Can You Predict How a 2-year-old with Autism Will Do at Age 8 or 18?

Today I'm discussing my son Lucas' autism diagnosis & answering the question: cna you predict how a 2-year-old with Autism will do at age 8 or 18?
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[@kimberlymahurin-methodofho7117]

You can’t predict anyone’s outcome in life. But you can get super good at filling in the gaps. I didn’t use ABA but I was able to successfully help my son eliminate all severe challenges and now he is 23.

[@marybarbera]

That's wonderful to hear! Thank you for sharing

[@Jujj180]

How did you remove your son's challenges?

[@kimberlymahurin-methodofho7117]

@@Jujj180 I replicated his development years with my relationship and secured his attachment with me the way it was supposed to be. He then unlocked and makes consistent growth. You can do that at any age. You basically are healing the emotional trauma caused by sensory issues and delays. I wish more new about it.

[@Jujj180]

Are u able to go into details on how you were specifically able to do this? I have a 3 year old son now who I am trying to help me.

[@Sdoddi]

They diagnosed 17 years ago in December 2005, kindergarten but then in about 3rd grade (2008-2009) I was scoring 113s on iq tests which is considered “high average”! How is that possible ?

[@lizl7096]

Thank you for your video Mary, I appreciate it so much as yesterday was a bad day for me. My son, Alex is in early intervention and was told that he has autism and they believe it to be moderate. He is 25 months old. Now this is not an official diagnosis as this was a developmental interventionist and speech therapist who told me that he would be diagnosed as such. I’m on a long wait list to get that diagnosis. I was told by the speech therapist that my son will remain at a moderate level and he will never progress from that which was a bombshell to me. She also said he will most likely only have a functional job such as at Walmart but probably won’t go to school beyond high school. This saddened me so much. I accept my son as autistic because I understand that is how his brain is wired but I intend to seek intensive ABA therapy so that he may progress because I do have hope that he will excel. I’m not too concerned about the behavioral aspect since he sleeps well, doesn’t have gastrointestinal issues, and he does stink by rocking back and forth and flapping his hands occasionally but nothing that I’m too concerned about. It’s the fact that he’s nonverbal that saddens me which is why I want that side of him to blossom! I’ll be checking out your workshop. Thank you for the video!

[@marybarbera]

Nobody has a crystal ball! keep moving forward! go to www.marybarbera.com/workshops to learn how to help him !

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

That is very nasty what you were told though. As Mary said one can go from severe and up and vice versa. I am so sorry you had to hear that

[@jendecamps]

How has your child progressed? A speech therapist can’t predict any of what she said.

[@Nutritionwithmaya]

Aba totally saved my son’s progress. Started when he was 3 until now at 12 years.

[@margiedurham650]

How can I get my son into aba a good 20 hours a week like Mary said would be best. Where do you do d good ABA’s?

[@melissadenherder3322]

Thank you. This was so helpful and reassuring that I'm doing the right things. 22mo baby boy diagnosed and I'm doing intensive aba.

[@KavithaKavi-tf5fq]

Hai dear how is his improvement now?

[@bryanwilkinson1241]

With me and my wife both working just to survive. 20 hours is a tall ask. We have a son who n is autistic. We have aba but it has been difficult to find the time needed. Learning ourselves not to deal with it. But instead try to teach and help him move along and grow as well.

[@sadafzahra9243]

Good work ma'am.... GOD bless u. U r jst amazing.

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for watching.

[@aamie4355]

Hi Sadaf

[@aamie4355]

Would like to know more about your experience with ASD

[@kurtielsliger6589]

Sehr interessant, Vielen Dank! !

[@marybarbera]

Check out my free workshops here marybarbera.com/workshops . Thanks for watching !

[@shannonfoley7145]

Pre ordered the book !!!

[@marybarbera]

Thank you!! I hope you enjoy it!

