I am sorry to bother you all...

[Psammead]

but I would be grateful if anyone with experience of Autism could skim over this thread and tell me what you think.

The basic story is that 15 month old DD does this very strenuous, repetitive movement, laying on her back, knees up and rocking. She is alert whilst doing this, will play, eat, drink, smile etc at the same time.

The doctor saw a video of it and put us in for an EEG. From what she said I think she has epilepsy in mind, but I really do not think this can be right as she does not zone out at all, and she will do the rocking, then play, then rock again.

My personal thought is that it is a self-comforting thing. However, a friend of mine today said that it sounds like Autism. I have no experience of Autism so I don't know.

Sorry, that was a bit long winded. If you have the time I would like to hear your opinion.

I am not really scared about it or anything, I just am a bit fazed by the words brain scan and Autism being bandied about, if you see what I mean.

Oh you poor thing, you sound scared half to death.

I'll read the thread in a moment but whilst it is sensible to research and be informed (early intervention is key should your dd need any support) sometimes too much information or ideas running around your head can be distressing and unnecessary.

I'll read your thread, but no-one here will be able to diagnose anything even if they met your dd, let alone over the internet, but for sure there is a lot of information and knowledge that can help you get the fastest path to a resolution.

Didn't want you to be waiting and unanswered. The SN section tends to move faster later in the evening, and there are likely to be much more informed posters than me able to advise.
However, you seem to be handling what's going on very calmly and with a good attitude. Eyes open, brain switched on and open to different possible answers.
Does your friend have extensive experience of autism? Because some people can be quite quick to offer a diagnosis based on something they read or saw on the tv.
Hope someone pops along soon!

x-posted Starlight!
Even if we can't help, we are very good at supporting each other in this nook of MN. So whatever the results, you are welcome to come and share a bottle of something alcoholic. Or a mug of hot chocolate

My only advice would be to stop panicing.

I know that that is easier said than done, but there is nothing you can do until you have the EEG/dx.
And the more you google and research and think the more stressed and confused you will become.

posting in haste, as in the middle of tea - have skim read other thread.

have a google for CHAT test (Check for Autism in Toddlers) if you want to run through some red flag areas. this is a test administered by 18 motnhs, iirc - so do not panic if your dd does not pass instantly. but it will give you an idea of the areas you shoudl be looking at if autism might be a concern.

I can post this here, but not comfortable on the main board. It may have no similarities to what your dd does or it might be something to consider....

My brother at that age, rocked a lot, with his hands between his legs. We concluded that it was an immature form of masterbation and he felt comforted by it when he was going to sleep and at some other times it was his favourite activity.

He's fine as a 26yr old adult now.

StarlightMcKenzie thanks. I wouldn't expect a diagnosis from anyone just an opinion or two, perhaps. I know exactly what you mean about looking things up online - it can be useful but normally ends up scaring you.

Goblin well, when I said it, my friend very casually said 'sounds like autism' and then when she saw my suprised face she said 'you know, like a really mild autism'. I was shocked that she had jumped to that conclusion based on not too much, really, so I thought maybe it's a very obvious thing that I just don't know about.

Maybe she is just talking out of her bottom.

X-posted - thanks all. Silverfrog I will check that out.

Yup, we, thankfully are a lot more knowledgable than your 'friend' and wouldn't dare suggest Autism with such scant evidence.

'Maybe she is just talking out of her bottom.'

How wise! That's why I asked. If you can see how interested yet tentative posters on this thread are, with their years of experience in a wide range of syndromes and wealth of knowledge, then your 'friend' offers a snap opinion based on a little information?
I think you're probably right. She is possibly a casualty of Casualty.

Psam, your friend is a bit hasty dxing autism from your DD rocking.

Can't really say that rocking would send alarms bells off for me tbh, but I'm not a paediatrician

Hope your DD manages ok with the EEG, never had one but they don't too scary.

Hello

The answer is simple: it might be. Sorry, that's useless isn't it? Thing is autism is a disorder which you get a dx of by ticking boxes in three sections, and whilst rocking would fulfil teh criteria for one of those that's about it really. It's also well known in lots of other kids- some of whom have other disorders (eg hypersensitivity, maybe of the senses)- and some of whom just like rocking.

Silverfrog is right to recommend CHAt; s she says it's a tool to help people spot the kids who would be worth looking at as opposed to a diagnostic test. And also look at the triad of impairments, and heck even the diagnostic criteria here - these are the really decent things: too much on the net is shite.

Thankyou all a LOT!

justabout that made me snort. I know there's a very serious side to what you are saying, but it did put things into perspective.

Nothing useless here at all. ChippingIn was right, you lot are lovely.