Is My Child on the Spectrum?
by Lori Warner, PhD
Q: I'm concerned about my son. He is 20 months old and not talking yet. His hearing is normal. What should I do?
A: Although there is variety in the times children reach different developmental milestones, many use at least 2-word phrases ("go car", "want juice") by age 2. If you suspect language delay, ask your child's doctor. You may be referred to a speech pathologist, a psychologist, or a local school program for further testing.
Q: Our 18-month-old daughter is not responding to her name very often. When we tell her "no" she doesn't stop what she is doing. Is it okay to take a "wait and see" approach or should we be concerned?
A: Parents often worry about behaviors that are part of typical development, but some behaviors are "red flags", indicating the need for a closer look. Always raise your concerns with your child's doctor. For more information about what milestones to watch for as your child grows, go to www.cdc.gov/actearly. You can learn more at the American Academy of Pediatrics website: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/autism.cfm
Q: My friend told me her son has autism, but he can talk and he plays with my son. I thought kids with autism were "loners" who could not socialize with others.
A. Autism is a "spectrum" disorder. Some children are severely affected and may also have cognitive impairments, but others are much less affected and attend regular education classrooms and form friendships. Some high-functioning people who are diagnosed with autism or Asperger Syndrome attend college, work, and have families of their own.
Q: How can I tell if my child has an autism spectrum disorder?
A. Experts look for three core areas of impairment: delayed communication, impaired social interactions, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. Children with autism have trouble communicating, playing appropriately, and engaging with other people. For an excellent "video glossary" see www.autismspeaks.org.
Q: I know my child has a language delay, but I'm wondering if it could also be something more. He sometimes flaps his hands when he is excited or walks on his toes. Does this mean he has autism?
A. Children with language delays use eye contact and gestures to communicate, even when words do not come easily. Although children with autism may hand-flap or toe-walk, typically-developing children may also do these things. Experts can help you determine if there is cause for concern. Children with language delays usually use eye contact and gestures to get their point across, even when words do not come easily. Although children with autism may show behaviors such as hand-flapping or toe-walking, typically-developing children may also do these things. Experts in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders can help you make a differential diagnosis and determine if there is anything more than a language delay.
Dr. Warner earned her BA at Western Michigan University and her PhD in clinical psychology from Wayne State University. She has trained at Children's Hospital of Michigan and has been with Beaumont since 2000. She is a fully licensed psychologist and a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
In addition to her work at Beaumont, Dr. Warner teaches an introductory course in Applied Behavior Analysis at Oakland University through the Psychology Department, and is part of Beaumont's Parenting Program, serving as a guest speaker on a variety of topics relevant to new parents. She also speaks frequently in the community about parenting issues, behavioral treatment of childhood problems, and autism.
Dr. Lori Warner is a Licensed Psychologist and Director of the HOPE Center, Center for Human Development at William Beaumont Hospital in Berkley. She can be reached at (248) 691-4774. Visit their Web site @ www.beaumonthospitals.com/hope.
SAVE THE DATE
"Is My Child on the Spectrum?"
Wed. March 17, 2010 (6:30-8:00pm)
Presenter: Lori Warner, PhD
Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe, Connelly Auditorium, 468 Cadieux, Grosse Pointe
No Fee
RSVP by March 10 @ 313.432.3832
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