[@analynsupan6056]

my son is 2 hours a week OT and 2 hrs a week for one on one special ed?so i depend on all the things i watched (like your videos ) that i can possibly apply every day because it is very expensive here.(i hope im doing the right ways)with all your advices here

[@al-iy4cm]

How is your son doing?

[@jacksonsitoya2424]

Hi Doc. Did you create the short online course? I would like to have a look at it kindly. Thank you.

[@marybarbera]

Here is our course: marybarbera.com/courses/

[@mhsinmughal]

Hi, thanks for your wonderful videos but couldn't find the link 😃

[@jyldyzread9030]

Hi, thank you for your videos and great advices, but I also can't find links you refer to in your videos...

[@jyldyzread9030]

Mary Barbera thank you!

[@sophiaab2003]

Where are the links

[@HellzBellz15]

Yep, I look back at 2 and 3 years old when I wwould think to myself how satisfied and neat my daughter my daughter was and that we dodged a bullet by her not having severe autism and it was just a little bump in the road....i could kick myself for being so naive and content I was at the time. Now, my daughter is 5 years old. She isn't potty trained. She doesn't speak unless she wants to but it's only one word and never a formal sentence. She has a helmet now because she started bashing her head on whatever surface she could find. She hits and kicks everybody else but me...but just the other day she punched and slapped me in the face. So that " sanctuary" is slowly fading away and adding one more issue to my already huge pile of daily issues lol There's no amount of words, hugs, cuddles, rocking, or attempting to soothe her and tell her she's going to be alright when shes upset and has a meltdown. I am nothing special to her and I don't stand out in a line up or group of people. I know I sound selfish because shes the one with more challenges in her life than usual. I would do anything to experience what it's like and how it makes you feel inside. Just once....then I can die a happy old woman.

[@marybarbera]

I can help you learn how to help her! Check out www.marybarbera.com/workshops to learn more.

[@vasuk5713]

You can try the Nemcheck protocol. Check Fb group and autism mom group

[@redblack5547]

How's Ur daughter now?

[@HellzBellz15]

@@redblack5547 slightly better now

[@lisalumongsod18]

good day! i have a son and he is running 8 years old this coming july, we discover that he has something wrong with his behaviors and difficulty of speech and socializing other people at the age of 5 years old, we both my husband have no idea about this autism, so we decided to bring him in the specialist last 2019 but the schedule given was by next year 2020 since we only have 2 specialist in our city. 2020 is a year of pandemic so we are not grab the chance to take him to thw doctor because of this covid pandemic. Year 2021 we decided again to schedule him again but schedulw given is 2022 November month, so until now we are waiting for his schedule for diagnose, and until now our son has a bit difficulty of speech and cooedination. Is 8 years old very alarming? can you tell me what are we going to do for this? thankyou.

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

This what keeps me up at night

[@marybarbera]

it can be hard!

[@AnnGoslinn]

Hi. Did you have gestational diabetes or any other complications in pregnancy with Lucas?

[@robertgabelman]

20 years experience as an SLP, I find it very difficult to believe psychologists cannot establish predictors for distinct outcomes (e.g. symbolic play abilities, echolalia vs. Non-verbal child). Accurate description severity at dx has critical implications for academic placement. If a child is severe, he really better be severe. Child better not be mildly affected in a small ratio class.

[@kimberlymahurin-methodofho7117]

They can predict the outcomes when looking at a child's reflexes in early months. I did not find that work for my son until he was 17 but it significantly improved his SPD and auditory challenges and he is still making gains today. I often wonder why the insurance c0mpanies will not help parents with these tools.

[@kathrinscharrer3923]

They can not predict very well. They kept saying they were 100% sure my son was autistic, but that under age 6 it was too early putting it in writing. So they kept writing " traits compatible with" because this is Europe and the therapy is payed for by universal healthcare aka the taxpayer. If the diagnosis isn't scary enough, you do not get public funded treatment. They could have refused to scare us parents like that though. My son was non verbal at age 4. He is 7 now, won't shut up, in 2nd grade, no autistic traits, good grades, friends, everything. Delays can just be delays. "Reverse early signs of autism" is offensive to families with autistic kids. If they can be reversed the kids were not autistic to begin with. It is called overdiagnosing.

