questions about autism spectrum

[AmyinWI]

ds's therapists have suggested that he may have some autism-like behaviors.
He is only 2- but has down syndrome, prematurity and a few other issues added in. I have read that autism is fairly common in down syndrome,too.
Gabe really acts more like a 1 year old (or younger) . Just started walking a few months ago, bangs toys together, doesn't really "play". Has lots of sensory issues- food, textures on his hand/feet, etc.
He does focus on specific items: ie: goes for certain cupboard doors to bang, likes only certain toys, plays with a specific rug.More repetive type play- banging, clicking, etc.
He seems to be in his own world. While he will interact, smile and giggle at times - it's for very short periods- and mostly he doesnt' come to people to interact. For example, if he's in the living room,and I'm in the kitchen, he will just wander about playing with his usual things he likes, he won't seek me out, or wonder where I am. He doesn't cry to be picked up,and rarely snuggles or wants to be held. also- he has no verbal language except occasional mama,dada - and that's pretty random. He will sign- but only in mimicking, he doesn't initiate them on his own.
any suggestions as to what to do next?

[Lisalyn]

Amy,

Isn't he in the birth to 3 program in your state? If so, the therapist should contace your service coordinator and suggest an autism eval. I would contact the svc coordinator myself and tell him/her about the therapist and that you would like an autism eval.

This is exactly what led to Eli's dx. Early Intervention sent him for a speech therapy eval and that therapist suggested he be eval'd for autism. I also took that information to Eli's ped and she referred us to a developmental ped.

It took over 2 months and we ended up with the EI eval and the dev. ped eval appts within a couple of weeks of each other. The psychologist working for EI actually worked in the same office building as the dev. ped, so they were able to combine findings for a final dx.

I hate to hear about another child with Autism, but I have to admit. Autism isn't a big and scary to me as it was a year ago. It's just different.

:group:

[AmyinWI]

well I called the pediatrician's office,and they said to contact the developmental clinic at the children's hospital. Gabe has been there before for evaluations. The nurse said they couldn't diagnose autism spectrum disorders on such a young child. Well even though he's 2, he was 3 months preemie,and pretty delayed in most areas. They said becuase he only tests at a 4mth old level cognitively and in speech/lang. he is too young- and they'll see him when he's three.

[Hollie in SC]

:group: Some good friends of ours from grad school have a daughter with the dual diagnosis.

There are several sites out there if you want to start doing a little research:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33178.asp
http://www.riverbendds.org/index.htm This site has several articles.

Praying for you and your little guy!

[Hollie in SC]

Amy, I saw today that there is a yahoo group for the dual diagnosis. You might be able to join and ask questions:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hs-ds-asd/

[AmyinWI]

thanks Holly- I joined the group.