I heard a story recently that I thought I should share with everyone because it reminded me, as a parent, to trust my instincts when it comes to my children. 

One of my fellow classmates told this story to the class Thursday night.  Her son is eighteen months and she takes him to a group practice of several pediatricians, much like Sandhills Pediatrics here in Southern Pines.  She usually sees the same doctor, but for her son's most recent visit, they scheduled her with a different doctor, very early in the a.m.  She had to take him that morning without much breakfast, because he wasn't used to eating so early.  During the doctor's visit, her son started getting irritated and was somewhat unresponsive during the visit because he started to get hungry.  My friend said that the doctor started asking her all sorts of questions and in the span of 15 minutes with her son, he suggested that he be tested for autism.  My friend was understandably upset, and tried to explain to the doctor that he had not had his full breakfast yet and that he gets like this when he is hungry.  The doctor insisted and told her he would have someone come to her house to do a complete round of tests.  She left the doctor's office and wondered what she should do.  She started calling her son's preschool teachers and babysitter and anyone who has frequent contact with her son.  They all reported that he had never shown any indication of autism or continuous unresponsive behavior at school.  She made an appointment to see her regular pediatrician.  This doctor did not agree with the tentative diagnosis of autism.  

My point is, if she was not the kind of mother that questioned doctors or anyone else that had ideas about her son, she might have gone along with the testing and been in a different situation.  I know that there are many parents out there struggling with children with autism, and my hat goes off to all of them.  However, this doctor's quick jump to assume autism worries me.  Diagnosis of autism has increased exponentially in the past decade.  The autism spectrum is getting wider and wider.  Just remember.  You know your child.  Get a second opinion and trust your instincts.  Many times, your advice is the best advice.