concerns abt a friend's kid (ASD?)

TELK83

I have a neighbor who's son will be 3 in about 2 weeks. I have a 2 1/2 year old son and they like to play together. I have noticed some odd things about her son in the past, but today lots of little red flags were going up.

I noticed that his speach seems to be regressing. He was more talkative at one time, but today I don't think I heard him say one word. He also hummed or grunted loudly just about all day. I have seen him toe walk before, but didn't notice him do that today. At one point today my son hit him w/ one of those horse heads on a stick meant for riding on accident. He really knocked him in the head hard, but the little boy had no reaction. He didn't even stop what he was doing and look at us. This little boy also has a very limited diet. He will eat Mcdonalds fries, apples, white bread, tortillias and fruit loups. He has been this way w/ food just about his whole life. He is almost 3 and about 25 lbs.

 His mom expressed some concerns about her son today and I'm so glad that she's noticing.

I guess I want to know if these all sound like ASD behaviors. I also want to know about supporting her as she begins the evaluation or dx process.

 on another related topic, MY son is now grunting this evening after hanging out w/ his little friend today. It's not pleasent! Is it best just to totally ignore it?

stillhoping

The best thing you can do is to be there for her. I would not give her any advice, as an ASD mom, while I respect them and need their support advice on how to deal with the emotions of having an ASD child etc. is not something they "get"

Go with her to the appointment if she ask, find supportive websites for her, if she ask for the information, do not just call her up and say hey by the way check out such and such. 

 

Other things that could be going on are SPD, sensory processing disorder.The eating thing is common with that and well my children did the same thing, Douglas especially, he would only eat McDonalds, he is eating more now but still has a limited list of foods he will eat. D does not have ASD he is sensory all the way.

Just be careful as this is a very touch subject, you could do or say something to upset her without realizing it. Be there, hold her hand and listen to her, that is the best thing you can do

TELK83

thanks! that's exactly what i wanted to know; If it was ok to send her a link to this group or other things ive seen. She asked me for the number to our EI program (my dd gets pt for her club foot). I will try not to be too pushy while being there for her at the same time.

Thanks again.

TELK83

Thanks Aunite. Yes I told her that he will be too old for early steps, but that I thought they could give her the right people to call. She's actually a teacher, so maybe she will know who to contact.

Thanks!