Re: apraxia and autism diagnosis--what is the difference

[Guest guest]

well said.

From: Elena Danaila <edanaila@...>

No , apraxia and autism are distinct disorders--HOWEVER_ __they are

both on the neurological disorder continuum. As many as 50% of ASD kids can and

do have apraxia--just doesn't get identified and treated as such because

everyone says they're autistic, so of course they have speech problems. It's sad

because they need motor planning therapy to improve their speech.

[Guest guest]

Okay, so I am having the problem right now of trying to figure out if my son has

autism.  He is 3.5 and he has some sensory issues and motor issues.  He also

does not play very well by himself but he will imitate play if you play with

him.  I know for sure that he does have Verbal Apraxia.  Do Apraxic children

tend to repeat things?

 

I like what you said about how either way Apraxia and Autism are neurological

disorders and they should be treated as such.  Is it safe to say that the

difference between Apraxic and Autistic children is the way they " use " their

speech?  Is it true that Autistic children tend to babble or use speech

inappropriately (out of context)?

 

The reason I ask this is because one of the questions that was on a

questionnaire was " can your child carry a conversation or inititate

conversation " .  My child cannot do this but because of his Apraxia. 

[Guest guest]

Sounds like apraxia to me..My daughter with apraxia had to be taught how to

play and had limited imagination on some things but definitely did not have

autism as she initiated interaction with people.

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of cynthia mendoza

Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:11 PM

Subject: [ ] Re: apraxia and autism diagnosis--what is the

difference

Okay, so I am having the problem right now of trying to figure out if my son

has autism. He is 3.5 and he has some sensory issues and motor issues. He

also does not play very well by himself but he will imitate play if you play

with him. I know for sure that he does have Verbal Apraxia. Do Apraxic

children tend to repeat things?

I like what you said about how either way Apraxia and Autism are

neurological disorders and they should be treated as such. Is it safe to

say that the difference between Apraxic and Autistic children is the way

they " use " their speech? Is it true that Autistic children tend to babble

or use speech inappropriately (out of context)?

The reason I ask this is because one of the questions that was on a

questionnaire was " can your child carry a conversation or inititate

conversation " . My child cannot do this but because of his Apraxia.

[Guest guest]

,

Hi, I'm megan. I just wanted to chime in and share what we are doing for school.

I am a former teacher (now a SAHM) and I observed the public special program in

our area. I was really disappointed and we decided to send our 3.5 yo to a

private waldorf school. It is true that the private program does not have speech

therapy or OT, but I truly feel that it feeds our daughter's heart. She loves

the other children and the teachers. She has learned to follow the rhythm and

routines. There is so much in the way of song and movement to help support her

motor planning. And even though she is not saying " mama " yet, she has word

approximations for half the kids in her class. I also feel that it is really

important for children to have open play time with other children to watch and

get to know. Our daughter has structured time with private therapists. When I

watch her play, I know that she is learning when she follows her own instincts

instead of doing repeated structured class activities.

I suggest taking some time to explore your various preschool opportunities and

go with something (or nothing) based on what you think will bring your son joy

and confidence.

Best wishes,

MEgan

[Guest guest]

This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I could share my experience

with you and tell you everything we have gone through to TRY and get an accurate

diagnosis, but I think it would be more effective to first ask you some

questions:

What do you think your son needs to catch up with his peers? What do you want

most for him? Do you think getting a diagnosis (accurate or just as likely

inaccurate) will help him get these things?

OR

Do you already know what he needs? Do you know how to give it to him or where

to take him so that he can get the help he needs? Will the diagnosis do no

harm?

It is my opinion that you know the answers, it is just not easy to believe we

know what is best for our children. We often feel that when things are not

going according to plan that a professional is somehow more suited to help our

child. A lot of times this is true, if and only if, the right professional who

REALLY knows what your child needs is brought into the picture. Just think long

and hard about each person you bring into your child's life. If he has apraxia,

you know he needs speech therapy and most certainly OT as well. These are not

more likely to be covered by insurance if you get an autism diagnosis.

Just my thoughts and opinions. I agree 1000% with Elena that all the therapy in

the world is not worth a thing until you address the underlying medical issues.

Maybe then, after you had done biomed for a year, you might take him in to be

evaluated and see what they say if you are not seeing the progress you would

expect.

Best of luck!

Penny

http://twoplusoneequalsfive.blogspot.com/

>

> Okay, so I am having the problem right now of trying to figure out if my son

has autism.  He is 3.5 and he has some sensory issues and motor issues.  He

also does not play very well by himself but he will imitate play if you play

with him.  I know for sure that he does have Verbal Apraxia.  Do Apraxic

children tend to repeat things?

>  

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your thoughts and opinions.  I do appreciate it!  I have learned

alot so far and I am still learning...

While I'm most confident that I do know what my son needs, I think a part of me

just needs to take him to a " doctor " so that I can confirm what I already know

and more than anything I really need it to convice my husband and other family

members.  Its a very lonely world, when no one else thinks the way that you

do.  No, I don't think that a label is going to change anything.  I agree

with everyone, that I need to focus on his speech/OT and understanding his

behaviors.  I have been researching alot, probably way to much, and I know now

that I need to stop focusing on " autism " and " apraxia " and just focus on what my

child needs to be successful.  I need to appreciate his strengths and try to

understand his behaviors and what I need to do as a parent.  I am also going to

research more about the biomed.  Thanks and wish me luck : )