Really concered about my 4 year old son

[mac24312]

Hi all!
I have some question to ask you all about my 4 year old son that is in the picture. His name is Brandon. He was born at 32 weeks. He had a heart problem that was corrected and a extra thumb taken off his right hand. He had acid reflux till he was almost a year old. He does has speech problems and we started him in Speech Therapy with our local school the end of last year. They said he is behind in Speech about 1 1/2 years and in Language skills about a year. He is also behind in some Motor Skills but they have not said anything about that yet. They instructed us put him in a Pre-K class this year so he could be with other kids. He is just so far behind the other 4 years old. Also, today is picture day and he usually loves getting his picture done at home, Walmart, Kmart, etc and he threw a MAJOR fit when he was waiting for the teacher to come and the photo guy was taken test flashes..he balled and scream and said to me light off..light off..he was SO scared of that...I know that is not going to work out today...a couple of weeks ago he got scared in a assembly during school and had to be taken back to the room.

We have brought all this stuff up to his regular doctor since he was not talking well starting a year old..Just now this year at his 4 year old checkup they are going to send him to a Neurological Development Doctor in November. He is also very hiper in the classroom..messing in everything I am told. He will only eat certian food also. He is a very gentle, loving little boy and will listen and do everything he is told at home.


Do you all have any advice for us? I did start giving him Fish Oil about 4 months ago and noticing a really good improvement in his speech skills.

Thanks
Christina

[Dreams]

No advice. But lotsa for Brandon.

[SkeeterN]

It is possible he is Autistic?

[CarbyCurse]

It does sound a lot like the children I know with autism, Skeeter's right.

[Sis]

Sounds familiar to me.

Bckground story. Youngest ds was born 2 weeks early and progressed normally until about age 3. He started having speech problems, speaking too fast to understand him, not "hearing" you unless he was looking at you. He could hear, but wouldn't hear you. We placed him in Pre-k and he had a MAJOR meltdown (slight tantrums at home, no where near this) on his first day. I walked into the school with him laying prostrate on the floor, arms extended crying hysterically while the principal stood over him pointing his finger and screaming at him to shut up. Needless to say he didn't stay in that school long, and the principal is lucky to still be alive.

As he grew, more things seemed to set him off. And yes, he became a very picky eater. Lights, sounds, touch. He was diagnosed ADHD in kindergarten and was put on medication and therapy. The therapist said it was the wrong diagnosis, however he didn't know what was exactly wrong. The drugs made him extremely anxious, biting his nails until they bled, breakdowns and tantrums. The school special ed teacher (in class for expressive language disorder) called him a demon child to his face, and made him stand in the center of the classroom for the rest of the day when he refused to do something. (Again, wasn't in that class long after I heard that)

In 3rd grade a remarkable thing happened. We got a new OT assigned to my ds, and she diagnosed him as having Sensory Integration Disorder. Things fell into place as soon as she did. The sensitivity to things, being perfectly ok one minute and off the charts the next. Sensory Overload. Therapy helped a bit, but the biggest help was starting him in band in 4th grade. It helped him concentrate in his other classes, it helped his system adjust to stimulii. His attitude, demeanor, and anxiety all improved.

He is now in 9th grade. At this point in the school year he has all A's except for 1 B in English (he has an expressive learning disability, so its to be expected) and these are all regular classes, no special ed services except for extra time for writing when needed. He considered gifted and talented in Music, and has qualified for All County and All State Band and Chorus 3 years running.

I think back and remember the tears (both his and mine) and what I had to be (they called me B#tch Mom from H3ll for 5 years running) in order to 1) first get him services and 2) teach the teachers how to deal with a child like mine. And I see him now, Marching in the Band, Playing Football on the Field, enjoying going to school, and while he still has occassions of overload, he has learned to work through it 99% of the times. Maturity may have a lot to do with it......but finding the right diagnosis was a godsend.

[mac24312]

Originally Posted by CarbyCurse

It does sound a lot like the children I know with autism, Skeeter's right.

I know kids with Autism and what the symptoms are...He dont have hardly ANY of the symptoms for it...he is very affection..not self absorbed like some I know with it...he will answer when you call him...he will try to answer question you ask him...cant say yes yet but does say NO alot...thinking on the lines for ADHD instead of Autism...

[CarbyCurse]

Autism is a whole spectrum... from the very "mild" forms to the more pronounced and disabling. Your description of your son sounds much like my nieces little guy...right down to the stomach trouble, delayed speech, food preferences AND while he's quite affectionate, it's on his terms. He's like a little wind-up toy at times, especially in his preschool..always on teh go and into things, oblivious to the rules. He's more subdued and different in his familiar home environment, but they've been to many doctors, psychologists, etc. and the consensus is Asperger's.

They were thinking ADHD as well, and were told repeatedly some of the signs and symptoms are the same.

[mac24312]

Originally Posted by Sis

Sounds familiar to me.

