Autism masking signs of CP?

bethany1994

My son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. He is now showing signs that he may have cerebral palsy he is almost 21  could a diagnosis of autism at any early age mask the fact that he may have cerebral palsy?

steve51

Hi @bethany1994

Good Afternoon I’m one of the Community Champion’s here at Scope.

We have got some info on “Autism/CP.

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/cerebral-palsy-introduction

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/cerebral-palsy-introduction

Please let me know if you need any further help/support??????

@steve51

Richard_Scope

Hi @bethany1994
Welcome to the community and thank you for your post. Whilst I'm not a medical professional and unable to help you with a diagnosis I can say that this is something that I have come across before. It is possible that the early diagnosis of autism may have made the medical professionals less likely to look for other potential impairments as an explanation for certain mobility issues or behaviours. Are you going through the diagnostic process at the moment?

Adrian_Scope

Hi @bethany1994, welcome to the community. I hope we'll be able to help you with some answers, or at least some of our members might be able to share their experiences with you.

bethany1994

Thank you Richard. We have an appointment with GP to discuss our report from our physiotherapist. My son also has scoliosis, we have seen a shoulder consultant who has said he may have neuromuscular issues, also seen a spinal consultant, he has a weekness down his left side, as a baby he had low muscle tone  spinal consultant said it is now on the brisker side,among other things. His swimming coach asked if he had been tested for cerebral palsy, strangely enough the private physio also asked the same question. We compiled a list of my sons current symptoms and have found rather a lot that could be associated with cerebral palsy. I know that cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed at an early age and am concerned that this has been missed. Just wondered if this has happened to other people
Many thanks for your reply

Josephine1962

Hi Bethany,

I have just read your post and can relate to so much of what you are going through as we are having similar problems.  My son also has autism and for the last five years has been trying to get some help for severe lower back pain which has affected his mobility.  We have seen various specialists along the way, like you, some people have mentioned Cerebal Palsy to us which is something I'm discussing with the various professionals.  I really hope that you get some answers soon. 
Best wishes
Jo