Replies to '12/19 Parents’ Ultimate Test: Dealing with Autism'

My grand-daughter is now 4 years old and in a special class at school with children with various disabilities. When she was about 18 months old she was evaluated and the family was told that she is autistic. She had been saying several words, was dancing and  singing . At 18 months she began talking , but in her own language and the other things she had been doing also declined. She tries so hard to talk and is so pleased when we understand her. She also repeats what we say to her, but we're trying to work with her so that she will be able to answer and not echo us so much. Her parents bought a video for her which teaches a little bit of sign language, it has helped a bit. The dificult thing for her is that sometimes she will go from about 8:00- about 3:00 in the morning singing or talking and laughing. Also potty training is one of her biggest challenges,sometimes yes and at times no. We are not at all anxious to medicate her because we feel that there are better alternatives. In the last six months two psychologists who again evaluated her said that they don't think that she is autistic, though she has several symptoms. They said that she is very affectionate and cooperative which they claim is not common with autistic children, however we do know that there are different types of autism. Thanks from the grand-mother of the little girl who has never forgotten how to say "HIIII" to everyone and as she rides in the car. Thanks Dr. Phil. I think you and your wife are so sweet.