why is my daughter so strange and yet so wonderful?

Question

I had a normal birth and the first year of my girls life were normal, yet now she is nearing 5 I reflect and know she is different she is diagnosed as having global developmental delay of 2years increasing from age 3(that b4 was 1yr) she does display autistic tendncies doc deny it autism yet she behave clairvoyantly and cannot read yet tells me a full title of a book!!she knows past stuff personal that I would never tell her n happened b4 she was even thought of!!she cruel t animals shows no empathy yet extremely affectionate any ideas what with my gift from god?also she has anxietys that change from week t month dogs/pigeons/sleep/ the main longstanding one is passing stools she has special education needs for lack of attentiveness n aggressiveness regarding change in routine and delay and also any lively boisterous atmospheres HELP

we do see a child psychologist and paediatrician at developmet centre also I try everything possible to modify alleviate her behaviours to little effect once one issue is worked through another begins she hates external touch noise etc she gets distressed at docs and out anywhere busy also

Answer 1

First of all, here's a little story for you to read:

http://www.ldonline.org/firstperson/6973

You are not alone.

Does your daughter get therapy for Sensory Integration?

http://www.kid-power.org/sid.html

http://www.sensoryint.com/


Autism-spectrum disorders are highly varied, and each child is unique. It is also very difficult for parents dealing with autism to find the supports they need.

The current program in use in the United States, with incredibly good results, for behavior support, is ABA. Are any of your current professionals providing you with a consistent, research-based, home behavior program and training?

http://www.behavior.org/autism/

A parent's point of view (she has a series of postings):

http://www.autismtreatment.info/reality+aba.aspx

http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/06/nl.0531.htm

Given her obsessions and compulsions, here's some additional information in that area:

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/disorders/child_OCD.htm

Do you have respite care... someone who comes to care for her while you care for yourself? You need some time, too! Check with your local/regional disability agencies about trained respite caregivers.

She may indeed be clairvoyant (don't make a big deal about it to others, or to her, especially since she lacks the self-control to conceal it in a psychically hostile society), OR she may have a different way of perceiving the world. She may indeed be able to read, but sees no purpose in reading aloud to anyone. If she does not crave praise, she won't respond to requests to read aloud unless provided a different incentive. Reading the title may just have been that it caught her interest for that moment.


It sounds like you have a smart, very observant young lady there, with a lot of sensory and social confusion. You must be her advocate, and self-educate about the special needs services, techniques, and laws in your area. You must become her professional support... because in the end, you know her best. The doctors, specially-trained teachers, therapists, etc. are resources for you and for her. Use them, and use the links I've given you as a place to start.

Consider yourself hugged and prayed for!

Answer 2

Treat her as the special angel she is! Everyone is so different - and just see how she develops.

Also, depending on you're area, the help available will vary massively. Here in Merseyside, there is years long waiting lists for everything, so i'm learning to be persistant, and keep phoning!

I've also found that the authorities are reluctant to label young children. I've had people telling me my boy is Autistic since he was two, but his specialist still won't say it!

Mum of Girl 5, and Boy 9 (with global developmental delay and Autism).

Email me if you need any info, or you just need a rant!!
[e-mail]

Answer 3

As your daughter is nearing school age I suggest you get all the help you can from the education system. If she is going to a normal school then apply for a statement and dont be put off . This will ensure that she has someone helping her in lessons. There are many special needs departments, particularly for the autistic spectrum, running in normal schools but there is also a lot of special schools dealing with these wonderful and interesting children. Either way dont be put off by "the system". Fight for your daughters rights. I did 21 years ago when my son was diagnosed as dyslexic. It paid off and he is doing well now. GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

Love her for who she is. At the same time, don't let her dictate what she wants to do when she wants to do it, just because of her situation. In the longterm she needs assistance to fit into society as best as is possible.

With the psychic side of things, who knows? I find it interesting when you read of such cases - but I don't think it should be ruled out. Just because it isn't within a society acceptance doesn't mean there isn't more to it and by treating as such maybe if a gift is there you will help to close it down before it develops. Have fun with it and see what you can learn. That is what life is partly about.

Answer 5

If your daughter is autistic she may be able to remember entire conversations from long before she could actualy understand what was being said like a tape recorder, by this i mean from babyhood. This would be how she knows things which you can't remember ever mentioning. She may not actually understand it now. I agree that she probably can read, she just can't communicate this knowledge.
Keep pressing for a diagnosis and the services she needs.

Answer 6

I would ask for a second opinion. Some of the behaviors that you are talking about sound like Autism. Contact your local department of social services and see if they can help you out getting services for your child.

Keep pushing until you find out what is going on with your daughter - and love her every day!

Answer 7

If you are from the UK, consider contacting Contact a Family (CAF). They can put you in contact with families that are going through the same as you and also support groups.

Google Contact a family for the webpage, covers all types of children.

Answer 8

Autism is what you need to be checking into. Your school has screenings available to check for this specific disorder...but be prepared...Autism present many different faces. I noticed another answer that you received with many references listed. Use them. Good luck.

Answer 9

You daughter isn't strange and try not to think of her as being different. Raise her as normal as you can possibly do.

Have you Tried behavior management therapy.

Answer 10

Don't worry about it, everyone is different and that's what makes life interesting. There is such a thing as an overprotective parent...