starting to get concerned about ASD--what do you think?

[JenniferAlison]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum and still figuring out how it works/the abbreviations. I am starting to really think my son (DS stands for "darling son"??) may have some autistic tendencies. Briefly, here are the health problems/behaviors of note:

*chronic eczema since 3 months old. A variety of alternative treatments (we've been to 2 naturopaths, a homeopath, and an acupuncturist) have not worked so we are unfortunately using prescription hydrocortisone cream to manage it.

*at almost 17 months, DS has no words and almost no signs (he thumps my chest for breastmilk and waves his hands when he's "all done" eating food)

*obsessive play with electrical cords (we let him play with an old fax machine and old baby monitor that don't work anymore)

*likes everything to be "in order": gate closed, things put away where he knows them to belong

*cat allergy (we have a cat) and suspected food allergies (eczema), though I tried an elimination diet last year that was inconclusive

*sometimes spins; another weird thing is that lately he has been letting his tongue hang out of his mouth much of the day (?)

He is a big eater but really only of fruit and dairy and some bread and cereal. (I get veggies in him by mixing them with applesauce but he won't eat ANY--although he once ate a handful of peas--on his own.) I am thinking of trying a GF/dairy-free diet just to see if anything changes. It's hard because he still wants to breastfeed very frequently (every few hours) so I would have to do the diet, too, and I dread it, but it seems worth a try. I have a call into our pediatrician to see what he suggests, but I'm still waiting to hear back. I wonder whether all you knowledgable moms would suggest getting an evalution as soon as possible (that's my inclination) or have any input on how to proceed. I'm trying not to be sick with worry....

This is a great forum. Wish I had more time to read through previous posts....

Thanks, Jennifer
mom to Theo, almost 17 months

[HarperRose]

Welcome to our world! It's ok. I think you're doing GREAT getting him seen early. My ds is 7 and we're just now finally getting a diagnosis.

Keep reading. Lots of good posts and lots of informative folks here.

welcome.

[sbgrace]

Welcome Jennifer!
I think it takes courage to come here and ask what people think! More courage than I had when my son was that age. I was concerned my son was spectrum from a young age and we did do the gf/cf diet starting at about 17 months.

I'll kind of give some quick thoughts about each point and then some over-all thoughts and what I would do.
*The eczema. Well, my eczema kid is not spectrum; his twin is so this doesn't mean spectrum to me. It does mean allergies to me. Dairy is a common culprit. Has he had any allergy testing (Immuno-Cap RAST would be accurate at this age)? I'd consider cutting the most highly allergic foods to see if that makes a difference. It did here for sure. Other things that help us which you're likely already aware: using only free and clear detergent, using oil as a moisturizer (olive is good) right after a daily bath and before drying off-you don't want the child to air dry though so pat dry after applying it. Vanicreame isn't very holistic but it does do a good job as well. I would wet his skin and apply it several times a day during the worst times. This can help when it is already under control especially so you may not have to use hydrocortisone so much. My hope would be that diet changes could help a lot. Consider digestive enzymes too. And environmental allergens--particularly dust--are a very common eczema trigger.

*at almost 17 months, DS has no words and almost no signs (he thumps my chest for breastmilk and waves his hands when he's "all done" eating food)
You are getting close here to a red flag age but this alone isn't a huge one. More telling would be his ability to communicate and use of non-verbals. Does he point to what he wants or to show you things? Does he wave?

*obsessive play with electrical cords (we let him play with an old fax machine and old baby monitor that don't work anymore) Not playing with toys and obsessive play are a sign yes. Creepy side note: many electrical cords have lead that can transfer to hands so you might wrap them tightly in electrical tape.

*likes everything to be "in order": gate closed, things put away where he knows them to belong. Could be concerning; could also be an age thing he'll grow out of.

*cat allergy (we have a cat) and suspected food allergies (eczema), though I tried an elimination diet last year that was inconclusive
Not particularly spectrum to me but concerning for sure. I went through that above-have you had testing? Eliminated the top 8 allergens for a significant time?
Cat--Keep the cat out of his sleeping space, cat litter box in the garage or someplace out of the living space if possible, wipe down the cat with a wet paper towel, vacuum with a HEPA vacuum if you can get one. I'd look into dust allergy too as that is the most common allergen among eczemic children. Perhaps dust mite proof mattress cover, wash and dry bedding on hot at least once a week, stuffed things either out of the room or freeze them periodically. Eliminate dust catching stuff in his sleeping space as much as is possible.

*sometimes spins; another weird thing is that lately he has been letting his tongue hang out of his mouth much of the day (?) This is hard because I'd say most spectrum kids are doing spectrumy things at this age but lots of typical kids are too!

