autism info

[hensleyll]

my granddaughter is two her birthday is october 14  she is saying words but not sentences and grouped words anyone know  the actual symptoms of autism i was told by a few people that if a child doesnt look you in the eye that is a sign ?

[linderlizzie]

The definition of autism is fairly broad. It's "a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts."

Does your granddaughter love on you? Then she's probably not autistic. Not looking people in the eye is part of it, but have you tried putting your hand on her shoulder before you speak to her to get her attention?

Autistics can be very high functioning, so try not to diagnose her when she's so small and just starting her developmental process. She sounds like she's progressing well. It's not a good road to go down assuming there's something wrong. You'll find more and more things to support your theory if you go there. And if she later goes to public school, they'll absolutely run with it.

My son was given Ritalin in grade school for whatever they could think of, other than brilliance, that was giving them trouble. The dosage of Ritalin put him into Tourette's Syndrome and then our problems really started to mushroom. He was then passed onto some charlatans who experimented on him with various medications and therapies. By the time he got to high school, we took him off all the ridiculous medications they had put him on and put him in the hands of God.

He has since gone on to have a relatively normal adulthood and is doing well enough. Living on his own with only minimal support from us during some minor financial difficulties. I expect great things from him. I hope you expect great things from your granddaughter as well. Encourage her all the time.  I'll bet she's really bright and will excel if given a chance. 

[JaniceSW]

Linderlizzie provided some good information but do some research on your own.  There is definitely a large spectrum regarding whether someone is low or high functioning with autism.  If you have decent insurance you might ask your child's pediatrician about it and inform him/her that you somewhat suspect that the child might have it.  Please do your research first to see if it supports your concerns.  The child is a  bit young for a definitive diagnosis but I do know that early intervention can make a big difference in the outcome.

[BATISTAGIRL663]

when i worked at the daycare i had a little boy in my class with autism and he was the sweetest and the smartest kid in the class --and oh what a joy to care for him --he is all grown up now and very successful in his life and he has never let autism define who he is and i am very proud of him

[hensleyll]

linderlizzie went thru same thing with my son he is now 26 married has 2 month old his own apartment and manager of two resteraunts but we live in small community and i have drs and therapists trying to shove this down my throat she very lovable doesnt meet a stranger her only issue we can find is she says words but not sentences the drs think this is bad

[hensleyll]

i have read quite a bit i just dont see it however she is hyper climbs on everything but just like a child

[linderlizzie]

i have read quite a bit i just dont see it however she is hyper climbs on everything but just like a child

Make sure she gets plenty of exercise. Running and jumping, skipping rope and climbing, etc. are good life skills she should be learning at some point. She probably has more energy than she knows what to do with. She sounds exuberant and joyful. Is she happy? That's important.

Have you tried reading to her sometimes? That might get her attention for a while. Reading while adding your own special sound effects might be fun for both of you.

She may blossom with your special attention. Good luck and God bless both of you. 

[hensleyll]

she doesnt really like me to read to her she grabs book and turns pages studies it like she can read it

[hensleyll]

oh and i forgot to add she very happy loves everyone and loves to be outside