Autism, you say? Then why is she pretending?

[LetMeRok]

4 years old and wearing just a diaper that looks like a sign for autism

[Tricianne7]

well this isnt funny but my son when he was 3 onwards would talk in a strange language like he was speaking chinese.

[ajf7279]

She reminds me very much of my autistic daughter. I wasn'tt comfortable labeling her at first. We all have to find our own way thru this maze. What I don't understand are the "internet MD"s who think that they can dx random kids via a 3 minute random video, often disputing an actual dr's dx. Whatever is challenging your daughter, may she overcome it and live a strong, happy life. My daughter has autism and that is our battle. Yours has her's and you will face it together. Blessed be. :)

[carinagillon]

she's sweet and cute that's my diagnosis

[LadyBugandCoCoPuffs]

aww..she is adorable and cute=)

[gabgirl]

The1CamBo is an asshole,..with no heart,..

[The1CamBo]

she looks/talks like charles manson

[RedHotChilliA]

Children with autism comes in all forms. Please don't rule this out completely. The therapies will only take the beautiful child you see and allow her to focus and pull that personality together so that she can join her peers. The therapists are trained to draw out the talents that each child has by focusing on their personal areas of difficulty.

[realitymainperson]

autism ruined my life.

[RedHotChilliA]

I work with children who are very high functioning. We pretend and have conversations. I would not completely rule out autism because I have seen the amazing benefits that come along with ABA therapy. ABA therapy can help and child and this little girl definitely could benefit. The ABA therapy and speech therapy are both additional things that are often looked into to make sure Abigail has the opportunity to be the best she can. All of these services are offered for free through waivers.

[diaperlvr41]

question? what is the brand name of the diaper is she using? I have a special needs child. his name is echo. and he is diaperd 24/7 due to his helth problems. and the diaper in your video just might work for him. the only reason I ask is because he is an inbetweenner and his size is very hard to find. I tryed the pampers cruisers size 7 with the new 3-way fit but they fit him like a pamper cruisers size 6. I have to modifi his pampers to fit him right. where I can find thoes diapers.?

[bwoodruff12501]

@diaperlvr41 Hi, these are ATTENDS YOUTH size. They are pretty expensive, but in our state, my daughter qualified under an aged blind disabled program at the department of human services. A prescription from a doctor was given to them, then I picked up the diapers each month. It was very helpful. She recently has potty trained for the most part. :)

[PseudoKitsch]

I've never heard of implants being given to people that aren't Deaf, so it's interesting to hear that it was tried in an attempt to bypass the processing issue. I wouldn't have expected it to work, though, and it sounds like it really hasn't.

Autism is a tough thing to diagnose because it's often misdiagnosed. A lot of people use it as a synonym for "mentally retarded", but really it comes down to the brain being overloaded by input and the brain responds however it can to make it better.

[Shannonbarnesdr1]

actually autistics CAN pretend, some more then others, and its tends to be different some whatt hen a '' noramal'' kid, but ether way, she is perfect as she is, she is beautiful and nothing is '' wong'' with her, she is just different, we all are

*signes, a austicstic adult with multiple DD cognative challenges ** perfect as i am ;-)

[LaRaNaThA]

I haven't allowed "them" to diagnose my boy, but the speech therapist & others would say "Autism". He has lots of the characteristics (stimming, echolalia, delayed speech & potty training, comprehension issues, etc.) yet loves people & has the same eye contact as you or I & talk about imaginative! He has such a great imagination....yet I'm sure he would be labeled with Autism...& that's okay b/c he's still the same kid. Same w/your girl. Doesn't change who she is one iota.

[307053m]

im happy she is very outgoing my brother in laws cousin has it and he is aggressive and cries and only talks to some ppl like mom dad and my bro in law very scary his about 8

[epiglobeful]

and then Dao will wipe every tear from our eye and we get a spaceship....dont try to stop her even her little brother told her to keep sayin what you sayin...check out little girls walking on youtube

[epiglobeful]

she is fine...you have not yet come to realizazion that you have autizm and she is trying to fix you...the young girl can here the earth people under your world..and she is telling you that Earths Solar Systemm is being transfered into a series of Black holes contructed as a Wormhole, In order that thier God "Dao she said daaao the song as we all Prophecy in part" Dao is thier God who has made a deal with Earths God. Because they need Water and have run out of room...Help me Obione Kanobi

[marhersier]

My 4 year old girl is also like this, she is dignose as brain disphasia. She so not talk, but she can follow instructions. She uses dipper, but because she does not wants to sit on toilet. She sings like that, but can't say mom or ma. She is therapy, she is improving little by little.

[Beauty4Aspies]

I've never lliked cloths either, never will! So I understand her!

