Re: New to group/Possible Autism

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group! I would say it's too early to rule out an

ASD. Your description sounds alot like Asperger's. Children with

Asperger's have average or above average intelligence. Obsessive-

compulsive behaviors (if not full blown OCD) are common. Special

interests are par for the course (restricted interests are part of

the disgnostic criteria). Hoarding of useless objects isn't unheard

of. Not playing with toys in the intended way - instead being

interested in the parts and how the work is a pretty classic sign of

autism.

My son (12 years old) has an Asperger's diagnosis along with OCD (the

OCD comes in distinct bouts). All of my son's development was on

time, sometimes a bit precocious (i.e. He could tell analog and

digital time at 4). His social skills deficits (what truly sets him

apart as he gets older) were not apparent until he was in

kindergarten - and then only in hindsight when dh and I view old home

movies. He was, until about 2nd grade, a child that was able to

blend in with his peers. As the social complexities in elementary

increased, his differences began to stand out more. Fourth grade is

when I noticed a big difference. It was as if his peers jumped 2

steps forward and he stayed standing in place.

If your concerns continue - and it sounds like you have reason for

concern - I would have him evaluated by a developmental

pediatrician. Early intervention can be very successful. It's best

to go ahead and book an appt now, even if you decide you don't need

it later. It's a specialty in high demand these days and appts are

often booked several months out.

You might also check out this site -

http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/.

Khris

>

> My name is and my 3 year old was just diagnosed with

possible OCD. Because of his

> age, it is impossible to get a diagnosis. We brought him to a

neurologist because he has

> shown some of the symptoms of autism and asperbers. So far, he is

developmentally right on

> track, verbally great, but completely obsessed with certain items.

He is fixated on balloons,

> strings, rocks, weeds. He collects things. He ties things. He

doesn't want to play with his toys

> the way they are intended. He drives us crazy!

>

> We have an appt. with a psychologist who specializes in children

and behavioral modification.

> At this time, he is too young to medicate and I feel better

exploring other avenues first. I

> myself have ocd and have lived with nervous tics from early

childhood. I'm on Paxil now and

> doing great.

>

> Just wanted to see if anyone else has preschoolers like me.

>

> Thanks,

>

>