update the Dr. says he believes by observation only that my son Leo is indeed autistic he will be going for an MRI to rule out brain damage from a car accident we were in back in Mar. 2006
also will be drawing blood to check the chromosomes...
Please keep my son in your thoughts...
Re: update I read on your board you were having him tested because of a speech issue, possibly related to an accident. I sure hope everything is ok. You'll have to let us know how the testing goes. And your family will be in my/our thoughts.
Re: update You are firmly in my thoughts Kim ((()))
I'll apologies in advance for my post - my way of dealing with stuff is to roll up my sleeves and get v.practical but I know when at the stage you're at you may not want to hear or read this stuff as you may feel you are just about able to hold it together. If so please feel free not to read any of the following...
It sounds like you have an observant doctor however to confirm ASD you son will need a full and proper autistic assessment. The MRI and blood tests will determine any physical causes of issues but of course don't actually rule out or in autism. By the way as well as genetic bloods you son shoudl have the full raft of 'regular' blood tests such as:
Full blood count
Folate
B12
Ferritin
Full thyroid function testing
Copper testing
Adrenal tests
and also other specifics that could be associated with these behaviours
If the suspicion of ASD is then still there he should have a neuro consult by a paediatric neuro. We got this v.late for our son but when we did found it very useful.
Once the medics are done, what parents and caregivers/schools actually need (and if it is the case a diagnosis is invaluable) is not just a diagnosis of ASD but of the degree of ASD and most importantly the strenghts and challenges their particular child has. This is generally done by an autism specific psychologist and if a school going child an autism specific educational psychologist. ASD is a spectrum and has a huge range.
What age is your son? How do these 'traits' manifest and what is your gut feeling here?
I'm sure you may not feel like answering those questions right now but if you do have the time/energy some folks here may be able to give you some help/info.
(hugs) to you all kim.
Last patched up by suzidfloosey, Jul/27/2007, 6:19 am
--- Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.
Oscar Wilde
Re: update Thanks, ladies I am sure this Dr. will do all the appropriate tests necessary...he is the best in the area...
He was only observing his behaviors, but most certainly will do a complete blood panel while he is sedated for The MRI, I suppose we go from there to find out if its developmental or if it is from the accident, in any regards,thank you both for your kind words and thoughtfulness
Re: update Sending supportive thoughts your way Chefkim. I know my daughter felt a great sense of relief when Dillon was finally diagnosed, it meant she could get the help and support she needed
Re: update I hope everything works out ok. Even if he is Autistic, it's not the end of the world. Just remember that God doesn't give you more than you can handle.
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Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life. ~Thomas Jefferson