[@bolanleabiose5248]

@@kathrinscharrer3923 Can you please tell me what signs they saw that made them 100% sure your son was autistic? My son is about to turn 2 and the diagnosis we have for now is 'possibly autistic'. i'm really hopeful he makes a turnaround like your son has🤞

[@kathrinscharrer3923]

@@bolanleabiose5248 From what I have learned signs at that age are similar for lots of different issues. My son is not so good with eye contact. Then the biggest issue was lack of speech. The people who worked with him always thought he wasn't autistic, but the people that mattered, that came for an half-hour-evaluation and signed the important stuff, said he didn't speak because he was not interested in social interaction ( for them not playing adult professions and tea party means not being interested, I know this because my older son was the same way, only he talked so they left him alone) . The logopedics said he had peculiar social interaction because he couldn't talk. More a dispraxia thing. Once he learned how to talk his interaction was quite normal. His ( very normal) dinosaur fase was described as " restricted interest" tipical in autism. Me: same fase at the same age as his brother. Why did she think we had so many dinosaurs? My advice: take your son everywhere they tell you, but do not fall into the trap of not enjoying your child, or of letting them tell you that his improvement depends on you turning into a therapist. A mother is a mother and a father is a father and that is something to enjoy and be proud of regardless of clinical considerations. Do not let society intimidate you with what your child should be able to do at what age. I have seen more than one of the " perfect" girls, the ones that talk early, stop using diapers at age 2 ( my son stopped at age 5, and during the night he still needs them) and sit quiet in class and do all sheets in class perfectly and want to please adults turn into control freak anorexic young women, and one of them almost died. Doing everything everyone expects from you can harm more than being different. Our job is to make our children strong so they can deal with other peoples expectations without suffering. And that goes for all people, neurotipical or not. Much love from Madrid.

[@analiza394]

My daughter is a 3year old .I had her checked up by a private pediatrician when she was 1yr old.she dont know how to walk,and talk or say mama or dada when she was 1 and dont have her eye contact .When we had her checked by a pedia,the doctor told us that all of her motor skill is working.She was not diagnosed. Now she was 3 yrs old,she can now walk since she was 2yr old.But she can't speak fluently and have less eye contact when i dont distract her with things she likes or interested.

[@marybarbera]

My online toddler course can help you increase her language skills. For more information, join me for a free workshop at www.marybarbera.com/workshops.

[@denisf.1744]

Hi Mary,i have to say very good video for many parents to really watch,and listen to what your saying as in my opinion,i think can be very helpfull toward determining if their child has any autism so they can realize how important it is to get a head start on treatment of the autism giving the child the best chance at recovery early on,i thank you for bringing such a great important video on,love Denny😘💛🙏💙

[@marybarbera]

Thank you so much for the support.

[@helenbisong7034]

@@marybarbera hi Mary I live in UK how can I contact you

[@Mrs.Milkins23]

Just got the book in the mail 💕

[@marybarbera]

Great to hear.

[@smaraza4532]

Please can u email me too.

[@ffn2163]

Hi, my son is 5 and just got diagnosed with ASD level 1-2. His doctor said he doesn’t require ABA therapy and just SLP and group social therapy. How often would you recommend this to occur especially in COVID times. Thanks for answering

[@marybarbera]

Without knowing the child, I cannot say. You should have the professional who does the assessment determine their treatment package.

[@leeleee793]

I of to be sending him to daycare because I cannot get appointment for him to get speech therapy and I teach him at home when I leave work and on weekends but it's hard

[@marybarbera]

That sounds hard! are you in my online courseS? I support parents who help their children at home. go to www.marybarbera.com/workshops for a free workshop.