Bckground story. Youngest ds was born 2 weeks early and progressed normally until about age 3. He started having speech problems, speaking too fast to understand him, not "hearing" you unless he was looking at you. He could hear, but wouldn't hear you. We placed him in Pre-k and he had a MAJOR meltdown (slight tantrums at home, no where near this) on his first day. I walked into the school with him laying prostrate on the floor, arms extended crying hysterically while the principal stood over him pointing his finger and screaming at him to shut up. Needless to say he didn't stay in that school long, and the principal is lucky to still be alive.

As he grew, more things seemed to set him off. And yes, he became a very picky eater. Lights, sounds, touch. He was diagnosed ADHD in kindergarten and was put on medication and therapy. The therapist said it was the wrong diagnosis, however he didn't know what was exactly wrong. The drugs made him extremely anxious, biting his nails until they bled, breakdowns and tantrums. The school special ed teacher (in class for expressive language disorder) called him a demon child to his face, and made him stand in the center of the classroom for the rest of the day when he refused to do something. (Again, wasn't in that class long after I heard that)

In 3rd grade a remarkable thing happened. We got a new OT assigned to my ds, and she diagnosed him as having Sensory Integration Disorder. Things fell into place as soon as she did. The sensitivity to things, being perfectly ok one minute and off the charts the next. Sensory Overload. Therapy helped a bit, but the biggest help was starting him in band in 4th grade. It helped him concentrate in his other classes, it helped his system adjust to stimulii. His attitude, demeanor, and anxiety all improved.

He is now in 9th grade. At this point in the school year he has all A's except for 1 B in English (he has an expressive learning disability, so its to be expected) and these are all regular classes, no special ed services except for extra time for writing when needed. He considered gifted and talented in Music, and has qualified for All County and All State Band and Chorus 3 years running.

I think back and remember the tears (both his and mine) and what I had to be (they called me B#tch Mom from H3ll for 5 years running) in order to 1) first get him services and 2) teach the teachers how to deal with a child like mine. And I see him now, Marching in the Band, Playing Football on the Field, enjoying going to school, and while he still has occassions of overload, he has learned to work through it 99% of the times. Maturity may have a lot to do with it......but finding the right diagnosis was a godsend.

Thank you! They are wonderful with him at the school..I am SO glad about that...I bet they call me the B#tch Mom from Austinville too because I am on there case all the time!! I am So sorry you had that happen to you with him but I am So glad they finally found a OT for diagnose it for you all....I was thinking along the lines of ADHD or Sensory Issues...goes to the Specialist in November and I will bring that up for sure...hope to keep up with you all...TY

HUGS

[RenoMom]

Two things to check one is Aspergers and the other is NVLD (Non Verbal Learning Disability)
Both have a on of info on line. I am going through this with my son. He was just tested and does not fall on the Autistic Spectrum but many times ones thought to have it have NVLD. Also a Gluten Free Diet has shown some major differences in these little ones.

Lack of Oxygen at birth is also what caused this for my son or so I'm told.

[mac24312]

Originally Posted by RenoMom

Two things to check one is Aspergers and the other is NVLD (Non Verbal Learning Disability)
Both have a on of info on line. I am going through this with my son. He was just tested and does not fall on the Autistic Spectrum but many times ones thought to have it have NVLD. Also a Gluten Free Diet has shown some major differences in these little ones.

Lack of Oxygen at birth is also what caused this for my son or so I'm told.

Ok..I will check that out also...he Oxygen level was great...all he will eat right now is Gravy, Bread, Chicken Strips, French Fries, Mashed Potatoes, Pudding, Fish Strips, Bologna, Hot Dogs, and Cheese. We have tried really hard to get him to eat other things and he just wont eat anything else..we try and he gags on it.

Oh..his teacher just e-mailed me and he did get his picture taken after watching a couple of the pre-k kids do it..said he didn't smile but he stayed still while he took it. Told me if we didn't like them then we could take them over in a couple of weeks and I could help if I want to then.

I want to thank everyone for their ideas...I want to keep this thread alive and keep posting updates on him.

Thanks again
Christina

[mac24312]

Bumping...want to keep this alive for anyone that has any ideas..

TY

[CurveControl]

The neuro will have great ideas, and you have the appointment.

Worries help no one, and he will pick up on it.

All I can advise is to try to not be so anxious.

Not as easy for you to do it as it is for me to say it, I know

Maybe write down your concerns to let them out?

[mac24312]

Bumping again so if anyone has any options dont be afraid to tell me...

HUGS!

[LeanLioness]

Originally Posted by SkeeterN

It is possible he is Autistic?

He sounds like my 8 year old cousin, who is autistic...............

[Gladsome]

Originally Posted by mac24312

Ok..I will check that out also...he Oxygen level was great...all he will eat right now is Gravy, Bread, Chicken Strips, French Fries, Mashed Potatoes, Pudding, Fish Strips, Bologna, Hot Dogs, and Cheese. We have tried really hard to get him to eat other things and he just wont eat anything else..we try and he gags on it.

