Have Katie Tested For Autism? She really follows quite a few Character signs. Such as: Repetitive antics,she has a cloth diaper,napkinor bandana she will open it up and continuously flip it for hours, sunlight bothers her eyes bad, hair washing and combing hates it and don't touch her lightly as in rubbing her face or leg , does not like change in her life. thers a few more. Katie will be 4 Aug 1st and since I've really become more involved in this forum I notice Katie is very behind than most of our kids. Katie will not sign maybethe word More then she gets very mad if we keep asking her to. still drinks from a bottle which I'm working on now, I literlly have to hold her hands and put the cup to mouthand hold it there. And potty training forget it she has not even a clue. I guess in my heart I know she is. My heart is so sad right now.

It's a really hard one this. There is such a fine line between 'normal' behaviour for a child with DS, and 'abnormal'. How much of it can be attributed to the age and stage of the child, and how much is due to an ASD?

Matt does repetitive behaviours (not all the time), he very rarely communicates apart from to ask for the Wiggles, or some crisps (though has a repertoire of 200 signs), he doesn't mix with other kids much, and big group situations he's not keen on. However, I'm told, that's normal and he's not got an ASD. And it's pretty typical behaviour for a child with DS!!!

I can't really help you, but just want to offer you support. I have felt really down about Matt and his lack of development over the past year. Everything's just come to a halt. And it is frustrating. And I've cried.

I would ask your doctor to refer you to someone who could help make an ASD diagnosis, or not. So many kids with DS don't like being touched lightly, or having their hair brushed. My friend's little boy, who's 4, will flap things in front of his face for ages too, but he hasn't got an ASD - in fact he communicates well.

I know Jo, Hannah's mom UK, has struggled with this so she may be able to offer you some support too. All the best

Thanks Helen for your words of encouregment. The only thing Katie says is the B sound BA BA BA she really has no signs at all unless I make her do them, which is most of the time but nothing voluntarilly.I'm going to make an appt. with her Developmental Ped. today.

Matt's pretty similar with his signing too! Once in a blue moon he'll say something voluntarily, but usually only because I ask him too - and that's becoming less and less the older he gets. There's definitely no conversation! And it's so frustrating when he started off developping so well, and so quickly! Then it just grinds to a halt. He used to say 'Bye bye' voluntarily when I left him at nursery, now when 'forced' to say bye, he kind of waves and says 'Aah'! Perhaps it's tiime for me to see someone too!!!

Yes, I agree it's a tough mix.. the DS and possible ASD. Also.. there are kids w/DS that have sensory issues that might not have the ASD DX. A good Devel Ped and/or Ped Neuro would be a good start. I'd find someone versed in ASD and has had experience with DS. Then beyond that... I'd just make sure the schools and therapists work WITH you to get past some of the concerns you have and no poopoo them. You don't have to have ASD to know certain behaviors just might get in the way of learning.

When we look at the criteria FOR Autism... Russell fits, it's VERY obvious... others it's not so clear cut. Russell just doesn't stim and have sensory issues... he is very lacking in the communication/language dept, doesn't really play appropriately... doesn't pretend play at all, doesn't "engage" with you nor makes eye contact...ect....

Russell is 8 yrs old. He is VERY delayed.

Hope this helps!

A.

I've also wondered about Dylan, he too has some of the traits. Let us know how you make out. Did you get an appointment?

I called today they said he is booked untill february, but the lady that usually does the scheduleing was off today she'll get back to me tomorrow.

That place is crazy busy. Hopefully they will be able to get you in sooner then that.

Adrienne Katie does not know how to play with someone, at school when its story time or play time someone is right behind Katie holding her arms and going right along withher, story time she sits in a chair an teachers assist. is right behind her guiding Katie .When my friends and I get together Katie never plays shes always on her own fixated on something if I don't get her and sit right there and have her on my lap .

Yes.. that is kinda like Russell. He is very content to play by himself and stim in his own world. he doesn't use toys appropriately for the most part... and unless you wrestle with him...he doesn't have use for you! LOL

A.

I called the Deveopmental Ped. again today now were looking at Oct. instead od Feb. She said to call every week to see if there are any cancelations.

That's much better!! Keep us updated.