Hi B.-
I am both a special ed teacher, speech therapist, and mommy so your question runs right up my alley.
First of all, every state in the union is required to provide diagnostic services through the public school system for every child if they need it. Does your child have a case worker? Does she have an IEP? What you need to do is contact either the district or county in which your child attends school, and through them you will be able to set up diagnostic services. FOR FREE. It is the law. Often, pediatricians (while they are doctors) do not have the specific knowledge or diagnostic skills to be able to diagnose a child with special needs - talk to your childs teacher and find out who is in charge of special education services in your public school system, and contact them directly. Her teacher will play a very important part: it is her job to echo what you need and reinforce the fact that your child needs to be seen by specialists that are employed in every school district and county across the United States (speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, etc). She can then be evaluated, an IEP (individual educational plan) can be written up to address her specific needs, things to work on, goals for the future, and she can start receving services specific to her needs (all of this is free, and required by the public school system).
From what you have described, it sounds as if your child may be exhibiting signs of Aspergers Syndrome, which is a very mild form of autism characterized by some of the symptoms below:
- Not pick up on social cues and lack inborn social skills, such as being able to read others' body language, start or maintain a conversation, and take turns talking.
- Dislike any changes in routines.
- May appear to lack empathy.
***- Be unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch, and accent that alter the meaning of others’ speech. Thus, your child may not understand a joke or may take a sarcastic comment literally. Likewise, his or her speech may be flat and difficult to understand because it lacks tone, pitch, and accent.
-Have a formal style of speaking that is advanced for his or her age. For example, the child may use the term “beckon” instead of “call,” or “return” instead of “come back.”
-Avoid eye contact.
-Have unusual facial expressions or postures.
-Be preoccupied with one or only few interests, which he or she may be very knowledgeable about. Many children with Asperger's syndrome are overly interested in parts of a whole or in unusual activities, such as doing intricate jigsaw puzzles, designing houses, drawing highly detailed scenes, or astronomy.2
- Talk a lot, usually about a favorite subject. One-sided conversations are common. Internal thoughts are often verbalized.
- Have delayed motor development. Your child may be late in learning to use a fork or spoon, ride a bike, or catch a ball. He or she may have an awkward walk. Handwriting is often poor.
-May have heightened sensitivity and get overstimulated by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes or textures. For more information about these symptoms, see sensory integration dysfunction.
-Have advanced rote memorization and math skills. Your child may be able to memorize dates, formulas, and phone numbers in unusually accurate detail.
Children with aspergers are often highly intelligent, and I have worked with several children who have tested beyond the "genius" score - sounds as if your little girl is super smart, but has deficiencies in other areas. Its important you get her services ASAP as she has already gone her entire life without them - early intervention is the key. If you know any parents in your area with children who have special needs, as them for a referral to a good pedicatirician or neurologist while you are waiting for your public services.
Good luck, and feel free to contact me if you need any more help getting things set up.