[PD19954]

Also forgot to add that I also have ADHD and Aspergers and I was this way as well up to age 5

[PD19954]

@PD19954 DOH that and like all chidlren shes a fun, imagintive child and like 613 rachel said your doing a great job keep it up, shell be great!

[spotlightman1234]

I spoke like this until i was 3 & 1/2. Now i'm normal.

[Lightningbuzzer]

maby she made her own language that one day she'll teach to you

[LetMeRok]

she is 5 years old and I think she is still diapers

[LetMeRok]

she's 5 years old she is still in diapers

[george16257]

Have you had her hearing checked. I had a friend with a 6 yr old boy and only close family could understand him. It turned out that he had low grade hearing loss nad couldn't hear the words clearly so he was just mis-pronouncing them.

[DaggelDutch]

Has she been tested for verbal dyspraxia? I had a language delay and it turned out to be verbal dyspraxia in my case and I went to a special school where I learned how to speak. I don't know if this is the same thing, but maybe it is something to look at.

[annhot85]

put clothes on her when you make video ..

[DaggelDutch]

@annhot85 She's only 5 years old, why would this be a problem?

[AutismsLostBoy]

@annhot85 Autism is a neurological brain disorder- it's about 85% of the time that children with Autism are completely unmanageable. The video was taken at a moment when Abby was being calm enough to record, just after being changed by the obvious diapering products in the video- However as she becomes more able to function she is seen more + more like any other child would be fully clothed; as is, Abby is now fully potty-trained and her speech being treated by doctors & therapists =)

[MsRichardross]

she almost 5 years of age and still wearing nappies i wish i was her right now

[getronics01]

does she wear diapers all of the time

[funlover2283]

I believe Autism is being overdiagnosed, thus the "epidemic increaese in Autism". This doesn't look like Autism to me.......

[lizardbreath1981]

@funlover2283 I do agree that autism is over diagnosed. It is like the new ADHD. I have seen children that could speak well and seemed very normal with a diagnoses. The diagnostic criteria have changed and are being interpreted in a very lax way these days. I really don't know what my daughter has, but it is something. She was originally diagnosed with global developmental delay, but when you see vids of that, the kids are mentally handicapped pretty severely for the most part.

[lizardbreath1981]

@funlover2283 Abigail was then diagnosed by a different doctor as having autistic disorder, even though we were also told that she had a hearing loss. Her hearing loss didn't make her speak the way she does, and neither did the autism. At this point, I have no clue what she has, but she has been tested for a dozen different genetic conditions and all were negative. I may never know and am for now just stuck with the list of her "symptoms" as diagnoses. What do you think it could be?

[sbee619]

@lizardbreath1981 Apraxia can produce unintelligible speech. Also my brother used to strip naked around that age and he's neurotypical, so it might just be a normal phase :)

[StRuMzNdRuMz]

@lizardbreath1981 She interacts, and i even thought i heard her say something alopng the lines of i spilled my drink and played with the dog...She is a lil sweetheart... My brother wasnt diagnosed with autism until he was 4.5 years old, he didnt mutter a sound, didnt make eye contact, and was expressionless... I would think that mayb e there is something wrong with her tongue or throat, mild dyspraxia maybe?

[TheMrfoshizzle]

@funlover2283 Not all people diagnosed with autism act the same kind fellow.

[BeeJae78]

@funlover2283 *rolls eyes* looks just my sons Autism he is actually giggling his butt off watching this he has made me replay it 10 times. This apparently is they way we are supposed to play. "Doesnt look like Autism to me" have you ever even seen it up close? I have MANY times was in an Autism therapy group.

[Vikifus]

Autistic girls are different than boys... recent research shows they do pretend and they are interested in social games

[lizardbreath1981]

@Vikifus For this very reason, I think that is why I get a lot of comments saying that people do not think my daughter has autism. Whatever it is, it is something cause she is not normal.

[claireste]

it makes me angry that there are so many other vids of parents filming brats having tatrums and sayin oooh my child has autism and then i see this beautiful little girl who clearly has learning difficulties and my heart breaks for her ..u seem like an amazing mother she is lucky to have u ...peace and love xxxx

[lizardbreath1981]

@claireste Wow, thank you. Although if you had watched 1 of my 3 videos of her having various degree of frustration, you may of commented otherwise. I only posted 3 vids of her "meltdowns" because I do want people to see the other side of things more than the bad. Thank you for your comment.  :>

[SuperMissblueeyes]

There are children on the autistic spectrum that are able to play pretending & imaginary games, but I agree with "613rachel". It seems more like an issue with hearing & speech than autism. Most children with autism who are able to pretend, tend to be in their own world, but not interact with those around them while they're pretending. There are other things I picked up on with her behaviour as well which all brought me to the same conclusion. There's more to autism than communication issues.

