I have questions about childhood autism

Post Reply New Topic

My best friend has a 4-year-old son who has exhibited many warning signs of developmental issues as well as hyperactivity. He has virtually no language skills and cannot seem to interact on the most basic of levels, including responding to his name. He never sits still, climbs things constantly and shows no fear of injury. My friend has chosen to ignore all these behaviors, making excuses that he "communicates just fine without words" "is hyperactive because he's a boy" and "is too affectionate to be autistic". While she is in deep denial that anything is wrong with her son, she seems to be getting little guidance from her doctor. The child has only been in for the regular annual check-ups and she has filled out the typical screening questionaires. Here's where things get weird and I could use some help understanding all of this. When she called to schedule last year's check-up appointment, she found out that the doctor had sent her a letter 6 months prior informing her that her son was autistic, but she never received this letter. She freaked out, wanting to know how they could know that without evaluating him. This question was never really answered, but near as I can figure the letter probably explained how her son MIGHT be autistic and SHOULD be evaluated. They gave her a more extensive evaluation form to fill out and told her to mail it into a special treatment center in Denver. They told her that this center is the ONLY place in all of Colorado that can evaluate a child for autism and there is a very long waiting list. I don't think she'll ever be contacted in response to the form she sent in; this was many months ago. Meanwhile she remains convinced that there's nothing wrong with her son.
How is it possible that there is only one place in our state that can perform evaluations? This child starts school next year and he is so far behind. My friend will not take any more steps towards getting him help. What's going to happen to her son?
Any comments on anything I have written are welcomed!

I hate to say it but there might not be anything you can do that you haven't already done. If she is unwilling to pursue getting her son help, and isn't abusing him, there is little you can do to intervene unless she wants your help. The only thing I can think of is to try and research autism centers in your state or surrounding areas and tell her what you have found. As to it being the only way to get diagnosed, this may not necessarily be true. In the US, I believe that any physician can diagnose autism legally, but many may wish to avoid the chance of a malpractice claim if they are wrong and there is harm done due to the misdiagnosis. For a long shot, she might want to see if there is a developmental psychologist in her area that deals with autism as they might be able to help.