I have 2 sets of twins, ages 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 (one year and 2 days apart!). The younger set was diagnosed with autism in June and one of the older  set of twins is currently being evaulated (we know he has severe sensory issues, but want to rule out being on the spectrum). Since last year, the younger twins with autism have come a long way in terms of socialization, however, they still have limited communication and do not gesture or respond to their names at times. One of them is just beginning to walk and the other one was walking some a few months ago but stopped suddenly. Our OT seems to think the sudden loss of desire to walk is associated with his sensory problems and somehow related to the fact people of the spectrum sometimes lose skills. The PT and I aren't sure we agree. I know spectrum kids lose skills, but have not found or heard of any cases where they lose walking abilities. Does anyone know of such a case? We are meeting next week with our pediatrician to determine if another MRI is needed (he had one a year ago to rule out hydrocephalus). He will walk with handholding, but with some protest. He acts like he knows "how" and marches his feet, but can't get going. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have.

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Hi Needmoresleep06 and thank you for your question. Here is an answer to your question from Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., Director of the CARD Center at the University of Miami:

 

I think you are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of therapists and you should rely on the expertise of your occupational and physical therapists.  I do think the description of your child losing skills, however, also requires a consultation not only with your therapists and pediatrician, but also with a pediatric neurologist.  I also wonder if you have yet consulted with a geneticist to rule out any known genetic condition that might explain any loss of skills or motor deterioration. In the meantime, I would encourage as much physical therapy as possible to stimulate your child's motor development through this developmental plateau.

 

Note: Top medical experts on autism answer questions like these on the ABC News OnCall+ Autism site: http://abcnews.com/autism .

 

*****FROM ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT*****