My cousin, John, is 4-years-old. He always seemed like a normal boy but he's getting older and he just doesn't seem like a normal boy. He isn't potty trained, he can barely feed himself, his perants say he can say the word "bird" but I've never heard him say anything. He can't drink out of anything other than a sippy cup, if he got hold of a cup he would tip it over and spill everything inside of it onto the floor. He will, if given the chance, run outside and to the park about a block away. If you don't catch him there he runs to the school (a preschool sort of thing) which is on the other side of a very busy highway..He likes to act like a dog now that they got a new puppy, too. And when I smack his hand to let him know when he's done something wrong he simply laughs even when I think I've slapped his hand very hard.(he wears diapers, spanking him would be useless)he also lets their puppy, with sharp puppy teeth, bite him while he simply laughs! Do you think there is a problem there?
2007-10-16 13:40:00 · 6 answers · asked by rose_faeri 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Not autism. Definitely something going on there, though. Completely abnormal
2007-10-16 15:04:39 · answer #1 · answered by Sit'nTeach'nNanny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This boy certainly seems like he has a moderate to significant problem. I am alarmed that with behaviors so clearly out of line with normal development, that the pediatrician hasn't made some recommendations. This raises my suspicion that the boy has not been to a doctor in some time.
Perhaps as a start your grandmother could ask whether he has had a checkup recently. While he is the parents' responsibility, your grandmother can certainly ask questions and show support for the child. If it has been over a year since he's been seen by the pediatrician, he may also be behind on his immunizations. He might need to be tested for exposure to heavy metals (which accumulate in the body and symptoms get worse over time. )Some health problems are much more treatable if caught early.
Good luck to you and your cousin. I am glad that he has you and your grandmother in his life.
2007-10-16 14:19:56 · answer #2 · answered by lsmerage 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I work with children with mental handicaps, this includes children with a diagnosis of autism. I am sorry to say that all that you have written, I have seen in children I have worked with.
It is imperative that the parents take the child to be seen by a doctor. The earlier it is diagnosed, the earlier the child, and parents can start getting help; the longer it is left undetected, the worse it will be for everyone.
2007-10-16 15:52:29 · answer #3 · answered by Kaytee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do think there is a problem there, but it doesn't sound like autism. It sounds like general developmental disability. If the parents continue to deny there is a problem, the Kindergarten teacher will no doubt confront them (when he gets to Kindergarten, that is).
In the meant time, there is little you or your grandmother can do. He is the responsibility of his parents, and they have the last word. Sounds like they are simply in denial. They will have to come around on their own.
I hope I've helped.
2007-10-16 13:51:14 · answer #4 · answered by artistagent116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He does have a serious disability, may be autism or it may not be. They need to take him to his doctor and specialists. I agree with Ismerage completely.
2007-10-16 15:00:09 · answer #5 · answered by Violet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. he needs to get evaluated. his parents need to get over themselves and get their child help. it's not about them, it's about the kid.
2007-10-16 13:51:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