Neuropsychology Central

[metzger23679]

Thank you for your time first of all. My question today in concerning my 2 year old son (exactly 27 months at this time). He has been diagnosed by our local Early Inetervention program with a significant language delay (tested in at a 14 month old level at 25 months old). He has no hearing difficulties (determined by hearing exam). He is currently working with a developmental therapist (language), behavioral therapist (tantrums) and occupational therapist (severe sensory issues). All therapists are currently trying to get him in for a pediatric psychology team for the PPD-NOS or Aspergers evaluation. He has significant delays in fine motor skills, gross motor are okay. He displays very little eye contact, patterned behavior (plays with trains constantly), no imaginative play, repetitive and very odd behaviors (flapping, toe walking, strange movements in walking and use of arms) serious issues with eating (what and how much), does try to play with other kids but play is limited and ends in tantrums because he becomes upset with his toys are being used or they do something with the toy he does not want to do. His tantrums have become very bad in the past three weeks. At times they are full blown rages with him slamming his head into walls (thus the behavioral therapist has encouraged the use of a helmet). This past weekend he began having seizures (lasted about 30 seconds and he did not become unconscious but was very disoriented afterward). He was picking cereal out of a bowl at the time of the seizure. He also began shaking when eating yogart with a spoon as well this weekend. We have been put on a waiting list so see the local pediatric neurologist. Are there any new components we should be thinking about with the Autism and the seizures? Any other disorders that could present like Autism (Asperbegers, PPD-NOS) but have seizures? I have heard of things like Tuberous Sclerosis can cause behavioral problems, seizures, developmental delays. In your opionion is there anything else we should keep an eye out for. What tests should we push for with the neurologist? Any special tests with the Pediatric Psychologists we should push for where seizures are concerned? Thanks Again!

[Jarleigan]

Tourette's is often seen in conjunction with autism spectrum disorders. Tourettesyndrome.net has some information on the connection.
As far as specifying a spectrum diagnosis, I havne't personally met anyone who was able to secure a dx of PDD or AS before age 4. That's not to say that the parents didn't already "know" what was up!
Kudos to you for securing Early Intervention!
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Carrie

"It seems that for success in science and art, a dash of autism is essential" -Hans Asperger

[HowDoYouFeel]

Although this post is a few years old, I feel inclined to comment because I was going through the same thing with my child at one point. It can be SO difficult to determine what sort of disorder one has because many symptoms are similar and coincide with other conditions. OCD can lead to panic disorder; Autism to Tourettes, etc. The list goes on. Also, I'm pretty sure that my child experiences minor seizures from the Tourettes.

My child was diagnosed with Autism, but he has been having tantrums much like the ones you're mentioning. It can be quite scary and saddening to see someone go through that. I'm definitely going to investigate the matter further. How have your children been doing so far?

My name is Miranda, by the way. PM me anytime. =)
Also, one more question -- do you guys recommend an emergency alarm system like life alert in case one happens to have an epileptic attack? Thanks, guys!
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Miranda