Friday, 02 April 2010
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Autism, Or Imitating His Brother?
So far there is no conclusive evidence, at least that I have read, that Autism is genetic. There is no reason why my 2nd son would be on the spectrum, just because my older son is. But I do know many, many moms who have more than 1 child with Autism, so it makes me wonder.
The biggest clue that Jaylen had special needs was him being non verbal, even at 18 months he still had no words. But he also had many other symptoms. Xavier can say a few words at 14 months, but none without prompting or in the correct context. He can say yes, no, Dada, and repeat a few other things when asked. At his 1 year check up, the doctor did express concern over him not talking yet. I just thought to myself, here we go again. Even though he has almost no other symptoms, or does he?
He has some, what appear to be, sensory issues. He flaps his arms, which is called stimming, a repetitive action. He gets really hyped up and will throw things and knock things over. He gets all riled up and screams at the tops of his lungs. And he puts his hands in a bucket of toys and just frantically pushes the toys around and around. But he never throws massive tantrums like Jaylen did several times a day. And he has always had great eye contact and responded to his name 75% of the time (for some reason 75% is what the judgement revolves around.)
But here is the big question: Does he really have red flags, or is he just imitating what he sees his brother do? I guess time will tell...
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- From: mommytotwoboys
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Comments (11)
I have also noticed that mothers will sometimes have more than one child on the spectrum. My brother has Asperger's and I do not, but if there is some genetic varible, that would mean I carry it.
You've pretty much answered your question. Time will tell. I think the best thing to do is just keep on eye on his development. And of course, if it raises your concern, ask some questions and have him checked.
It is understandable that you would be hyper sensitive to anything that appeared out of the ordinary or that had any similarity to the autistic behavior, especially when you already have a child on the spectrum. It's natural. I still look at my 15 year old who is actually my first born and think, yeah he could easily be typed as Aspergers but I, or rather we chose not to go there as long as he is functioning well in the mainstream. I've always looked at diagnosis as a means to acquire treatment or services and if none is necessary why label a person not in need of assists.
You listed a lot of positives in your post regarding your boy so maybe if you put them in a positive context you would feel differently. A male not responding 25% of the time is pretty good I'd say and I've never met a baby yet that hasn't hand flapped, especially when they are excited. You have to relax a bit but also be mindful of any future unusual developments or loss off previously acquired developmental milestones . Keep enjoying his great eye contact as you gaze at his beautiful face,, take a deep breath and count your blessings.
Listen if you are concerned have a developmental specialist look at him. He doesn't have to have asd but may have something else going on. It is never too early to know. I have a friend whose oldest has aspergers, but the youngest while not exhibiting autism symptoms nevertheless loss all speech at two years. They gave him speech therapy and nothing else developed. He is a typical 9 year old today. Also just as an aside, they have found genes that are linked to autism, it is not the "autism" gene, but like other disabilities and illnesses that "run" in families, there are many genetic variables and many genetic derivations.
How autistic is autistic? There was a time when Aspergers was considered to be excessively male behaviour, aspects of autism may be present in otherwise "normal" people. Those who are telling you to wait and see are right - monitor but don't panic everyone has quirks his may amount to little and if they become of concern you will know what to do.
I have read in science journals that once you have a child on the spectrum there is a 2-7% chance that your next child will have it.
Pretty low stats.
I have autism and both my boys do as well.
So, one will never know what the case is until one takes him/her to a professional and find out, eh?
Keep an eye on things and if they are truly concerning, have him tested. I didn't get diagnosed until I was in my 20s. However, my parents knew for my whole life (since birth) that something was "different" with me. They didn't need a name for it as they had already named me :)
@Murphy_Rants@xanga - Thanks for your input. I know that scientists and doctors are paying more careful attention to the genetic link. I have to say, it has been a month since this post and he has made huge leaps in development.
@P1AutismMom - I appreciate your advice. I was laughing at your comment about males responding so infrequently! And yes, I TRY to focus on positives.
@aspergers2mom - Thanks. A month has passed and I am not nearly as concerned. He really seems to have blossomed as they say. But I may still have an eval done at 18 months. Like you said, you never know, and there is no harm in being sure. After all, early intervention made a world of difference for my son!
@Springingtiger - Thanks for the comment. And that is exactly what I've done! I did not panic and a month has passed. And in that month he has just amazed me with his development. I really do think a lot of what he was doing, and still does, is imitation.
@heatherbabes - So true. Who knows what the right numbers and percentages are? I am happy to hear that your parents thought you were "different" but you seem to have gone on to lead a happy full life! My husband was always concerned with the future when my son was first diagnosed.
@mommytotwoboys - Well, as parents, our job is to ensure our children's futures by teaching them how to become well-adjusted, happy adults. A diagnosis like autism makes a parent think, "How can I do that now?" type of mindset. Perfectly understandable :)