autistic traits

[Guest guest]

I have been noticing some unusual behavior with Grace lately, but I just kept relying on it being that she is almost two. But, her nurse from the county came yesterday and mentioned something that struck me.

First of all, lately she has been very clumsy. She had a stone cold normal EEG so we know it is not seizures (thank god). We switched her allergy medicine and it helped some but it is now getting bad again. Secondly her language has been a big issue. We know she is understanding everything we say, yet she knows less than 5 words. She is learning to sign and she uses it some (usually when she wants something). Also when she is out in public she practically crawls into a little shell (although not always, but most of the time) she will not use any words nor will use her signs. She will clam up if someone tries to touch her (doctor visits are not fun). And then about a month ago she started toe walking. She has been walking normal for since 12 months now at 21 months she is on her toes, again not all the time. (I did not think this was a big deal but just asked the nurse because I had heard it was sometimes a sign of muscle control.) All of this in mind I was telling the nurse how she was doing (her 22 month assessment). She had mentioned a couple of things to contribute to the toe walking and one of them was autism. She said this was the first to strike her. She did not tell me that this is what it is, but suggested I bring it up with someone. I started looking it up on the Internet and she has so many of the characteristics. (We always think it is funny when she spins in circles, how did we know.)

This is why I come to you guys. I know autism is very common with mito, but how mild can it be? When she is home she is like a normal toddler, she laughs and is affectionate. Yes, she is totally different when she is out of her element, but can't that just be her personality. I would love it if anyone who has a child with autism (the more mild the better) would share there story. How is it diagnosed? Is your child "labeled" even if it is mild? Is there still the chance of going to a normal school classroom? I am really afraid of pursuing this, if it will only hinder her with a label that may not totally fit. I am trying so hard to give her a normal life. I know she will always have her problems, but we try to not show them off. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Mommy to Grace