Oh..his teacher just e-mailed me and he did get his picture taken after watching a couple of the pre-k kids do it..said he didn't smile but he stayed still while he took it. Told me if we didn't like them then we could take them over in a couple of weeks and I could help if I want to then.

I want to thank everyone for their ideas...I want to keep this thread alive and keep posting updates on him.

Thanks again
Christina

Never worry about whether or not someone thinks you are a $%@#@ for standing up for your child! That is your job.
As far as the eating goes...my 10 year old eats less than your son so, he may just be a picky eater. Please check out all possibilities with your son and do not be afraid of any "label", helping him is most important. Best of luck and I hope you get some answers from your neuro.

[wannabeslim4life]

Originally Posted by mac24312

I know kids with Autism and what the symptoms are...He dont have hardly ANY of the symptoms for it...he is very affection..not self absorbed like some I know with it...he will answer when you call him...he will try to answer question you ask him...cant say yes yet but does say NO alot...thinking on the lines for ADHD instead of Autism...

grain free definitely helps my DS have better days I notice a huge difference in his speech and behavior from when he wakes up and gradually through the day it gets worse it is like what he eats really has an affect on it. One day it was like a night and day change he was happy *trying* to sing along to his fave song and I gave him an organic cereal bar 15 minutes later he just started flipping out screaming not talking arching his back hitting his head on his car seat....I was like wth? I have my screening questionnaire I can tell you what the Developmental specialist will look for to diagnose if you want, it is just a guideline of course.

[Jenn_in_NJ]

Most important thing is you are getting help.

Here's a link about NVLD, About NLD
Symptoms of NVLD always sound so close to autism to me.

And Wiki on SID
Sensory Integration Dysfunction - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Danasview.net has a lot of info and a lot of links. More autism but a lot of general info for people with special needs.

[mac24312]

Originally Posted by wannabeslim4life

grain free definitely helps my DS have better days I notice a huge difference in his speech and behavior from when he wakes up and gradually through the day it gets worse it is like what he eats really has an affect on it. One day it was like a night and day change he was happy *trying* to sing along to his fave song and I gave him an organic cereal bar 15 minutes later he just started flipping out screaming not talking arching his back hitting his head on his car seat....I was like wth? I have my screening questionnaire I can tell you what the Developmental specialist will look for to diagnose if you want, it is just a guideline of course.

Yes..I would like that please...PM me and I will give you my e-mail.

Thanks

[pawleys14]

my grandson Kyle has been diagnosed with "Childhood Apraxia of Speech" - where he wants to speak, but his mind just would not let him.... there is also another called "Dysprazia, a development disorde that makes it diffcult to preform complex movements. sometimes they go hand in hand...

Kyle has two speech therapists, and they have helped him sooo much... Kyle lives in Michigan - me in SC... so I do not see him alot but he told me on the phone (on my birthday) that he loved me.... it was a wonderful birthday gift... Kyle is 2 1/2 years old.... and he is really starting to speak now..... maybe your son has either one of these disorders...

My son works every day with Kyle and it has really helped... there are also web sites on the internet that Kyle learns sounds of letters etc...

Sweetie... God Bless... and I hope that they figure out what is wrong with your son.... love diana

[pawleys14]

oh, I forgot when Kyle was around 1 1/2 years old and seeing his first therapist..... they taught him "sign language" - he learned 30 signs... and it helped him and his parents to know what he wanted and was trying to say.....
it really was a good thing..... I thought is was pretty neat that a baby could learn sign language.......

[NewYorkGiants32]

Originally Posted by mac24312

Bumping again so if anyone has any options dont be afraid to tell me...

HUGS!

My three year old was born at 35 weeks w/ her intestines outside her body She spent a month in the NICU, and was a very hard baby 9that is putting it mildly) worth every effort, but very hard...Anyhow....she too is getting therapy, physical, speech, OT she is in pre-k. The first year was horrible for her, her teachers did not think she was going to adjust (now she loves it)

Recently (6 months or so) she has been having some odd symptoms where my "gut" tells me something is up. The easiest and shortest way for me to describe it, she has OCD "tendencies" My pediatrician sent her for all kind of blood and urine work (still waiting for results)

My point to this story......
1. I understand completely what you are going through
2. ALWAYS follow your mothers instincts, push for more test, evals, whatever it takes.
3. Sign language has helped my daughter out tremendously!!
4. Understand that sometimes, there just is not a reason.

[Su11]

I think that maybe he needs a gradual conditioning to new stimuli. Do you live in a largely rural or quiet area? Maybe day trips on the weekend to new places might help him have confidence in very different sensory experiences.

That sensory overload idea is a good one.

If the fish oil is working, try moving him to the flavored cod liver oil (something like Nordic Naturals ... just don't let him take something you aren't sure is fresh.. they can go bad rather easily. There's a lot of information out there on childhood benefits of cod liver oil.

Autism has a very wide range of abilities and three major types, so it can be hard to determine if someone has it or does not have it. A good diagnosis is helpful, a bad one can be a misery. As well as he is functioning at home, I'd think any valid treatment would be rather low-key.