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2 yr old lines up toys and side gaze

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June 22nd, 2009
Hi,
My youngest of five just turned 2 and was observed by EI team (dev teacher &speech). They observed him for an hour and said he qualifies for speech and special- ed (speech, social and cognitive deficiencies). He came into the room with us, made eye contact, but really was in and out of the room. He pushed his toy, went in the play room, came back, played with his trains but never really interested in interacting with the teachers. He played the "pick the toy" game but got 2/3 wrong. She said it looked inconsistent because he looked at the correct object but appeared to want the other. For instance the bannana instead of juice cup. He stacked 4 blocks and then put them back in the bucket and dumped but got up and left again.

My question is that i told them he lined up toys and then ran along side them. They didn't seem concerned. I asked if they thought he was autistic and they said No, he made good eye contact and answered his name. They said he didn't exhibit in the hour they watched him any typical autistic signs. I assume that means, toe-walking, flapping, twirling or any noticeable behaviors.

I think he is. For instance, i have seen him walk by the stove handle and he turns his eyes to follow the handle or get really close to the cabinets. I can call him and he immediately looks at me but its quirky. You have to spend time with him to see him do it because its not like it happens all the time. He also gets down to eye level to play with his cars and trains.

He has like 5 words but they are more sounds, Ugh oh, ank you (thank you), wow, rib-it, and he will make a ROAR sound for a lion. He is constantly trying to talk to his brothers and sisters but its more like humming with inflection like his tongue isn't moving. The speech path said physically their isn't anything wrong.

He does play with his brother pushing a ball back and forth (great arm), he does follow the kids so he appears to enjoy them and he smiles and laughs alot. He is an awesome sleeper and eater. He know what to do with a phone and a comb when he gets his hands on them.

Should i call the developmental teacher back and stress my concerns or should i just go to a pediatric neurologist? I want to get him help but the "right" help. Also, do you think he will eventually speak even if he is autistic.
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LisaJoanne
replied July 1st, 2009
Experienced User
This is a tough one. My son saw paediatricians and neurologists from the age of two and they did not have a diagnosis for him. He too lined up toys but displayed no obvious traits of autism. It was however obvious that there was some kind of problem. It took his second grade teacher to insist on testing for autism as his doctor did not think he had it. Lo and behold, he was then diagnosed as autistic. Unfortunately he is intellectually delayed as well. You son may or may not be autistic. The fact that you are concerned about it is enough for me to suggest that you should consult a specialist doctor about it. Either he won't have it and you can set your mind at rest or he will and you can then get him the kind of help he needs. I think that would be a win-win situation. You know this child better than anyone so you need to have your concerns addressed. I never thought my son would speak, but he eventually started and now at eighteen years of age has an excellent vocabulary and he is hard to shut up. The autism spectrum is so wide that each child on it is so different. I advise you to follow your instincts and you won't go too far wrong. After all, you just want the best for your child.
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mom5
replied July 1st, 2009
Hi again and thanks.

If you were to look back and ask yourself, "What were the thing(s) that you just knew made him autistic even when the dr's said no?"

I called the special ed teacher and she is telling me to wait on the specialist and give my son a chance to respond since there were many things that pointed no autism.

A new area for me which appears to be highly subjective. Maybe with your experience and being able to look back maybe you can help me.

thanks again.
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BumbleBeeBounce
replied July 10th, 2009
Hello,
I am a Mental Health Nurse. Both my brother and sister have autism. Considering you are still questioning the evaluation of your sons' behaviour, I think it would be wise to seek further advice about your son. You are aware that this is not typical behaviour and it is wise of you to question their response. It certainly appears that your son has common characteristics of Autism. My brother also lines up cars, positioning each toy with precision with a great deal of time and focus. Swaying is also another common characteristic and speech and communication are the two most common traits of Autism.

However, at two years old, all children are developing at different rates, therefore it is impossible to be sure and could just be a delay in social development. I hope everything goes well for you and your son on your next meeting with the specialist.
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mom5
replied July 10th, 2009
Thanks bumblebeebounce. Just today we met again and we went through goals and intervention services for speech and special ed. I explained again that over the past month he doesn't line things up anymore but he is still running with a side gaze and dropping his head if he passes something in his path. No percision or focus. Not sure why he stopped lining them up but he never cared about being exact, what type or how many. He is pointing,waving,good eye contact. He is approachable and will play for periods of time when engaged. They agreed his running thing did appear to be a visual stim but that he isn't doing it alot and can be easily distracted and so many other things other than speech that saids no to autism.

I am skeptical. I have an appointment with a neurologist next month but i think the special ed and early intervention team and my mom and husband will think i am nuts. They seem confident he is not autistic. They don't know that i made the appointment. Should i go to relieve my worries or give the services time to work? What would you do?
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BumbleBeeBounce
replied July 11th, 2009
You made an appointment with the neurologist for next month out of instinct. To cancell this appointment may lead to being unsatisfied with the answers you have got from the specialist, and maybe regretting not having the last and final opinion, to put your mind at rest.

If it is going to cause disagreement with the family, then i think it is something you just need to seek yourself, rather than telling your mum and husband (..unless of course you dont want to keep anything from them,).

I think (personally) the fact that he has stopped so many typical traits of autism is a big thumbs up. I hope the outcome confirms the best! Its looking good so far though. See what the services can achieve!
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mom5
replied July 14th, 2009
It took 3 mths for that appointment so like you said i may regret missing it and i need to do it for myself. I will have 3 weeks of services by the time of his appointment so more input may be helpful.

Thank you again. You must be a very very special person. Either way it goes for my son, i can tell you without a doubt i have gained a deeper appreciation for all special needs children including all autistic children that will carry with me forever. Thanks again and God Bless!
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BumbleBeeBounce
replied July 15th, 2009
thankyou
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