[lizardbreath1981]

@SuperMissblueeyes Her condition is confusing to all involved. She also has some severe behavior problems although I only choose to post a few mild situations as that isn't my focus. She just recently became potty trained and she is 5 1/2, but still has a lot of accidents. She very rarely looks anyone in the eyes or even at their faces, but instead at the ground or to the side. If she sees multiple of one object (chairs, cans, purses, cars, toy food, etc.) She will line them up.

[lizardbreath1981]

@SuperMissblueeyes While lining up the objects, she color coordinates them. She only flaps her hands on occassion, but keeps her fingers in her mouth most of the time and has ruined her teeth and jaw doing this. She has sores on her hands from this as well. She toe walks a lot, and has a horrible time with any type of transition and becomes irate and screams uncontrollably during these times. She does interact to a point, but all children can love and become close to those around them.

[613rachel]

Based on 20 years of experience with kids with special needs ( I specialize in PDD and autism) your child is NOT autistic. She does, however, have a severe language delay - no surprise there considering the cochlear implant).

She is very with it: full of imagination, personality, and extremely interactive with you. It's a pleasure to see. I'm happy you're hs'ing her- that's the best thing for her.

You're doing a great job-keep it up. She's going to be okay!

[lizardbreath1981]

@613rachel Thank you for the words of encouragement. I assume that the children you work with must be quite severe? I thought Abigail is severe compared to several kids I've met with a similar diagnoses. She just recently got the cochlear implant and actually was not "deaf", but that is a different story all together. It was a processing issue, and the cochlear implant was with the hope of her speech improving and becoming more clear. Even with the implant, she does not respond appropriately.

[lizardbreath1981]

@Seattlecarnut She is five now, and she just potty trained right before her birthday.

[tegalexicon]

My autistic toddler pretends. He has some signs and not others, just like most kids with ASDs.

[MiaMccB]

How is your doing these days? How old is she now?

[lizardbreath1981]

@MiaMccB She is five, and is potty trained! She is talking a little better after the cochlear implant. She is still Abigail, though. lol.

[richmanpoman1]

Your other child understands. Also, b/c my daughter speaks similarly so do I. Wild. I can hear what she is saying. "I'll do pretending in the area, while you look over there." Is the first thing I interpret. Second, you ask "What did you do today" she says "I played with the big red doggie, and the big red doggie was stupid," then she does the growling/doggie sound. So if you start to listen differently, more attunely, you will get it. It's really not that hard. She needs you to figure it out.

[997loverbrnin89]

listin to those sibling's around them when they tell you what they mean because they are more with hedr then you and can understand a whole lot better

[lizardbreath1981]

@997loverbrnin89 I had a little brother with a speech problem when I was younger, and that was definitely the case with him. My parents couldn't understand him, so I "spoke" for him. But with Abigail, I am with her 24/7. I home school my kids, so she isn't away from me much. I understand her more than anyone else. But, since she got her cochlear implant she has had some minor improvements in her speech. I need to post a new video soon.

[RelationChemistry]

Hi I work with autistic children. She seems pretty high functioning , her intel is good. Autistic children's imagination's are generally very high and sometimes surpass the imagination of non- autistic children. Behavior is generally the main thing that will keep an autistic child in A ( Structured Learning Class), not their intelligence. Autistic children are usually controlled by "the feel good factor" meaning what ever feels good to them, they do it., regardless of social rules or moral.

[RelationChemistry]

@RelationChemistry It is the behavior that keeps autistic children from excelling in school, rules and routines must be consistent with appropriate deterrents. Once the child gets their behavior under control , then learning becomes very easy for them. Some have the ability to do what the majority of us have trouble with and that is "focus" for long periods of time Obsession with a certain toy, person or subject can cause some problems but can also be used as a reward and improve behavior.

[RelationChemistry]

@RelationChemistry With your child I see good promise and her condition is very treatable.: D It is the "non- verbal autistic" that seem to have the most trouble in school, because of the lack of language interaction and social ability. I think she will be fine.

[whyborn47]

My son had his own language until he was almost 6. She will be fine. She is playing and interacting with toys and you. Her speech will come in time. And she will eventually learn to potty. right now, she has more important things on her mind. My son had no interest for so long and then boom, he did it. these children are so precious and we are lucky they chose us as parent. :-)

[cec060797]

She is a cute little girl. I really hope for the best for her. Also kids with Autism my take longer to Potty Train. Would she possibly be able to wear Pull-Ups to help her start the Potty Trainning process or is she not at that stage yet? Can she drink from a regular cup or does she use a Baby Bottle or Sippy Cup? Just wondering.

