Autism

[Daftney]

Hello, well I'm concerned with one of my cousins behavior. She's already in the third grade but doesn't act like one at all. She is pretty much what might seem as anti social, likes to play alone, she doesn't need toys to have a good time, she plays a lot with her hands, she has passing from grade to grade like border line, at the moment her grades are really low. So far, no teachers have referred her to be tested but they usually just say she doesn't pay attention in class. I know her enough to say it is not that she doesn't pay attention because even at home, sometimes when we call her name, it seems as if she ignored us but if we keep trying to get her attention she'll respond. I've read a few things about autism and I'm wondering if these could be signs, even though I've read that autism is usually detected from 0-3 yrs of age, could it be that nobody really noticed this in her??? Please, if you know more about autism than what I do provide me with some feed back, I'm really concern and I want my cousin to get the help she needs in order to be successful. Thanks

[AtticRat]

Wow. This sounds just like my 8 year old son. Rubs his hands together while talking to himself, plays by himself, attention problem and doesn't play with toys, he also is great at math and good at sports trivia. We have asked to have him tested but since he doesn't show strong autism they don't think its neccesary. One good thing about all this is he is great in sports becuase he is overly attentive.

[Daftney]

Thanks for your reply. It helps to know that you have asked to get him tested and you've been told it wasn't necessary because of the absence of strong autism symptoms. I guess this makes me feel better for now, I'll keep observing my cousin. Thanks

[deedee.howerton]

Daftney, you describe your cousin in much the same way that I would describe myself at her age and younger. Austim Spectrum was not commonly diagnosed when I was a child and I underwent testing which was inconclusive. I went on to graduate high school with honors & I am a functional member of society now. I am however considering being tested for Asperger's, as I display almost all of the classic signs. You may want to talk to your sibling about having your cousin evaluated more extensively--and don't rule out other behavioral disorders.
I am currently struggling with trying to develop and IEP for my son, who shows multiple symptoms of autism but is still awaiting a formal diagnosis. This is a site I found very useful: http://www.autism-pdd.net/checklist.html It lists detailed criteria used by psychologists and developmental neurologists.
My best advice is that you and others who love her try to make emotional connections with her whenever and however possible. If your cousin is ultimately diagnosed w/autism just keep this in mind: the primary underlying factor in many of the behavioral aspects of autism spectrum disorder is an inability to assimilate with their environment--so try everything, even if it seems silly. Something will get through.
I hope this helps and I really admire your caring concern.