So my 3 year old son was diagnosed in the autism spectrum today

[Paulie]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

 

[ConHog]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

Paulie, sounds like your son has a similar diagnosis to my daughter. DO you have a good doctor? Our specialists thinks our almost 3 year old will actually grow out of it.

Prayers to you my good man, it isn't easy finding something like that out.

 

[Sherry]

 

[xotoxi]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

I have three suggestions for you:

1. Therapy
2. Therapy
3. Therapy

I believe it works, but it will be a fulltime job.

My cousin's son (they live in the Philly area) has autism spectrum. I saw him last April when he was 5 and he was repeating everything that was said and would not interact with my then 4 year old. They did therapy of various types for a year, and I saw him last month.

He had improved dramatically...he was interactive with adults and with my 5 year old. He was very intrigued with spacial things (wanting to know what was behind each door) and mechanical things (like the ceiling fan)...but he seemed essentially normal. I believe they had refined the dx to Aspergers.

If you are in the Philly area (Northwestern), I could find out some names for you if you'd like.

 

[random3434]

There are many spectrums to autism Paulie, many famous people had a form of autism.

Daryl Hannah and Dan Aykroid are just two of them.

It's going to be ok my friend.



Famous People With Autism

 

[ConHog]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

I have three suggestions for you:

1. Therapy
2. Therapy
3. Therapy

I believe it works, but it will be a fulltime job.

My cousin's son (they live in the Philly area) has autism spectrum. I saw him last April when he was 5 and he was repeating everything that was said and would not interact with my then 4 year old. They did therapy of various types for a year, and I saw him last month.

He had improved dramatically...he was interactive with adults and with my 5 year old. He was very intrigued with spacial things (wanting to know what was behind each door) and mechanical things (like the ceiling fan)...but he seemed essentially normal. I believe they had refined the dx to Aspergers.

If you are in the Philly area (Northwestern), I could find out some names for you if you'd like.

We were diagnosed at BOston's Childrens . Best damn hospital EVER IMO.

 

[Paulie]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

Paulie, sounds like your son has a similar diagnosis to my daughter. DO you have a good doctor? Our specialists thinks our almost 3 year old will actually grow out of it.

Prayers to you my good man, it isn't easy finding something like that out.

Today was his first visit to see a neurologist. Apparently this doctor is the man at this hospital, so I trust the prognosis. He's the head of Neurology there. You don't get an appointment with him as quick as we got one. Our pediatrician pulled some strings and got us in with a couple day's notice. Originally we were on a waiting list until January.

 

[random3434]

One of the boys with autism in our school had the highest ISTEP Score for his grade level last year. (Our state's standardized test)

He's only 3, he has his whole life in front of him, expect great things out of your son Paulie!

 

[ConHog]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

Paulie, sounds like your son has a similar diagnosis to my daughter. DO you have a good doctor? Our specialists thinks our almost 3 year old will actually grow out of it.

Prayers to you my good man, it isn't easy finding something like that out.

Today was his first visit to see a neurologist. Apparently this doctor is the man at this hospital, so I trust the prognosis. He's the head of Neurology there. You don't get an appointment with him as quick as we got one. Our pediatrician pulled some strings and got us in with a couple day's notice. Originally we were on a waiting list until January.

Glad to hear it, a good Dr makes all the difference in the world if you ask me.

 

[Luissa]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

There is a lot of resources out there right now.
Right now I am going through what I should with my son for pre school, and I have many options. LIke you said, a lot of stuff has changed.
You should see if they have a program at the school district. My son right now can go to pre school at a public school, but they also have therapy for the children, and they help them prepare for kindergarten, so they can be in a normal class.

 

[Paulie]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

I have three suggestions for you:

1. Therapy
2. Therapy
3. Therapy

I believe it works, but it will be a fulltime job.

My cousin's son (they live in the Philly area) has autism spectrum. I saw him last April when he was 5 and he was repeating everything that was said and would not interact with my then 4 year old. They did therapy of various types for a year, and I saw him last month.

He had improved dramatically...he was interactive with adults and with my 5 year old. He was very intrigued with spacial things (wanting to know what was behind each door) and mechanical things (like the ceiling fan)...but he seemed essentially normal. I believe they had refined the dx to Aspergers.

If you are in the Philly area (Northwestern), I could find out some names for you if you'd like.

Yeah, my son doesn't do the repeating thing. I mean, he'll repeat stuff, but it's more like when you're prompting him to. He interacts totally normal with adults. It's his peer group that he has an issue with.

Wherever he actually is on the "spectrum" has got to be like right on the cusp. He's about as "normal" as it gets besides the social hesitance with peers and the speech delay.

 

[Luissa]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

I have three suggestions for you:

1. Therapy
2. Therapy
3. Therapy

I believe it works, but it will be a fulltime job.

My cousin's son (they live in the Philly area) has autism spectrum. I saw him last April when he was 5 and he was repeating everything that was said and would not interact with my then 4 year old. They did therapy of various types for a year, and I saw him last month.

He had improved dramatically...he was interactive with adults and with my 5 year old. He was very intrigued with spacial things (wanting to know what was behind each door) and mechanical things (like the ceiling fan)...but he seemed essentially normal. I believe they had refined the dx to Aspergers.

If you are in the Philly area (Northwestern), I could find out some names for you if you'd like.

Yeah, my son doesn't do the repeating thing. I mean, he'll repeat stuff, but it's more like when you're prompting him to. He interacts totally normal with adults. It's his peer group that he has an issue with.

Wherever he actually is on the "spectrum" has got to be like right on the cusp. He's about as "normal" as it gets besides the social hesitance with peers and the speech delay.