[@chriscook460]

now Im worried...My daught has twin boys who are showing signs..Jax shows mild but jake shows exstream signs..😮They are only 2 and they are just starting the testing process as well as speach therapy.⚘

[@marybarbera]

make sure to send her to my new book so she can get started helping them ! www.turnautismaround.com

[@YellowheadHomestead]

When you say a child needs 20+ hours of intense ABA therapy, is that something that can be done throughout the day with their parent? Or do you mean 20 hours with a BCBA?

[@marybarbera]

This depends on your family's personal preferences, but my online courses can help you teach your child/clients at home. If you're interested, join me for a free workshop at www.marybarbera.com/workshops.

[@qamarnadafad4687]

I have a quation my son he is handfilipping and he's steeming he has full eye connect and he comes when I call his name he plays with other kids he can't talk but he now letel words I don't know what he has can autism child has eye connect or can normal child handfilipping

[@marybarbera]

It is hard for me to know if it is autism or typical development. The best thing for you to do is get a full evaluation by a qualified professional. The good news is you can start helping your child today regardless of diagnosis! Check out my free workshops here: www.marybarbera.com/workshop

[@qamarnadafad4687]

I register on website my problem is I can't speak good English but I need this help

[@mistahaych9552]

@@qamarnadafad4687 how is he doing now?

[@Sunilkumarchawla1983]

Hi Mary, my son is of 3yr old, he is taking 1 hrs of OT in week but now behavior 's are came.. He is very aggressive hitting us with head like.. And not speaking what to do..

[@Sunilkumarchawla1983]

Sorry he is taking OT for 1 hour, 3 days in week please reply

[@marybarbera]

that is challenging! It will be good to find a local BCBA for any dangerous behavior. but also my online courses can really help you and your family www.marybarbera.com/workshops for a free workshop

[@normanjanproductionhunter9765]

Hi and thank you for sharing

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for watching. Check out my free workshops here : bit.ly/2ELvSnM

[@MsGonza010]

My 3 year old does 15 hours a week of ABA because she attends school in the afternoon. Is 15 hours not enough? I know you mentioned 20 hours.

[@marybarbera]

This is entirely dependent on the child's individual strengths and needs, as well as the effectiveness of the therapy in clinic. My biggest advice would be to join one of my free online workshops to learn more about how therapy should be done

[@franschick2621]

Hi, I have a Great grandson that I watch 3 or 4 days a week. He is 31 months old and he cannot talk. He has not been diagnosed Autism. I have been watching lots of videos to figure out what I should do to help him succeed. I see you have a free workshop, how long is it, I would like to take it to see if you offer anything that will help my GGS. Thank you for all that you do. ~fran

[@marybarbera]

Your great grandson is so lucky to have you! My workshops are about an hour in length. You can sign up for free here: www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@franschick2621]

@@marybarbera Thank you

[@leeleee793]

My son is 2 with autism and I cannot get much speech therapy for him because the are booked it's very hard here in Jamaica when you have a child with special needs there are not much available to us especially when you don't have that much money

[@marybarbera]

I replied to another comment of yours but please join me at www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@briannamck3617]

I have a 4 year old little boy whom was diagnosed at the age of 2. Since then I have been so confused on how to help him. He is currently in a preschool setting and he is non verbal. Last year with COVID 19 really hindered him not going to school and online he would get upset. Recently it clicked that it really starts at home. I struggle since he started back to school with knowing if I’m doing the right thing. He starts kindergarten next years and he is not potty trained and non verbal. I am unsure where to even start. Can you provide me with some direction where to start?

[@marybarbera]

Go to www.marybarbera.com/workshops for a free workshop as my online courses will give you a step by step guide to get started.

[@st-ko5zo]

My dd was a covid lockdown time baby and when first saw busy roads and lights she showed sensory issues,had tantrums and ran here and there like a wild animal when taken to public places...but now at 4 many of the symptoms are gone(without any formal behavioral intervention but we did reduced screen time)...she is well behaved in public places and enjoys. Sleeps well, rarely get sick,no digestive issue, v interested in rhymes and play based learning.Knows alphabets and numbers and colors and many words.but no proper sentences yet.The only delay she has now is in her speech. she is into therapy.