In general, if you are concerned that is the biggest red flag in my mind. Moms are almost always right about these things.
http://www.autismweb.com/signs.htm
This has some symptoms to think about.
Was your son pointing by a year of age? Did he consistently respond to his name by that age? Now? How is imaginative play--do you see basic things like a shoe is a phone?

It might be hard to find someone to evaluate at this age in many areas. It shouldn't be--it can be seen at these ages--but most people won't assess this young yet. If you are in one of the places they will that is great but for most of us 2-3 years old is all we are likely to get. That said, sometimes there is a wait period so I'd look into appts. now for two years old.
http://www.autismlink.com/ If you are in the US this site can be used to find potential evaluators.
In the meanwhile if you look at those symptoms and it looks like autism is a possibility it might help you to start some interventions now. I know I felt like I was doing something while waiting and it did help my son as well. Floor time is one you can get some materials and do yourself pretty inexpensively. If it doesn't turn out to be autism you've not hurt anything/it is a good approach for any child and parent play. If it does turn out to be autism you've not wasted any time. The link with the signs has treatment information as well and I am pretty sure they have floor time as one of the links.
On the diet. I did start gf/cf when my son was 17 months. That was good from the standpoint that he was young so it was easier. His twin (and I think him as well) had a dairy allergy I now know but at the time didn't realize so it was good from that standpoint. In your case those are two very likely allergens so might be good to at least try. The negatives are it is stressful or was for me to implement and gluten free adds to your food bills significantly. I think enzymes are a good idea either way but also an added expense. Probiotics are a good idea too. Klaire are gluten and casein free. http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=711413 I posted a slew of information here about what I've done with my son and affects--including the enzymes and diet changes. It has enzyme information links if you are interested in that.

[hippymomma69]

I don't know about ASD but I definitely would keep pursuing the food allergy angle. My DD also had eczema (mild) and has had some intestinal issues. Turns out she's very sensitive to soy (it's in EVERYTHING these days) and mildly sensitive to dairy. She was delayed and as soon as I dropped the soy and dairy, she started to improve. She's still not at age level but the pediatrician said that sometimes with food sensitivity it's like having a low-level flu all the time - none of us would concentrate well or learn much if we felt bad all the time...

Good for you for seeking help. I visited a developmental pediatrician as my first stop and she was very helpful. My DD was diagnosed with expressive/receptive speech delay (possible central auditory processing disorder), SID and at risk for ADHD - so not all delays are necessarily ASD.

good luck
peace,
robyn

[Natsuki]

The eczema is tied to his allergies. I know this may be hard, but I would get the cat a new home. I am allergic to cats and although i love them, when I am around them my eczema flare horribly so i cannot imagine living with one full-time. You may notice his other allergy symptoms decrease once the cat is rehomed as well.

The other things you mention do sound concerning for ASD and I would schedule an evaluation.

[fluffypenguin]

I would say definitely look into getting him screened by EI.

Therapy can't hurt.

[Pyrodjm]

Originally Posted by fluffypenguin

I would say definitely look into getting him screened by EI.

Therapy can't hurt.

:

Side note, my eczema flares up badly whenever I am in contact with a cat or in a cat's home for more that 10 minutes. So do my other allergies, itchy eyes/ears sneezing, etc.

[JenniferAlison]

thanks everyone

Thanks to everyone who has replied. It is SO helpful! FYI, DS is taking probiotic and fish oil. I'll look into the enzymes. I'm also starting to think about a new home for our cat, hard as it would be (and my husband opposes it, so it would also take convincing him). I'm also considering NAET--I think there may be a thread here somwhere on that--but if anyone has thoughts on that allergy elimination approach, I'd love to hear.

[Jennifer3141]

I'd look into starting your cat on a raw diet if your DH is opposed to getting him a new home. My DH and best friend are both highly allergic to cats (we have 4, by the way!) and although my best friend rehomed her cats, mine don't bother her. Just like humans who get reactions to foods they don't tolerate well, cats shed much more dander when they are forced to eat corn or grains. (I also bathe the cats and vacuum everyday which helps EVERYTHING). At least twice a year someone comes into my home who doesn't realize we have cats and exclaims, "I should be sneezing!"

And I'd look into an EI depending upon your schools. You could also go the private route, which a few other posters and myself have done.

[mom3b1?]

Sounds familiar!

Welcome to our world.

I've got a first evaluation apt for my third son tomorrow. His older bro. has Asperger's and he may too. Mine are great kids, quirky, unique, smart, and somtimes odd, but always wonderful.

Kiley