Autism Spectrum: PDD-NOS hand flapping (stimming)

This is my son when he saw a water fountain. HE LOVES WATER! A not too uncommon theme among autistics. He will throw a huge tantrum when I try to pull him away. He is 3 years old in this video and was just diagnosed with Autism, specifically PDD-NOS which is also called atypical autism, July 2011. I already suspected he would be diagnosed because he hadn't met ANY of his milestones as a baby. A week after his first birthday he had a major seizure and was hospitalized for 5 days. He's had several seizures since and is currently taking medication to control them.

Red Flags that Parents Should Note:

* does not respond to his/her name.
* cannot explain what he/she wants.
* language skills are slow to develop or speech is delayed.
* doesn't follow directions.
* at times, seems to be deaf.
* doesn't point or wave "bye-bye."
* used to say a few words or babble, but now doesn't.
* throws intense or violent tantrums.
* has odd movement patterns.
* is overly active, uncooperative, or resistant.
* doesn't know how to play with toys.
* doesn't smile when smiled at.
* has poor eye contact.
* gets "stuck" doing the same things over and over and can't move on to other things.
* seems to prefer to play alone.
* gets things for him/herself only.
* is very independent for his/her age.
* does things "early" compared to other children.
* seems to be in his/her "own world."
* seems to tune people out.
* is not interested in other children.
* walks on his/her toes.
* shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules
(i.e., always holding a string or having to put socks on before pants).
* spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order.

Source: Filipek et al. (1999). Screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29(6): 439-484.

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Tags:

• Epilepsy
• autism spectrum
• ASD
• hand flapping
• water play
• stimming
• cute
• happy
• PDD-NOS
• non verbal
• autista
• autistic