[myangel107]

We have also been to the Marcus Institute. That would be a good place to start but as someone said it can take a while to get an appt.

This post has been edited by myangel107: 11 May 2009 - 05:15 AM

[Paulding Navigator Team]

Babies Can't Wait is the program for children until they turn three. Since yours is already past that point, McKenna Farms is a great place to have him tested. Therapists there can do testing to see if your child needs therapy. They will not do therapy unless he needs it. You can call them at 770-443-9672. THey are located off Due West in Dallas. Their website is www.mckennafarmstherapy.org.

They shouldn't be testing for "autism". They can test to see if he needs speech or occupational therapy or physical therapy... but you need a developmental pediatrician or other professional that has the credentials to test for these types of disabilities you are concerned about.

[LibertyLady]

They shouldn't be testing for "autism". They can test to see if he needs speech or occupational therapy or physical therapy... but you need a developmental pediatrician or other professional that has the credentials to test for these types of disabilities you are concerned about.

That is what I meant. Sorry if I didn't make that clear-I was thinking about her initial post and the non-verbal parts. To clarify-They can help you with speech/OT if he exhibits signs of needing such.

[GGinGA]

My son has Asperger's and he was diagnosed through the Emory Autism Resource Center (they told me SPECIFICALLY not to go to the Marcus Institute as, at that time, they were too ready to diagnose kids as being autistic when they really weren't) They got him in with a psychologist (or maybe she was a psychiatrist, can't remember) who was very good at autism diagnosis as far as being able to tell if they had it or if they had other problems. I think it is hard to correctly diagnose. He is 16 now. He was diagnosed late (1st grade) and I really wish we had known something sooner, as I feel he really lost ground because of it, especially in school. He is doing well, however, in high school and he loves school and is making a few friends. When he was little, he would play by himself in a group of kids, if that makes any sense to you. It looked like he was playing in a group, but when you really watched him, he would be next to them but doing his own thing. He was a little slow to talk but not too slow and he had speach therapy in grade school until he was about 4th grade. He has sensory issues, as well. He had OT services until 7th grade. All of it helped.

Don't worry about labels. If your kid needs help, he needs help and that's it. Autism/Asperger's doesn't define my son.

[Paulding Navigator Team]

My son has Asperger's and he was diagnosed through the Emory Autism Resource Center (they told me SPECIFICALLY not to go to the Marcus Institute as, at that time, they were too ready to diagnose kids as being autistic when they really weren't) They got him in with a psychologist (or maybe she was a psychiatrist, can't remember) who was very good at autism diagnosis as far as being able to tell if they had it or if they had other problems. I think it is hard to correctly diagnose. He is 16 now. He was diagnosed late (1st grade) and I really wish we had known something sooner, as I feel he really lost ground because of it, especially in school. He is doing well, however, in high school and he loves school and is making a few friends. When he was little, he would play by himself in a group of kids, if that makes any sense to you. It looked like he was playing in a group, but when you really watched him, he would be next to them but doing his own thing. He was a little slow to talk but not too slow and he had speach therapy in grade school until he was about 4th grade. He has sensory issues, as well. He had OT services until 7th grade. All of it helped.

Don't worry about labels. If your kid needs help, he needs help and that's it. Autism/Asperger's doesn't define my son.

Marcus is the most sought out facility now for evals to find out what is wrong. I've had families that went there who really believed their children had it and after being evaluated one was told that it was his ears causing issues and sent him to a specialist... another that they didn't want to put the autism label on him until they retested in the future. My son was diagnosed there 10 years ago and they were very professional and took a lot of time with us. Maybe they said that because it's their competition... who knows. They were much more visible back then though.. I don't hear much about Emory anymore.

[GGinGA]

Marcus is the most sought out facility now for evals to find out what is wrong. I've had families that went there who really believed their children had it and after being evaluated one was told that it was his ears causing issues and sent him to a specialist... another that they didn't want to put the autism label on him until they retested in the future. My son was diagnosed there 10 years ago and they were very professional and took a lot of time with us. Maybe they said that because it's their competition... who knows. They were much more visible back then though.. I don't hear much about Emory anymore.

You might be right. I don't know that much about facilities that diagnose anymore. I am out of the loop now that he is older. That's what I was told when he was a little guy. It doesn't matter who helps them get answers, as long as they get them.

[lumak]

My daughter sees Dr. Cheng & Dr. Flamini for her epilepsy. She also goes to the Marcus Center (autism)......I cannot say enough about this place. I LOVE the work they do for my daughter.

[SOLO]

The fact that others are concerned for your child should on noway insult you. Be thankful others care enough to be concerned. Have your child tested...never put your head in the sand where your child is concerned. Better to know early than to wish you had later. Many will tell you all sorts of things for why their child was a late bloomer. Sometimes it is to make themselves feel better. I know parents who will deny to their death that there is or ever has been anything wrong with their child. The child is the one who loses.There is no shame ever in doing what is best for your child.

