Saw the Neurologist today...

[Ericsmomma]

Well, after a five month wait, we finally saw the neurologist up in Cleveland. He is the "go to" guy when questioning autism, add, adhd, pod, etc. We took Eric because he exhibits some autistic behaviors. I didn't think Eric was autistic, he's too social, but his Dad thought he was. His teacher also mention some autistic symptoms.
Well, the doc didn't think he had autism. He thinks his behavior is from the down syndrome and being mentally challenged. And from a low IQ. (he said the lower the IQ, the more behaviors might be affected). Also, he notices kids with very low tone are more apt to "flap", spin, etc. Eric definetely fits all those catagories. So what does this all mean? Not much....he's still Eric, and he has some quirks. Just keep doing what we're doing I guess. But we can check this off our list of "Suggestions" for Eric's behavior. Maybe he's just being Eric, which is fine with me.

[wrblack]

Hmm, flapping and spinning. Sounds like somebody I know.
Lynn and I were talking just this morning about the difference between autism and PDD, from something she was reading on a totally different board. And then just came from Charlie's IEP meeting, teacher and I discussed Charlie's fondness of a good tickle and a really good hug. Things that most kids with classic autism really don't go for. I'll be interested to read the autism evaluation part of report from our visit to KKI.
Anyway, the useful part of getting an autism dx for Charlie was getting him moved from a multiple disabled class to an autism support class. Meant somewhat smaller class size and a lot more focus on therapies and programs, ABA with DTT, that have proved beneficial. Think we've seen quite a bit of progress in last 2 years.
So, I think if I were you I would ask myself if getting Eric an autism label would get him anything that would do him some good. Are there therapies and programs you'd like for him to receive and can he get those without getting that dx? Just getting the label to have the label isn't worth it, doesn't matter. But if you're missing some services that could be beneficial, then I think I would pursue that, one way or another. Just my thoughts. And think Charlie and Eric have enough in common without sharing similar dual dx, not needed if not useful and appropriate. -- Bob

[CC]

Dolly ~ Glad to hear Eric doesn't have the Dual DX of ASD.

You said "he's too social" Actually girl that would not rule out ASD with ones with DS. OMG Chris is known as "Mr. Mayor" around here LOL and the Doc we saw at CHOP actually said that ones with DS and ASD can be and usually are very social. Just thought I would share that.

But for us finding the missing piece of the puzzle for Chris really only help us understand why ... KWIM.

Anyway glad to hear you got the news you were hoping for

CC ~