I'm concerned about my two year old son. He had tubes put in his ears back in March and still only says about 4 words. (when he wants to). He's really cranky when people get around him and doesn't like you trying to play along when he's busy with blocks or flipping through a book. He sees a speech therapist once a month and sees another lady (works for the same place) once a week. He's improved somewhat. The speech therapist hasn't asked me to check him for autism. I read that eliminating wheat and dairy with some children improves their delays in speech and other things. Is this true? Can anyone give me a link or information on wheat or dairy (gluten and cessein) free foods? I would like to change his diet to see if this helps any.
2007-09-19 09:48:09 · 6 answers · asked by pixiedustplease 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Seeing the speech pathologist once a month tells me she isn't too concerned about his speech; she's only monitoring his progress. It is perfectly appropriate for her to do that at this stage of the game. With frequent monitoring, she will be able to tell if, and when, intervention is appropriate.
Since he is improving, he definitely is NOT autistic. Kids on the autism spectrum develop perfectly normally, but begin to regress after the period of normal development, usually around age 2 or 2 1/2.
I don't know where you read the info about wheat and dairy contributing to speech and language delay, but I have NEVER heard of such a thing.
Oh, by the way; we ARE qualified to diagnose changes in language functioning "suggestive of autism spectrum disorder", particularly in toddlers.
2007-09-20 05:59:38 · answer #1 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jennie McCartny wrote a new book - her son had autism and she did this diet - said it was a miracle.
More info on Oprah.com I think. And a word of advice - trust YOUR instincts about what your son needs or what might be wrong. If you think he needs to be re-evaluated or checked for something else - go get it done. I would be concerned. Having hearing issues could be the problem, but what if it's something else? He should be picking up on all kinds of words by now and acting totally different now that he has the tubes. (my cousin went from deaf to hearing and it made all the difference when she was 2 and same thing - vocabulary soared, she listened, she could hear!)
Check it out - you know what he needs - rely on your instincts and if "experts" aren't making sense to you - get 2nd opinions. They're not all perfect. Best Wishes!!!
PS - incorrect info above - babies can be diagnosed. 1 in 94 boys has autism. The earlier it is detected, usually the better the outcome. The person above is misinformed. Sorry!
2007-09-19 10:03:53 · answer #2 · answered by Lamont 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jennie McCarthy is not a medical professional, and there are serious questions regarding the validity of her son's diagnosis. Don't fall for any old quackery that comes down the pike. Now, that being said, there can be some children for whom allergy could contribute to developmental blocks. Talk to an MD and dietician. When you say "tubes put in his ears", this really raises a possibility of some sort of ongoing allergy-related condition. Ear intubation is done a great deal more than is actually necessary.
2007-09-19 10:25:04 · answer #3 · answered by Hoosier Daddy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would ask the pediatrician about autism, but I wouldn't worry too much. It could just be his hearing. If his ears are sensitive, he won't want anyone talking loudly, it could be he just likes to play by himself. My son was like that at that age a lot and now he is 4 and likes to play with others.
I would also take him to the chiropractor, that can help him a lot with his ears. Sorry, I dont know much about the diet changes.
best of luck
2007-09-20 01:27:21 · answer #4 · answered by jon jon's girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure about the food part of things, but just wanted to let you know it's way too soon to check for autism, if that is or is not part or all of the problem (at least four years old and preferrably six or older for autism diagnosis). You might want to check out online websites on autism if you have any concerns about this.
Good luck! (:
2007-09-19 09:58:54 · answer #5 · answered by Hoosier Mom 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would talk to a Dr. A speech therapist is not qualified to identify or diagnose autism. Call you Dr, see if you can get a referral to a developmental psychologist or a pediatric neurologist.
2007-09-19 09:56:01 · answer #6 · answered by parental unit 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