How can u tell if a child has autism?

Question

My nephew who is 7 yrs old and he doesnt know how to do anything. U tell him to start reading a simple book and he cant even read at all. U tell him to tie his shoelace and he tells his younger sister to do it. U tell him his ABC's and 123's and the colors and he doesnt even know them at all. U sit down with him and try to teach him and he starts crying for no reason and he requests "I dont wanna do this, I wanna play video games for the rest of my life." What do u think its wrong with him? Why he doesnt want to learn nothing and he failed 1st grade last year and he is failing again. Do u think he has autism or ADHD? Because he doesnt want to learn anything. Please help.

Answer 1

A kid with autism would not tell his younger sister to tie his shoes, and he certainly would not say that he doesn't want to learn because he'd rather play video games. I have plenty of experience not only with my two kids on the spectrum, but with hundreds of others through my advocacy work and training with the autism society.

Sounds like parenting to me. However, he's old enough that a professional psychologist will be needed for both him and the parents. Have you spoken with his parents about your concern? I wish you the best of luck with it, surely they know that something is wrong and are either in denial, or are ashamed of what they have learned and dont' care to share with family. Either way, he needs help.

Answer 2

As a person who works in a school, I shouldn't say this but I suggest that you go with Bob's answer. As for the raging debate about if Autism is an educational or a medical diagnosis, the answer is its both. If you want a medical or clinical diagnosis of autism, you should have a comprehensive (and muy expensive) evaluation done by a psychologist who specialzes in this area. The evaluation should not be a 10 minute waiting room eyeball of the child but a thorough evaluation (cognitive ability, sensory aspects, speech, language, behavior, adaptive behavior). The best evaluation would also include the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule which sets up social situations designed to elicit behaviors common to children with autism. If you want an educational eligibility, you could let the school do the evaluation. The chances are, it will not be as rigorous or thorough. Most school psychologists are not trained specifically in diagnosing autism (though there are some like me who are). The up-side is this evaluation would be free. Clinically, it sounds more like your son may have asperger's syndrome instead of the classic autism because his language is well developed. The criteria for that is that includes difficulty with social interaction and some type of repetitive behavior and restricted interest. Bottom line, I would let the school do the evaluation because it is free. It is likely they will eyeball your kid and use a few checklists. If you do not feel comfortable with that, then I would refuse to sign the IEP paperwork and insist that an independent evaluation be done (at the school's expense). Use the advocate as well.

Answer 3

There is no point trying to guess. A referral to a paediatrician to what is needed here. He/she will be able to perform certain tests aimed at nailing certain behaviour traits common to ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and/or ADD/ADHD. ADD and ADHD have learning and attention and in the case of ADHD; Hyperactivity. There may be medication recommended for ADD and ADHD however consider you options very carefully while in full consultation with your physician otherwise your situation may worsen. Autism is behaviour and social related - obsessive behaviours, tantrums, poor social skills and information processing.

Only with the proper diagnosis will you be able to access the appropriate support networks through Education; Occupational therapy and psychology. These conditions may look outwardly similar and all are frustrating for all concerned but with early intervention and the right assistance, you will be able to make your life and your family's and the nephew's life a little easier to manage.

Then again, the boy may have an entirely different learning difficulty but this will need to be tested to determine the most appropriate action.

Best of luck and kind regards.

Answer 4

His parents haven't put a love of learning in him to wake us his natural curiousity!!!! Wanting to play video games for the rest of his life and whining sounds more like a spoiled brat. Oh yeah, I said it out loud!!!

If he can't read at ALL then there is a serious problem. Maybe he just didn't want to read for you, but if he can't read there is the chance of a learning disability, or he needs reading recovery through school.

A good way to tell is to find a cool book - some thing he likes, like hockey or something equally interesting. Read it to him and then stop in the middle of a good part and point out a word and say quickly "what word is that??" [catch him off guard]

Kids often follow their parents [especially when younger] with the way they look at school. His parents should be FREAKING OUT if he failed a grade!!!!!

Answer 5

There are many symptoms which could point to autism, among them social, communicative, sensory and motor, and personality differences.http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/a/symptoms.htm No one can diagnose these symptoms except for a pediatrician, a developmental pediatrician, neurologist or psychologist. He may also have a specific disability, which may affect his comprehension of seemingly simple tasks such as ABC's and 123s. His parents should definitely confer with his teacher, and they should work on having him tested.

Answer 6

I have two ASD kids. By what you are telling me I would say no as it sounds more like an IQ to me. I have one son IQ of 40 that cannot do all the things that you mentioned and my other ASD son has normal IQ and can do all those things and learnt them early. He did have trouble with reading for a while but it wasnt that he couldnt it was more that he wouldnt. I would suggest that you take him to your pead or local doctor to get an availuation.

Answer 7

It may not be Autism or ADHD (my son has both). He may have a learning disability. Your pediatrician can refer you to a phycologist and testing can be done for autims or adhd. talk with the school as well they can do testing for free. but definitly get him tested before it's too late.

Answer 8

actually, it doesn't sound like autism. ADHD is more likely, although it sounds a little extreme for that. Autistic children do not use statements such as "I don't want. . ." He definitely needs evaluation by a professional, though.

Answer 9

get the mother to take him to a paediatrician. Get him assessed. I can't believe she has done this already if he has failed once and is doing so again. What are the school doing about it. Doesn't the mother want to acknowledge it?

Answer 10

Sounds like autism. I know with autism children it is harder for them to learn and they kinda just look at you when you say things and dont respond and very emotional. for ex: they will put their hands over their ears and start screaming for no reason. But it might not be autism at all. it might be something totally different. He's Definitely NOT adhd, my fiance is adhd, and no where close to symptoms. heres an autism site so you can read a little bit on
it.... GOOD LUCK! Happy new years!

http://familydoctor.org/634.xml

Or maybe have you even thought he may have Dyslexia?

Heres a site:

http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=familydoctor&lic=44&article_set=21346

sounds like a combination of autism and dyslexia to be totally honest with you. dont quote me on it because im not an evaluator, But i already looked at these links: good sites for you. :)