[@marybarbera]

Good to hear! Hope you can share your progress with us. Our courses can also help: MaryBarbera.com/courses

[@st-ko5zo]

@@marybarbera sure will chek them. Progress in speech is limited though.

[@AnnGoslinn]

Since Lucas was born, you educated yourself and are very professionaly active. How much time did you spend with Lucas daily during different stages of his life?

[@AnnGoslinn]

@MilianaFaregamo Stop scamming desperate people. No herbs cure the brain that did not develop properly.

[@s.r.k7389]

Hi .my son 2 years .he is some time hand flapping ang toe walking how can stop?

[@marybarbera]

We want to work on building skills and language! check out a free workshop www.marybarbera.com/workshops

[@mistahaych9552]

How is he doing now?

[@khornlangdy5299]

HI Dr. Mary

[@marybarbera]

hello!

[@saraiish]

I literally was just asking this question

[@marybarbera]

I think every mom has wondered about this!

[@Sdoddi]

Autism (ASD) is a very complex disorder , because it’s on a spectrum. Estimate the prevalence for children with autism spectrum ? You consider it to be rare, or common?

[@marybarbera]

It's more common now than it ever was! 1 in 36 children have an autism diagnosis. 1 in 6 have some variety of disability.

[@choctailnycliqueurtruffle4357]

So what is Lucas like now? How is he doing?

[@marybarbera]

Thanks for asking ! Lucas is 21 now and very happy ! He is independent with most of his self care skills and is in a vocational program. I talk more about him and his programming as he got older in my courses. Check out one of my free workshops marybarbera.com/workshops

[@anthonyruiz6365]

Is pdd-nos more milder than Asperger’s ? Or about the same ?

[@marybarbera]

It really depends on the child and everyone is so unique. I usually recommend that parents/caregivers focus more on the strengths and needs of the child (instead of labels), and formulate a plan from there. If you're looking for more help, visit MaryBarbera.com/links-yt

[@sowbhagyalokanath1567]

My son 2.9 years old. Since he was not talking I went to doc they suggested me speech therapy for 1 hour thrice a week. He still didn't confirm whether it's autism bcoz after examining he said it might be due to less parent child interaction. Also due to covid for almost 6-8 months we didn't go outside he didn't get play with children or to socialize. Am afraid so much n praying God to become my child as other children.

[@marybarbera]

Whether it is just a delay or autism...my strategies can help! Check out my new book turnautismaround.com as it will give you a step by step guide regardless of what the diagnosis is.

[@sowbhagyalokanath1567]

@@marybarbera But not making eye contact and responding to name also he doesn't sit in a place for five mins these are symptoms of autism ?? My son has it ...

[@al-iy4cm]

@@sowbhagyalokanath1567 hey I am in the same boat as you with my daughter. I would love to exchange information so we could form a support group

[@sowbhagyalokanath1567]

@@al-iy4cm I diagonised my son and started with his therapy.

[@dumbty344]

@@sowbhagyalokanath1567 hi madam, I am also in the same boat. Looking at your name I could make out you are from Karnataka. Where did u get ur son diagnosed and started therapy. Please give me information. I am worried for my son.

[@vaibhavnaik12]

Hi.. Thanks for your help. My son is 2.4 years old and diagnosed with high ASD. Now I am looking for a proper therapist who can help my child to recover. I want him to lead normal life. Please help me if you can guide me over chat.

[@simapatel]

High functioning ASD means your son's IQ level is 70 or higher and he has good chances to lead normal life with ABA therapy and help which is needed.

