Does my son have Aspergers?

Question

My son just turned 5 years old this past January. He flaps his arms throughout the day. It was normally when watching tv but now it is even when he receives a positive answer to a question he asks. (As well as standing on his tippy toes) Between anything he is doing he takes short breaks (about 1/2 minute) in between to skip sideways back and forth in the room on his tippy toes.. as well as a very faint grunts during this. Nathaniel is EXTREMELY smart. I taught him to write letters and he learned the whole alphabet that week, to perfection. Although, he does not know how to yet read or spell out words he does spell the family's names. His recent thing is now spelling them backwards after the right way off the top of his head which I even have trouble doing. He is 100% over the chart for both growth and weight(slim fit though) and although was delayed and unosocial as a child he no longer is. I have an appointment May 3rd but would love any input :) Thank YOU!-*Pedi. was never concerned

*Answering somes questions- My son speaks excellent- Very soft spoken almost as whispering-Like an adult-has funny facial expressions(squinting mostly) Still poops his pants (Never used toilet) no matter what we try-Still has binky-I know some people may think I could help both things but honestly I cannot. Nathaniel would stay up untill 2am and ask for midnight snacks without his binky. Finally his pedi. said to give in for his own good. Potty training his doc also said he will go when he is ready. These things bother me because I know inside he wants to grow out of these things he is embarrased for my husband and I to change him. It kills me because I cannot help!..When he was a baby he would line all of this toys up and if we moved them he would go histerical. He wouldnt communicate or talk unless it was myself or or my mother. Within the past year he started to improve on that. When his pedi said to not fret it was because I thought he was Autistic. (@ 3 years old)

Answer 1

You didn't mention anything about his language skills. My son has Aspergers, he was diagnosed with it when he was 2. It is pretty rare for a child to be diagnosed so late. how does he play? does he line things up? By color or size or anything? Does he like certain foods then rejects them or refuses to eat anything a certain color? How does e adapt to change? In environment, or routine? Does he have any ritualistic behavior? Is he hyper or extremely under active? Autism is a broad spectrum that covers a very wide range of behaviors. Everyone has their habits and quirks it is a question of how extreme are these traits in your son. Is he just excited? or is it all the time? need more info if you want to share. Asperger children sometimes have an excellent vocabulary just FYI.

Answer 2

He does sound as though he's on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, which includes Pervasive Development Disorder/NOS, Autism, and Aspergers. Most of the parents I work with tell me their pediatrician wasn't concerned either, but they always knew something wasn't quite right. You didn't mention if he's talking. If he's delayed in his language then it's most likely classic autism. The fascination with letters and spelling is something a lot of children with an ASD have in common. I can't believe you have to wait until May 3rd. It takes a while here in Northern California too, but not that long. Here's some additonal information.

Parents often first notice the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome when their child starts preschool and begins to interact with other children. Children with Asperger's syndrome may:

* Not pick up on social cues and lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.
* Dislike any changes in routines.
* May appear to lack empathy.
* Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. Thus, your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. Likewise, his or her speech may be flat and difficult to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.
* Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the term “beckon” instead of “call,” or “return” instead of “come back.”
* Avoid eye contact.
* Have unusual facial expressions or postures.
* Be preoccupied with one or only few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as doing intricate jigsaw puzzles, designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or astronomy.2
* Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.
* Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.
* May have heightened sensitivity and get overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures. For more information about these symptoms, see sensory integration dysfunction.
* Have advanced rote memorization and math skills. Your child may be able to memorize dates, formulas, and phone numbers in unusually accurate detail.