As if allergies weren't enough - DD diagnosed with mild autism - am I alone?

[eskimomama]

Hello all

This time it's not a thread about allergies only. DD, 2.3, has been diagnosed with mild autism last month. I was suspecting it for months, ever since she was 15/20 mo, as her behaviour started to change and regress quite a bit (not responding to her name, not pointing, not waving, not talking...). It is mild, she is still a lovely little smiling bunny, but there is definitely ASD traits in her, that won't go on their own.

I know now there is a strong link between allergies and ASD. I was wondering if anyone else here had the same misfortune with their DC?

It's almost funny that I don't even care about her allergy problems anymore. I wouldn't mind keeping her dairy/egg allergies forever if only she was ok development wise... :( allergy stuff seem now like such a small issue.
That's it - I haven't posted in several weeks because I had too much in my head. Just wanted to let everyone know now.

Please do pop across to SN. There is plently of parents of Asd there that know the feeling you are dealing with. X

Sorry to hear that eskimomama I know you must be going through a difficult time. I work in the learning disability & autism field so do understand a little of what you're going through. On a positive note, getting a diagnosis early can make a big difference. You should be able to make sure she gets the right support now so that by the time she starts school things will be in place and people will be keeping an eye out for any potential issues. Make sure you find out about local ASD support groups in your area too.

Yes, nut allergy (plus others) and Aspergers. Now a teenage girl, development can be fab with the right understanding and support. Xx

Not heard of a direct link with allergies (none of the ASD pupils at my school have allergies) but have heard of link with gluten/wheat/dairy intolerence with/ and autistic entercolitis. However this has been argued and disputed (altho I have an Autistic pupil diagnosed with it )

I am so sorry to hear you've had a tough time. On a positive note you may find the autism helps your DD deal with the allergies as she may avoid foods she's told without arguing or questioning or only eat a certain brand of food she's allowed (eg freefrom chocolate) because of the rigidity of it iyswim?

Thanks all - at the moment we are investigating the diet intervention as it seems to have made a big difference for many kids. She is definitely allergic to dairy but not to wheat, so she's had gluten products ever since she was 8 months old. Apparently the gluten doesn't need to be an allergy to create ASD type issues, just an intolerance is enough. DD's dad is mildly intolerant.

The problem is I live in France and such are soooo anti-mainstream that it's difficult/almost impossible to find any reliable doctor who will listen to us.
We have to do everything ourselves.

I think there may be some overlap. We have ds who has ASD and ADHD who had a lot of food intolerances and quite severe eczema which thankfully cleared up by age of 5, still retains latex allergy. DD still has severe eczema and multiple food allergies at age of 11, no asd diagnosis but very volatile temperament, sometimes extreme behaviours.

From what I've read (my DS has Aspergers but no allergy as far as I am aware) and from experiences of other parents I know there is often an overlap. The SN Children board is a great place for advice