[RedHeadedMom]

You might be right. I don't know that much about facilities that diagnose anymore. I am out of the loop now that he is older. That's what I was told when he was a little guy. It doesn't matter who helps them get answers, as long as they get them.

Here's the link to the Marcus Autism Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta(as of Sept 2008)www.marcus.org and the phone number to start the process is 404-785-9350(Intake Dept) or the main numbers is 404-785-9400.

[MotorCity MadMan]

I didn't read all the responses, and I plan on being jumped on for this response but Autism seems to be the "ADD" of the day. Every kid has it, and it covers such a wide range of "problems" it's easy for dr's just to make the claim.

My nephew is autistic but I don't see it. The signs of his autism are only there some of the time which doesn't make sense to me. I see a kid that just happens to really like construction equitment (the fact he is so interested in just one type of thing is a sign I guess) and spent the first years of his life very sheltered so he is shy around strangers. I worry that my sister has accepted this Dr's opinion as fact and that this will stunt his devolpement - It's always good to get 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinions on this sort of thing IMO. Good luck.

[masonsmommy23]

My son is 3 years old on april the 8th of this year.

I does not speak in sentences or puts two words together.
He repeats somethings I say and recognizes people and objects and call them by name.

He is very anti-social. He is very happy by himself.
When anyone tries to enter act with him he shows almost no interest.

He is a happy little boy with alot of family around who shows him constant love and attention!


I know I may sound like I know nothing about this topic but my family has shown great concern for him.

Can anyone please help understand this more?
Thanks in advance...

We had my sons ears test and he is mildly deaf in both ears. We are having his surgery tues. to have scar tissue removed and tubes put in. We are hoping this is all he needs. We will see and will keep everyone updated. Thank you to all who replied with helpful information. It is appreciated!!!

[treasure]

We had my sons ears test and he is mildly deaf in both ears. We are having his surgery tues. to have scar tissue removed and tubes put in. We are hoping this is all he needs. We will see and will keep everyone updated. Thank you to all who replied with helpful information. It is appreciated!!!

I'm sure you will see a HUGE difference----good luck.

[Paulding Navigator Team]

We had my sons ears test and he is mildly deaf in both ears. We are having his surgery tues. to have scar tissue removed and tubes put in. We are hoping this is all he needs. We will see and will keep everyone updated. Thank you to all who replied with helpful information. It is appreciated!!!

I'm sorry that he's having to go through all his (and you)... but hopefully, this is the issue! I've worked with babies who after having tubes put in.... made leaps and bounds!!! Please keep us posted!

[Paulding Navigator Team]

We had my sons ears test and he is mildly deaf in both ears. We are having his surgery tues. to have scar tissue removed and tubes put in. We are hoping this is all he needs. We will see and will keep everyone updated. Thank you to all who replied with helpful information. It is appreciated!!!

Sorry this posted twice!

[nana'ssweetpea]

I have a 19 yo son with Asperger's syndrome which is on the autism spectrum. He is a brilliant young man and he is in college and doing very well. So even if your child was to be "labelled" you should not be discouraged. My son is a brighter, more receptive person because of it. He has challenges but everyone does. His are just different from some other folks. He spoke very little before the age of 3 and he played mostly by himself. When he got in school we thought he was just really shy. I guess my best advice is to find a good neurologist (I like Child Neurology in Atlanta) and let them check him out. But if the outcome is that your son has autism it sounds as if he is high functioning. You should embrace it and treat it as a gift and not a disability. BTW...many people think that Einstein had Aspergers as well as Bill Gates.

Editted to ask: My son wanted me to ask about how he plays. Does he line his toys up?

HELLO!

MY 6 YEAR OLD SON HAS ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, AND I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT IT SINCE HE WAS RECENTLY DIAGINOSED. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY SUPPORT GROUPS AROUND PAULDING COUNTY?

[Paulding Navigator Team]

HELLO!

MY 6 YEAR OLD SON HAS ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, AND I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT IT SINCE HE WAS RECENTLY DIAGINOSED. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY SUPPORT GROUPS AROUND PAULDING COUNTY?

Sending you a pam....

[pins4me2]

Sorry you are worried but really a qualified , doctor would be in order if you have questions about your child..

if you feel like your kid isn't keeping up with the peers, you have to consider if her woes are hurting you or her.
if they are just hurting you, get over it.
if they are hurting her, get a specialist for her sake.
do not ever feel like your child should keep up with the neighbor's kid.
they grow at different rates and it is up to the parent to be worried about the rate.
the internet forums will not help you with this.
YOU need to know if the rate of your OWN child's development is good enough or not.
I repeat, they all develope at a different rate. She may be a nuclear physicist in the making. Look up the history of most of those people who have put us on the moon, or wrote the laws of physics. Chances are that most of them did not pass the 7th grade, because they were different in speech patterns and thought processes,. love your baby for exactly every single thing. be proud. i will shoot up a little prayer for her and you.

