yep, my daughter was diagnosed at 3

My son went through a 14 week of behavior program and it made a world of difference.

Have you had him assessed for SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder?) My son is also very verbal (though it did come later but mostly due to a physical speech disorder) and he was diagnosed as high functioning ASD/ PDDNOS but we have found that a good majority of his behaviors have almost completely resolved with O/T and intense sensory diet at home (that we have now been able to back off of) I do still see some indications of ASD but I think many of his tantrums/ inability to sleep/ odd movements were strongly influenced by his SPD. Some kids have both dx but, our o/t feels that she is more often seeing kids with SPD alone being misdiagnosed as having ASD. Other professionals believe that SPD is itself on the ASD spectrum.

read the Out of Sync kid. Also the STAR center for SPD in Denver COlorado has a fabulous website with lots of online seminars that might give you more insight into your sons behavior.

My son, who is now an adult was has Aspergers and was extremely hyper and aggressive. His meltdowns lasted 20 to 30 minutes regularly. He talked and walked early, at 8 months of age. He was highly verbal. I would go to a center that specializes in Autism. Get him tested with the Gold Standard testing called ADOS and ADIR. He needs testing. A psychologist that is hesitant to diagnose doesn't know his business. He needs to refer your son for evaluation and diagnosis. He has classic signs of Autism. I would definitely get him tested.

Thanks, Bethany. I hope you and your son are doing well. My son speaks as well as his 8 year old brother and 5 year old sister. He does ask for things but in a screaming voice. The aggression during tantrums scares me. His moods swing widely and without any consistent trigger. I think the psychologist is reluctant because he is so verbal but unlike his brother he has no interest in kids and reluctantly goes to public places. He regressed horribly after I tried preschool. I don't want to wait until he's eight or nine for an Asperger's diagnosis. Perhaps a good OT evaluation could help in the interim. Have a great night and Halloween.