He probably has aspergers. They are usually high functioning. My friends brother has it. The kid is a genius, but he has a hard time dealing with other kids.

 

[Paulie]

I have three suggestions for you:

1. Therapy
2. Therapy
3. Therapy

I believe it works, but it will be a fulltime job.

My cousin's son (they live in the Philly area) has autism spectrum. I saw him last April when he was 5 and he was repeating everything that was said and would not interact with my then 4 year old. They did therapy of various types for a year, and I saw him last month.

He had improved dramatically...he was interactive with adults and with my 5 year old. He was very intrigued with spacial things (wanting to know what was behind each door) and mechanical things (like the ceiling fan)...but he seemed essentially normal. I believe they had refined the dx to Aspergers.

If you are in the Philly area (Northwestern), I could find out some names for you if you'd like.

Yeah, my son doesn't do the repeating thing. I mean, he'll repeat stuff, but it's more like when you're prompting him to. He interacts totally normal with adults. It's his peer group that he has an issue with.

Wherever he actually is on the "spectrum" has got to be like right on the cusp. He's about as "normal" as it gets besides the social hesitance with peers and the speech delay.

He probably has aspergers. They are usually high functioning. My friends brother has it. The kid is a genius, but he has a hard time dealing with other kids.

The Dr. said they don't diagnose aspbergers this early with children. It's not until closer to 10. Aspbergers apparently isn't accompanied by speech delays like my son has, either. They typically handle language well right from the beginning.

 

[random3434]

Yeah, let's not all go diagnosing Paulie jr. gang.

Let's just give Paulie sr. support.

 

[Luissa]

Yeah, my son doesn't do the repeating thing. I mean, he'll repeat stuff, but it's more like when you're prompting him to. He interacts totally normal with adults. It's his peer group that he has an issue with.

Wherever he actually is on the "spectrum" has got to be like right on the cusp. He's about as "normal" as it gets besides the social hesitance with peers and the speech delay.

He probably has aspergers. They are usually high functioning. My friends brother has it. The kid is a genius, but he has a hard time dealing with other kids.

The Dr. said they don't diagnose aspbergers this early with children. It's not until closer to 10. Aspbergers apparently isn't accompanied by speech delays like my son has, either. They typically handle language well right from the beginning.

Ah!
My son had problems with speech, sign language worked really well for him.

 

[Paulie]

Yeah, let's not all go diagnosing Paulie jr. gang.

Let's just give Paulie sr. support.

Thanks, I'm good though. It's a hard pill to swallow, but I have confidence that therapy and good parenting will help a lot.

I see a lot parents allow the diagnosis to dictate a child's life, whereas I'm not going to let that happen. I will beat the diagnosis and have my kid hanging with the best of them.

 

[jillian]

it sounds like you have a good attitude.

there are people who think bill gates has aspbergers syndrome. his life turned out pretty well, i think.

this site is the hollyrod foundation. it has links and informaiton that might be of assistance for you.

HollyRod Foundation

 

[Paulie]

He probably has aspergers. They are usually high functioning. My friends brother has it. The kid is a genius, but he has a hard time dealing with other kids.

The Dr. said they don't diagnose aspbergers this early with children. It's not until closer to 10. Aspbergers apparently isn't accompanied by speech delays like my son has, either. They typically handle language well right from the beginning.

Ah!
My son had problems with speech, sign language worked really well for him.

We did signs a little bit back in the day. He still pats his chest sometimes for "please" out of habit, even though now he knows how to say "can i have X, please?".

 

[Wicked Jester]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

I got involved with a fellow chef whose son is autistic. Helped him develpop some gluten/casin free menus for a company he was starting. They now ship all over the country I believe. Check out "GF meals By Your Dinner Secret" on the internet.

Gluten and Casin in food, studies have shown, can be a cause of Autistic symptoms, from mild to severe. They can trigger episodes from mild to severe. Talk to your doctor about it. There are some really fine cookbooks out there dedicated solely to G/C free menus also.

 

[Paulie]

We've known some things weren't right for a while, but it's mostly delays in speech and just assumed it wasn't anything specific and just something he would eventually overcome.

He's been getting kind of obsessed about things though. Right now he loves lights. Turning them on, talking about them being on, etc.

He doesn't have most of the extreme characteristics like banging his head, flapping his heads, etc. He's mostly pretty normal from an outside viewpoint.

He has trouble initiating friendships in social situations, but if another kid engages him and he becomes comfortable he eventually blends right in.

He makes great eye contact too, which is apparently pretty important.

The Neurologist says that he is so high functioning that he expects him to eventually grow out of it with the proper therapy and go on to live a normal life.

I think he'll be fine too. He's pretty "normal" except for those few setbacks.

Surprisingly, I'm taking it pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with autism, my best friend I grew up with's brother was really bad as a young child. He had all of the classic symptoms that you think of like the hand flapping, the freak-out temper tantrums over nothing, the strange obsessions with things that don't really seem to make sense. He was really hard to communicate with for the longest time. And now he's in his 20's and he's pretty normal for the most part, except that he's a bit socially awkward. It only presents itself when you have a conversation with him.

So if someone as extremely autistic as him can progress that well from the therapy that existed 20 years ago, then I think my son will be fine.

I got involved with a fellow chef whose son is autistic. Helped him develpop some gluten/casin free menus for a company he was starting. They now ship all over the country I believe. Check out "GF meals By Your Dinner Secret" on the internet.

Gluten and Casin in food, studies have shown, can be a cause of Autistic symptoms, from mild to severe. They can trigger episodes from mild to severe. Talk to your doctor about it. There are some really fine cookbooks out there dedicated solely to G/C free menus also.

Yeah I spent most of the day yesterday researching all this stuff.

I read about the gluten thing. Thanks.