Developmental delay

[Rayyu]

To: Dr. MacDonald:
Thank you for getting back to me.  I did ask my son's pediatrician, who also recommended to have a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists.  But do you think my son falls under autistic spectrum disorder - repetative behavior, more attraction towards numbers..etc.  I am confused, because he make good eye-contact, follows instruction and now trying his best to communicate, understand gestures, very friendly with his cousins.  Please reply me.  Thank you.

[Trentmom]

Good Morning,
My son has been diagnosed for 2 years now with Aspergers syndrom- this is a form of high functioning autism- and he to is social with family and friends, will make eye contact and can follow instructions etc. Yet in other areas he has  "swiss cheese" like abilities for his age. loves to make noises, reptative motions, lines up toys does not play, has difficulty understanding abstract ideas and most of the time plays parallel to other kids but not with them. There are other things also that started showing up this year,like high anxiety. I have learned that just because your child does not fit the criteria to a T does not mean that your instincts as a mom are wrong. My advice is if you feel something is not right just keep persuing it till you get an answer. Ours took 5 years!

[Rebecca MacDonald, Ph.D., BCBA]

Unfortunately I am not able to make a diagnosis unless I am able to observe a child. I would trust the professionals in your area to help you with a diagnosis.
Best of luck.