When are you "out of the woods" for autism?

winery

Do y'all know what I mean?

When are given the all clear that your kid doesn't have autism and therefore will never have it?

And is anyone else neurotically worried about this or is it just me?  I forget about it, then I see a commercial that says 1 in 166 children will be autistic and freak out again.

Jen2124

I think there are different levels of autistic...some of them are very functioning levels and can live pretty normal lives. I think if your child was very autistic, you would know by now..but not sure if you'd know by now if he had a milder form, although I do think there would be some symptoms.

I'm really not an expert though.....hopefully someone that is will answer this!

 Btw, did you get your Kinerase cream yet? I seriously think my skin looked better within days of using it. I can't wait to hear what you think.

 

DevonPow

I don't know, but you are not the only neurotic one. DS had his 2nd round of MMR on Thursday and I am still freaked out, even though I KNOW logically it has nothing to do with it.

Don't forget that the 166 number includes everything on the autism spectrum, and that the number is higher in part because of re-labelling and better diagnosis.

winery

I know there are different levels of autism and as they broaden the scope of autism, there is an increase in the numbers of kids diagnosed with autism.

But I'm still petrified of my chidren having even the most mild of forms.

I just want them to be happy and healthy.  You know, the standard stuff.

Brewster

I KWYM.  It is an even higher percent for boys.  We had kids diagnosed as old as Kindergarten for more mild forms.  And actually we had a fairly severe K student several years ago who was not diagnosed until he started school.  His parents thought he was OCD with several language concerns and severe behavioral issues.  I, for the life of me, can not imagine why they did not seek any form of early intervention or have a medical doctor helping them. 

Some of our children with Aspergers are just "quirky".  I have had students with this who are totally on level academically, but socially are lacking.  They did not get diagnosed until an older age either.  

Chances are you have nothing to worry about.   Autism is so broad though.  I guess (since I am in the profession) it is something I will keep an eye on for a good long while more.  Most the time characteristics start showing up around 18m -2 yo. 

sarahjared

You are not the only one.  I think of that stuff all the time.  Especially when I walk by the special ed class at school (I teach in an elementary school).  I don't know how their parents do it.

Also, I am almost scared to get pg again.  DD turned out without any major physical issues and I worry that I am pressing my luck if I have another.

winery

Brewster:

I KWYM.  It is an even higher percent for boys.  We had kids diagnosed as old as Kindergarten for more mild forms.  And actually we had a fairly severe K student several years ago who was not diagnosed until he started school.  His parents thought he was OCD with several language concerns and severe behavioral issues.  I, for the life of me, can not imagine why they did not seek any form of early intervention or have a medical doctor helping them. 

Some of our children with Aspergers are just "quirky".  I have had students with this who are totally on level academically, but socially are lacking.  They did not get diagnosed until an older age either.  

Chances are you have nothing to worry about.   Autism is so broad though.  I guess (since I am in the profession) it is something I will keep an eye on for a good long while more.  Most the time characteristics start showing up around 18m -2 yo. 

I'm relieved and more worried at the same time by this information.  But it's good to know.

They have us fill out a questionare about J's behavior every time we go to the pedi.  Questions like "Do you think your child is deaf?" and "Does your child move his hands strangly near his face?".

Of course sometimes I do think J is deaf.  j/k

 

Brewster

I know.  I didn't want to scare you, but that is truly what I have seen in my school.  I am sure J is fine.  You'd see things by now.  He would probably have limited language, be somewhat anti-social, and stem or become disregulated when over stimulated.  Those are pretty mush the main characteristics for this age. 

winery

No, no, it's good to know!  To know specifically what to look for instead of just wondering if things are a bit off or if it's normal.

J is fine and I just want to be able to say 'okay, he's good, so let's hope that B is fine too'.

The fact that it's higher for boys scares me too.  Which is another reason we're done having kids.  We'd probably have another boy and 3 boys is too high of a chance for me that one of them would have autism. 

s_angel

I'm right there with you! DD  is 2 and hopefully "out of the woods". For some reason i've been really interested / obsessed??? with autism lately, i just finished both of jenny mccarthy's books and i'm telling you, the evidence SHE presents on vaccines causing autism is very compelling. To the point its scaring the crap out of me with DC#2 due in 2 weeks.