would recommend starting off by reading some information on autism or Asperger Syndrome. "The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome" contains a wealth of information.
If you have the means, you may want to look into several preschool programs around Austin that cater to kids on the autism spectrum. Even if your son does not have autism, these programs can help with social and language development. Our son went to the Capitol School of Austin before we decided to mainstream him in Round Rock ISD. I have also heard good things about the Rise School of Austin. If those aren't within your budget, you could check out your public school district's PPCD program. I believe these programs begin at the age of 3.
Please do your due diligence and check out any preschool or treatment plan that you decide to pursue. There are a lot of differing views out there on the causes for autism and the best treatment options. There is one such center in Austin that will requre your son to be evaluated with an endoscopy or colonoscopy before being accepted into their program. We decided to stay away from this program after doing some fairly extensive research.
Please feel free to DM me if you have any specific questions. Good luck!
Hi,
I completey understand your concerns and think it's wonderful that you are so clearly engaged with your son. Austism is not something that can be diagnosed casually, so I would recommend that you take him to a Developmental Pediatrician. They can tell you much more specifically what is going on with him, if anything at all. Unfortunately I can't make any recommendations in the Austin area, but maybe some of the other posters can. Another option may be to contact the Children's Hospital for a recommendation. Good luck and fingers crossed for good news!
I have two boys with autism spectrum disorders. My oldest is 11 and has Asperger's, while my 5 yo has more severe symptoms and is diagnosed with PDD-NOS. The 5 yo had very similar behaviors, except for the head banging, but from the beginning, he made "motorcycle hands" like he was twisting the throttle on a motorcycle. I suggest that you contact Early Childhood Intervention, which is a state-run program. They will come to your child (at home or day care) and test him for autism. They also often have information on programs available to help. Our doctor, who is generally an excellent MD, told us not to worry, too, but if a parent notices something odd, I would go with that over a doctor's opinion. Early treatment is key to addressing autism behaviors, so I encourage you to move on this as quickly as possible. Our 5 yo has been in school since he turned 3 and we have seen a huge improvement in him. Good luck.
Hi,
Have you taken your son to a neourologist? Ask your pediatrician for a referral. Also, you can have him evaluated at ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) at your local school district. They provide free therapy services until 3 yrs of age and then there is free preschool program until 5 yrs age if your son qualifies. How is your son's speech? If I were you, I would take action immediatly, irrespective of what your doctor says. Early intervention is the key. I have a 4 yr old son with PDD-NOS and we regret not addressing his problems at an early age.
Autism is so different in each child, it is hard to say if there is something to worry about. When autism was brought up about my daughter, I found this online test (link below). I was floored when I realized how many autistic traits she really had, and no she wasn't an eccentric kid like our doctor said. This was almost 6 years ago. I hope you can find the help you need. The earlier your child gets early intervention programs from the school district, the better they will do in school and at home. I don't know what state you are in, but some states have regional centers for persons with developmental disabilities that can be very helpful. Most school districts have an infant/toddler early intervention program. Call the special ed department ASAP. Getting an appt to see a good Dr. can take months. The sooner you get your child into a program, the better.
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A member of my family has a son 6 year old with autism. I'm not familiar enough with the autism spectrum disorders to provide you with a diagnosis, but he has some fairly debilitating speech problems, doesn't function well socially and doesn't have normal behavioral boundaries. He has a twin sister who is normal, so his mother was able to easily spot developmental abnormalities and he was diagnosed at an early age. She had a feeling that something "just wasn't right." When his sister was cooing and smiling and becoming interactive, he was largely silent and much less responsive to stimulation.
If you are having that feeling that something isn't right, you should probably initiate dialogue with your pediatrician about a referral to a specialist. While you can't diagnose autism yourself, you know your child best and are the most qualified person on earth to decide whether or not something is wrong.
Please visit Autism Research Institute and search Defeat Autism Now for a qualified Medical Doctor who will properly diagnose your child.
If you search for a doctor using this link, just know that you will find someone who uses biomedical methods to treat autism (diet, supplements, chelation therapy). While these methods may work for some kids, it didn't for mine. Just be sure you don't rule out more traditional medical treatments. A recommendation from your pediatrician is the best route I can recommend. Ours referred us to a pediatric neurologist who prescribed a medication that has helped our son immensely.
I really like some of the talks/books Temple Grandin has written on autism and aspergers.
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Autism Research Institute