I really wish you and her the best and hope everything goes well.

[lizardbreath1981]

@cec060797 She is potty trained finally. She is five now.

[sempai2055]

She is so adorable. Don't worry about the potty training thing. It is something she will get control of eventually. Just be patient.

[MrHopechild]

it is no excuse for her not being potty train. and you can have autism in pretend my niece is always pretending. she have autism.

[rhino2960]

all i can say is good luck with the stripping down thing, my best bud dan has high functioning autism and he still wanders around the house in his tighty whities XD

[moonwalkgurl]

This is so cute and funny! Abigail is adorable and she looks like she is explaining to you about the "big red doggie" aka Clifford. I hope she makes some progress and begins to talk clearly soon.

Best of luck so to your family, Christian

P.S. I'm disabled too. I have cerebral palsy so I know what being different feels like. :)

[lizardbreath1981]

@moonwalkgurl Hi, she is cute isn't she? I hope she gets better with her speech also. She started talking when she was 3, and has improved alot so far.

[MultiMissLoveable]

Awww shes really cute...my sister was diagnosed with autism as well and she reminds me a lot of Abigail.

[Syvorji]

Is her condition mild or severe?

[lizardbreath1981]

@Syvorji Hi. Her diagnoses was with the hope that she would gain speech. She was diagnosed with mild to moderate autism. I don't think she is severe because she does have some speech. I would say she is moderate. She surely could not be mild, as she doesn't function anywhere near where she should. The Dr. who diagnosed her was going to diagnose severe autism, but her nonverbal scores were high, so he thought she may talk some day. I have my doubts.

[Syvorji]

@lizardbreath1981 Thanks for the reply, since obviously, it looked severe, but obviously it is moderate. -runs to go check Wikipedia-

[Thegoldengatekeeper]

The top resources I can suggest is the Talk about curing autism website, Dr. Sears, The Autism Book. The Talk about curing website even offers free mentors ( as you have a diagnose) which are parents with autistic children, that have successfully recovered their them. They can also help you with diet and supplement suggestions. Nothing worth fighting for is easy, but with the right support system, it can help lessen the burden. (I know it can be hard). Knowledge is power and the key to success.

[lizardbreath1981]

@Thegoldengatekeeper Hmmm, I'll have to look up the info. It seems very helpful. I've always just done research on what was "wrong" with her, and haven't tried the "cures" cause I have seen all the debates about them. I guess I need to try whatever I can though, so I would of done everything possible to help her. Thanks.

[Thegoldengatekeeper]

I have so many times that the diet doesn't work, but I have seen it work for MANY children. It's not easy to start and I don't recommend going cold turkey. As I added the new foods I removed others over a few weeks. Children with autism tend to have a hard time with change. I started a blog on blogspot its called Gabbys puzzle piece @ blogspot. I also have a FB page I added with helpful resources. If you email on either one of these I would be happy to share what I have tried.

[Thegoldengatekeeper]

@lizardbreath1981... I wrote a whole novel on here but I think it didn't post because I added links. There is a difference between celiac disease and autism sensitivities. The bio medical approach believes that most children with autism have the inability to break down certain foods do to problems with the GI track. It is common for children with autism to have reflux, leaky gut, high levels of yeast and so on.

[Thegoldengatekeeper]

My daughter is 2 and PDD, granted my daughter is younger but she also had speech like this. Once I put her on the gluten free casein free diet and started her on supplements her speech cleared up. I wish you both the best of luck :)

[lizardbreath1981]

@Thegoldengatekeeper Wow, what supplements are you using? I've heard of gluten free diets, etc. My daughter has bowel issues, but I had her tested for celiac disease, which is what the internet said gluten allergy was, and the doctor said she tested fine, so I never did the diet. Is it real hard to do, cause I read that gluten is in almost everything we eat....how long after did it take for your daughters speech to improve? I can barely understand anything my daughter says to me.

[ButterflyPrincessMeg]

@lizardbreath1981 Hi, you can have celiac and have a negative test result. My mom is officially diagnosed as having ciliac, and my aunt and I are waiting to be diognosed. All three of us had negative blood test results. We think this is because some families just don't have the antibody that they test for. I know it would be very hard to change what your daughter eats, but going gluten-free for a little bit (about a week) can be helpful in diagnosing. Still, I know any changes would be tricky.

[Hierophant2]

A diaper with 4 tapes. Are they cheaper or do the work better?

[lizardbreath1981]

@Hierophant2 They are youth Attends. Very expensive, but I do not think they work better. It was a adjustment to go from baby diapers to "grown up" ones. She receives her diapers free of charge to her by a program for people with disablilities.