Regressive autism

jenpalmer12 · January 2014

Just wondering if anyone here knows much about regressive autism?

Cstarks2013 · January 2014

I know a little about it too. My son also is autistic but is pretty high functioning. Why do you ask??

AnnaKaie · January 2014

My brother is high functioning. After being at a school for disorders for 7 years.

Sareynoo · January 2014

My brother has severe autism, to the point of where he will never drive a car, live on his own or be able to support himself. I've never heard of regressive autism..

apmom · January 2014

I have three kids w autism in various places on the spectrum. Let me know if I can help!

JulieSmiles · January 2014

I know a lot about Autism, studied it in school, and have books I can look stuff up in. What would you like to know?

2blessingsin1 · January 2014

Both of my nephews are autistic... one is high functioning the other is not. Also SIL has been attending college for special education speciality is autism. DH has an autistic cousin, very very sweet but very secluded, don't know much since I have not been around him a lot. I have not heard of regressive autism tho... I have worked with aspergers patients and they are actually highly intelligent

SchoolPsychSteph · January 2014

I've not heard of regressive autism. I don't believe I have seen it in the DSM either, but have not thoroughly looked through the fifth edition either.

CrysW08 · January 2014

My brother has aspergers and because of that, I've read a lot about autism but I've never heard of regressive autism.

jenpalmer12 · January 2014

My 2 1/2 year old hasn't been communicating as much and I feel like she is ignoring me by avoiding eye contact. Her development has been normal if not above normal according to the pediatrician. I took her to the ped yesterday and she wasn't sure what to make of her and said she would get in touch with me next week with some kind of plan. So of course, I've been google crazy and regressive autism is popping up all over my search. I'm just looking for some information from someone who's familiar with the condition and maybe some signs I need to look for in my little girl. I'm sick of the internet. The unknown is breaking my heart and I'm analyzing everything she's doing. I really wish I could take a Xanax. Thanks everyone for your reply!

xnbride · January 2014

I think you are meaning it as a symptom of Austism, yes? A child functions typically and then regresses. I have heard of a few cases. There was one case in which both children in the family experienced it. They reached all their milestones and developed typically and then at some point in their development, they began to regress and take on the characteristics of Austism. Almost like they were being trapped inside their bodies. It is pretty rare and I doubt that is happening with your child. When kids are about to reach a new developmental milestone they often regress. Their short term and long term memories also don't always function consistently. For instance, on Monday they may know all their letters but on Friday they only know half. It is very normal.

jenpalmer12 · January 2014

As bad as it sounds I'm not sure if she can't hear me or just ignoring me. I'm having her hearing checked with an ENT next week. I'm hoping it's as simple as that. I was hoping Her pediatrician would reassure me that hearing could be the issue, but she didn't. I made the appointment with the ENT on my own.

jenpalmer12 · January 2014

Thanks again everyone for sharing your knowledge and personal stories. It really does help!

JulieSmiles · January 2014

Regressive Autism, which is actually called childhood Disintegrative Disorder is a thing. It is a very rare form of Autism. When children have this, they develop typically until about 3-4 years and then show marked or significant regression.the child would have to show many characteristics of Autism to be "diagnosed" with this. A lot of times they find that a brain based disorder accounts for the regression. With this diagnosis, the diagnosis is more bleak than others diagnosed with Autism because it becoms incredibly difficult to recoup the skills. To receive a diagnosis of Autism, children tend to show developmental delays in communication, social skills (pragmatically), sensory concerns, and adaptive skills. Now, with all that being said, I'm not saying your LO has Autism at all. Avoiding eye contact is a concern, but could indicate other issues, or nothing. I would suggest looking into speech and language services. Many county health departments can help you locate services if they don't do it themselves. Early intervention is key whenever a child shows any delays. You may look into getting her a comprehensive evaluation done at a local children's hospital if your doctor is concerned as well. The most important thing to realize is that even if she has Autism, she will be able to do amazing things. A diagnosis of any sort does not change that. I would step away from Dr. Google because it will only cause you more stress. Continue talking to your doctor and seeking out help if you feel strongly that something is not right. Please feel free to PM me if I can help in any way.

JulieSmiles · January 2014

jenpalmer12 said:

As bad as it sounds I'm not sure if she can't hear me or just ignoring me. I'm having her hearing checked with an ENT next week. I'm hoping it's as simple as that. I was hoping Her pediatrician would reassure me that hearing could be the issue, but she didn't. I made the appointment with the ENT on my own.

This is a great place to start! Good for you for advocating for your child!

SchoolPsychSteph · January 2014

I've heard of Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, but I believe these don't exist anymore and are pretty severe and rare. I agree, stay away from google as hard as it may be. Wait to see what your pediatrician says.

SchoolPsychSteph · January 2014

@MegK82 was your daughter evaluated in a clinic or at school? I ask because we give the ADOS-2, but have not seen it used in a diagnosis from a third party.

jenpalmer12 · January 2014

Thanks again everyone! Your knowledge has been so helpful on so many levels!

JulieSmiles · January 2014

SchoolPsychSteph said:

I've heard of Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, but I believe these don't exist anymore and are pretty severe and rare. I agree, stay away from google as hard as it may be. Wait to see what your pediatrician says.

Thanks for sharing that info. The book I was looking at was a few years old and I knew some things had changed in the last few years.

SchoolPsychSteph · January 2014

No, that was a thorough answer. I love hearing stories about families' journeys. I was just curious. Thanks for sharing!

SchoolPsychSteph · January 2014

JulieSmiles said:

SchoolPsychSteph said:

I've heard of Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, but I believe these don't exist anymore and are pretty severe and rare. I agree, stay away from google as hard as it may be. Wait to see what your pediatrician says.

Thanks for sharing that info. The book I was looking at was a few years old and I knew some things had changed in the last few years.

I'm sorry! I didn't see your post before I posted mine. I didn't mean to come across as a one upper. Not at all. Hey, we were on the same page in what we were trying to get across. Yes and thank you for posting all the areas of autism.

apmom · January 2014

When my oldest was evaluated one of our biggest concerns was her hearing, we would talk to her and she wouldn't respond. That is common in kids w autism whose hearing is fine,but their receptive lang skills are poor so they are slow to respond. Def take her to your dr and see what he says. Go for a 2nd opinion if necessary. Trust your instincts. But as one poster said, an autism diagnosis can be a hard road but it is also rewarding, inspiring, and hopeful, particuarly w so many great supports for kids on the spectrum. Hope this helps!

Regressive autism

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