[@fatimastufflet6204]

Hi! did u find a good help? hows ur son doing now? and how do they decide "high" vs 'low'

[@kidslearningworld1388]

Can autism be permenantly removed by therapies

[@marybarbera]

Likely not removed but often we can teach a lot of skills that a child may no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

[@cherisebauguss6966]

I am new at this. But I thought autism couldn’t be cured. You learn to cope and mask

[@marybarbera]

Some children make so much progress they no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

[@cherisebauguss6966]

@@marybarbera oh ok. That is the best news and ty for your time

[@BabySpiceDish]

How can a normal family possibly afford 20 hours of therapy per week? 😮

[@marybarbera]

Some people choose to use the course alongside other therapies, many use this as their only therapy!

[@rudyromero552]

Free course on line test

[@marybarbera]

Here's our free workshop: MaryBarbera.com/workshops

[@kidslearningworld1388]

Is autistic child has normal schooling as other child

[@marybarbera]

In many places, yes but more support is often needed.

[@Unbreakable245]

Absolutely not. When i was diagnosed at 23 months, i had a speech delay but at the age of 4, i had the vocabulary of an 8 year old and i could read. If i was diagnosed later, chances are that it would have been an asperger diagnosis. I am just as functioning as someone who had been diagnosed with aspergers would be.

[@marybarbera]

Thank you for sharing!

[@yosjeel2150]

Did you stim alot as a child? How did you play with toys?

[@sadafzahra9243]

How iz Lucas now?

[@marybarbera]

He is a young adult now. He is very happy and enjoying a variety of vocational placements. He is moderately affected by autism still. Hear more about him in my podcast marybarbera.com/20

[@rudyromero552]

Gramma granpa can help your child.

[@marybarbera]

Exactly! I have lots of grandparents in my community helping their grandchildren with my strategies.

[@Jennifer-zb4dq]

This is my issue. Everyone has a kid that's "high functioning" "mild" "has some language" "can go to preschool". What about a child with servre autism mixed rec and ex language disorder? Did 40 hrs of aba week for 2 years. Is making very little progress, is 4 now, completely non verbal, and seriously impared? Everyone wants to talk about "early intervention, doing everything right, and having your kid do well". But nobody wants to talk about the kids that got early intervention and got the intensive therapies and still arent doing well. Those children get no interest. No representation. No body wants to talk about that. What are we supposed to do now?

[@marybarbera]

Many individuals have been through that journey and then joined my courses and saw great success. Anna , who is in my workshops had her son in very well respected ABA programs and he made very little progress until she found me when he was close to 10! Our kids are life long learners. check out www.marybarbera.com/workshops for a free workshop.

[@freshoutthewomb2442]

Personally, if you are doing 40 hours of ABA and your seeing little to no progress, either change tutors or leave ABA to the side. You can try sensory integration therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Social skills group- try other avenues of intervention rather than solely using one. Oh and please look into high tec AAC! Assistive Ware have tons of videos KZbin on how you can get started

[@mistyb4987]

You believe autism is reversible and/or preventable?

[@jtaco4101]

With early intervention, It can be managed to the point that some children become basically indistinguishable from their peers.

[@swatipant8556]

Yes it is ....

[@MIZcharrua]

It is not preventable or irreversible no. You can only help them reach their best potential by early detection and intervention .. there is no promises that your child will eventually be the same as others their age, even with intense therapy. But giving them all the help support and love that they need and maybe a little extra, will make the biggest difference. Accept them for who they are , embrace them for the person they are, and never feel shame or unaccepting of their difficulties. No body gets to pic the cards that are dealt, make the most of what was dealt to you, or you will live a life of constant sorrow wishing things were different.

[@rebekahpowers1595]

@@swatipant8556 do you have anything you can share please?

[@noneofyerbiznessfu1330]

Life is hell with one

[@marybarbera]

I know this can be a difficult road. I would recommend watching this podcast I made with Julie Cairns: marybarbera.com/abundance-mindset-autism-world/

[@noneofyerbiznessfu1330]

@@marybarbera I'm not keeping it It's ruining my life

[@ZZ-uo7ht]

@@noneofyerbiznessfu1330are you ok? 😢