My son is 20 months old. The symptoms that fit on the autism spectrum are that he speaks no words but can hear fine, he flaps his hands when frustrated, and frequent tantrums. But what doesn't fit is that he is very social, makes a few gestures, and plays with other children appropriately. they say he is probably on the spectrum. But I'm wondering if there are other disorders with similar symptoms. any help would be great!

When I took my developmental psychology class I learned that children can actually grow out of autism in some cases, so maybe that is what is happening with your son. I'm not an expert though. If you're really worried, get some autism books and read more. most likely the books will suggest similar disorders. It could also be a communication disorder. My advice would be to take him to professionals.

My son has ASD. He no longer hand flaps but does show other autistic behaviors. He was diagnosed at 18 months old and is now 3. He has been in Therapy and special ed pre school. He still does odd things and prefers to play alone. He does like to interact with adults. He is overly friendly and greets everyone that passes him. Every child with Autism is different. Some are verbal some are not. I have seen many teenage autistics that are very social they just may seem a little awkward to most. I think finally alot of the myths about autism are being debunked. Some ASD kids are extremely intellegent children that just need to learn differently than others. My sons first diagnoses at 13 months was Sensory Intergration Disorder. then ASD at 18 months. He has shown great improvment with Therapy and Pre-School. Please do not get overwhelmed by the TOXIC CHILD DAN Dr. stuff. It can drive you nutts and into the poorhouse. I think some of the DANS are legit but their are many that prey on others hopes. use Common Sense.

Kids don't "grow out of autism," any more than they grow out of any other biological disorder. Autism is called a "spectrum" disorder for a reason, not all kids display identical signs as one another. You have autistic kids who can speak very well but have no social skills, you have autistic kids who have zero speech but are very social.

Your child is young enough to do something about it. Ignore the "DANs are quacks" garbage, they are the only doctors doing any thing to help these kids. My child was diagnosed at 3 years, should have been diagnosed at 18 months. He is healing now. No amount of behavioral therapy, speech, whatever, would have helped him the way our DAN doctor has.

generationrescue.org

my son too was very social, and he even talks. unfortunately his speech is mainly movie lines. Every kid is different. I struggled to believe my neurologist, but the more I study, and the more videos I watch of autistic kids, I see how blind I was to the truth. I too thought of maybe a simple answer out there somewhere. Just keep reading. Under "testimonials", on the generation rescue website they have videos. Also TACAnow is the most educative site for recovery or just dealing. I can't say what is right for you, but gfcf diet has changed our lives in two months. Also epsom salts baths helps to calm my son.
for what it's worth,
Kelly

I had similar issues with my son, but the entire autism spectrum didn't fit but parts did, nor did ADD/ADHD completely, but parts did. I struggled for years until I found the Highly Sensitive Child book which is a trait that affects 15% of the populations (highly sensitive person is the trait name) and the book is called just that highly sensitive child – there's also a website where you can take a test to see if this is your child or not to rule it in or out. It helped me tremendously – it may help you as well.