Autism

[granny]

I have little twin grandsosns. They were 3 years old August 30th. They do not say any words. They make no eye contact. They do not play with toys. They do not even notice each other. They did not walk until they were two years old. They act as though they can not hear when you call them, but as one post said when something comes on that they watch on TV and they are in another room, they always come straight to the room where the TV is. They have had their hearing tested twice and it was normal both times. They have been in Early Intervention the past two years and when they turned 3 they were enrolled into a school for handicaped children. Their parents will not agree for them to be tested for Autism I really believe that is their problem. If anyone could tell me what you think I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks,
Granny

[jewellolli]

Wow! From what you've written on your post, it sounds like you're on target. Twins are close, so if they are not even paying attention to each other, that is a good sign that you may be right. Do they suffer from any known physical conditions? I just wondered since you mentioned they couldn't walk for so long. The word autism has such a bad stigma attached to it that no one wants to believe that could be what's wrong with their child. However, a formal diagnosis is extremely important. My son has autism and without a diagnosis, he would not be receiving the services he is getting right now, i.e., speech, ot, etc. As difficult as it may be, you will probably have to keep getting on to the twins' parents and let them know that once the twins reach school age, they will have to have a formal diagnosis to get into special education or to receive private services at home. Also, the parents may be eligible for social security benefits and other medical grants. They can only receive these services if the kids are diagnosed. Different states have different laws, but most states stop early intervention services around age 3, so it would be a good time for them to ask their pediatrician for a referral. A lot of clinics will work with you if you are uninsured.

[granny]

They are in a Special Education School...they just turned 3. But the parents WILL NOT agree to have them tested. They are in a wonderful school. they let me pick them up a couple of weeks ago and I got to meet their teachers and also the principal. I did express my oppion. In my first email I did not explain all the problems they have. Me and Paw Paw get to keep them quite a bit. First of all because we want too and then I know they need a break. They are in OT,ST, and PT. at the school where they go. I don't know if they have other problems but I know with all my heart that they have autism. We have to keep them in one piece shirts that snap between the legs with the longer shorts because they have poop issues. It is awful !!! They did not have school Friday so we had them from Thursday afternoon until last night. I noticed one of them several times sticking his finger down his throat. I have tried to find something online about that but have been unable to find anything today. You said your child has autism. What were some of his symptoms? If you don't mind sharing it with me. Matt and Will are just now learning to feed themselves. They still want to stuff their little mouths and still have a hard time using a spoon. They want to just use their hands. They are very loud, They flap their hands alot. LOVE lights and celling fans. I could go on and on. I am so concerned. I love those precious babies.

Blessings,
Granny

[tlund]

In addition to the contributions of others in this forum, you can find physician-developed and -monitored information on autism symptoms here: http://www.neurologychannel.com/autism/symptoms.shtml.

You can also read the stories of others dealing with autism at this link: http://livingwith.neurologychannel.com/autism.

Best wishes to you all.