Mother of possible Autistic 2yr Old saying hello!! !

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Hi,
My name is Jolene, I am 34 yrs old and I suffer from Bipolar Disorder. I have three kids, ages 14, 11, and 2. My older two do not have any autistic tendencies, and although my youngest has a different father, I had no cause to believe she would be any different than my older two (well all kids are different, you know what I mean I just can't find the right words to explain it right now) She actually developed faster than her siblings in many ways, she started talking very early, but then she literally just STOPPED. Zia doesnt really say anything anymore, she will say a random word often but not in the right context and we never can get her to repeat it. Physically she seems normal, but when we talk to her, she doesnt comprehend our intent, like when we are upset with her, its no different to her than when we are joking with her. She is very routine oriented, because of my bipolar I am also so thats generally ok, but she doesnt tolerate any change, it upsets her for hours to days.

I am also beginning to suspect I might have some form of autism as well. It would certainly explain alot, though sometimes I think I am a hypochondriac, others have commented on several of the symptoms I have exhibited that I have seen discussed on here. Is Autism known to be hereditary? There is so much I need to learn, this has become my new obsession, since my daughter (and of lesser importance myself) MIGHT have it, excuse my ignorance as I may ask some stupid questions.

Regardless of the outcome I hope to make some friends here and continue my quest for knowledge since I for sure suffer from Bipolar Disorder and this site has a place for me to learn and share my experience with others. I look forward to 'meeting' you all.
Jolene

Welcome! Your daughter is lucky that you are attentive and informed enough to notice things. From what you say, it would be a good idea to have her evaluated. Meanwhile, there is some genetic thing going on with the autism spectrum, and many adults start to notice traits in family members once a child is diagnosed. Good luck and take care...

Thanks for the response and kind words. Yes, we are getting her evaluated, we had the first step the other day with her pediatrician, describing what we have seen at home and in just the short time the doctor saw her she exhibited symptoms in her office, the noise she makes to calm herself when things are different than what she is used to for example, the doctor even told us that even Zia's eating habits (we can't get Zia to try ANYTHING, she eats the same thing for meals every day, even her chicken nuggets, Zia will NOT eat homemade chicken nuggets, only frozen processed, pre-cooked ones) indicated some type of Autism. I am focused on her right now but I am going to sit down one day soon and write down all my symptoms and see a doctor. I have learned so much on here, does anyone know of any online quizzes or evaluation type things? I have taken one for Aspie and scored a 142 out of 200, wondering if there are any that cover the whole Autism Spectrum, either for Autism in general or to tell you what kind you are (hypothetically) most likely to have? I know it doesnt mean you have it, I just like to take them with me to the doctor to discuss them.

Thanks again for any answers/info you can provide!
Jolene

My son as diagnosed with Autism when he was 2. One online screening tool I am aware of is the M-CHAT but this should be the tool that her pedi used with her at her 18 or 24 mo. appt.

Welkome to WP!

Mick

Welcome, Jolene.