[fishnthec]

if you feel like your kid isn't keeping up with the peers, you have to consider if her woes are hurting you or her.
if they are just hurting you, get over it.
if they are hurting her, get a specialist for her sake.
do not ever feel like your child should keep up with the neighbor's kid.
they grow at different rates and it is up to the parent to be worried about the rate.
the internet forums will not help you with this.
YOU need to know if the rate of your OWN child's development is good enough or not.
I repeat, they all develope at a different rate. She may be a nuclear physicist in the making. Look up the history of most of those people who have put us on the moon, or wrote the laws of physics. Chances are that most of them did not pass the 7th grade, because they were different in speech patterns and thought processes,. love your baby for exactly every single thing. be proud. i will shoot up a little prayer for her and you.

My son, who is in college and has Asperger's Syndrome has researched MANY brilliant inventors, composers, artists, etc, many of whom exhibited signs of Asperger's Syndrome. It is not always a curse...sometimes it is a gift in disguise.

[Axis*Dance*Center]

I would recommend seeing a Pediatric Developmental Specialist. We went down the whole road with my son (who is 5 now) starting at age 1 and 1/2. He wasn't diagnosed until he was 2 and 1/2 and Babies can't Wait helped for 6 months. We paid for therapists out of pocket and put him in Special Needs P-K in the school system immediately. I have to say we got lucky to have a great set of therapists to guide us through. Our doctors just said...he is autistic and sent us home. Jess couldn't talk, walk, he rocked, lined up his toys according to color. He hummed all the time. We went almost two years with furniture bolted down and his room void of anything because he tore things up so badly and knocked furniture over. Jess now can say anything he wants, he is very active and has a great sense of humor. He can write his full name, knows his phone number, alphabet, colors, shapes, and more. He still shows signs of his autism, especially when he is tired. He still does some rocking, but not to the extent he used to and not violently anymore. He also sings and hums, and likes to track his cars with his eyes on the floor...but this is all when he is overly tired, and maybe only happens once a week or so. We have been able to return our home to a normal state and function without worry about what might set Jesse off. I contribute all of his progress to his wonderful therapists and teachers that he has had over the last 2 and a half years. Definantly getting your child evaluated is the way to go. Better to be safe than sorry. If we had kept taking our first pediatricians opinion that he was moving at his own pace and it was due to to him being premature, Jesse wouldn't have gotten the help he has desperately needed. It is a rough road, but seeing him progress has been worth every fight and struggle we have, and still must go through.

[Axis*Dance*Center]

Also...we were sent to a specialist in Augusta due to Jesse's young age, but we also went through Emory and Children's in Atlanta for psychiatrists, neurologists, and genetic testing. We used private therapists recommended through other parents we met who had young children on the spectrum. The school system has helped as far as preparing Jesse for being in a classroom setting (SPED of course), but do not depend on them for therapy services...not ebough therpists or money in the system to serve your children. Jess got 30 min. of OT a month and 1 hour of Speech a month, no physical therapy at all. Through private therapist and receiving training at different classes, seminars, and lots of reading (we own tons of books on all related topics from autism to therapy to diet to natural remedies) we made sure that Jesse is in constant therapy. We use all the techniques all day to increase his vocab, motor skills, and calm some of his impulses (he also has Sensory Integration Disorder).

[rigby77]

You should definitely take him to a doctor! My brother was autistic and we noticed it when he was around that same age, took him to a doctor and got him into some special classes and he has been doing wonderfully and making incredible progress.

Take him to a doctor!

[SoapMom]

You should be consulting your pediatrician about these concerns ASAP. Does not sound at all like your "typical development."

[Subby Enterprises]

My son is 3 years old on april the 8th of this year.

I does not speak in sentences or puts two words together.
He repeats somethings I say and recognizes people and objects and call them by name.

He is very anti-social. He is very happy by himself.
When anyone tries to enter act with him he shows almost no interest.

He is a happy little boy with alot of family around who shows him constant love and attention!


I know I may sound like I know nothing about this topic but my family has shown great concern for him.

Can anyone please help understand this more?
Thanks in advance...

With all due respect, this little feller sounds a lot like me when I was that age. I kept to myself a lot....really enjoyed my alone time and spent it learning things that other kids my age could not either follow or had no interest in. I was a very happy kid when left to my own devices. I even got treated as sort of a freak when my mom would tell me to read the back of a medicine bottle or something with big words on it, at age 5.....not to mention playing piano at age 4. My friends thought of me as somewhat "strange".....but.....with time, all of that passed, I became more adept at interacting with friends and becoming more social. By age 20, I was so "social" that I was almost never allowed to re-date a girl by their fathers, mothers, grandparents, etc.

Give it some time....he's only 3. If you are that worried, then seek out professional help. Turns out I was ADD, but back then, no one knew what that was. And I'm glad, because all of that private time gave me the time I needed to feed my brain early in life with things that have paid off much later in life.

Good luck!!!