@merpreb, I hope you enjoyed your Samuel Adams beer because that is the only beer I would ever even have a sip of. Now, wine, that is a whole nuther matter. My mother-in-law was French, and she insisted on serving wine with her meals at her home. So, when she would come to our home for a specisl holiday meal, we got whatever she wanted. Usually a red wine. Not too sweet.

In answer to your question about testing for a diagnosis of Autism, as far as I know there are no blood tests that are really helpful in making that diagnosis. I am at the hospital, and without my "textbooks" on the subject. Sometimes doctors test anyway, hoping to fill out the profile a little bit, to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes co-existing conditions rear their ugly heads in such a way that leads the doctors to suspect Autism.

Many little people have sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues such as IBS, IBD, allergies, anxiety, depression, and many more. Hearing tests are usually given to very small children, for example, when the parents complain that little Tommy no longer responds when his name is called. My little Grandson stopped talking. And he would not respond to having his name called. His hearing was checked, and it was perfect.

He began having problems in nursery school. He had difficulty following instructions. When it was explained to him why he should not do a certain thing, he would go back and do it anyway. Then he was lining up his toys, every single day. He would be lost in his own thoughts, so often, it was scary.

Infants and toddlers have developmental milestones that are generally reached on an average, about the same time. When the time span is too broad, doctors begin to suspect developmental issues or a Spectrum disorder. Frequently the child will only eat certain foods.

We experienced all of the above wirh him. I personally experienced that and more as a child. But back then, in rhe fifties, no one suspected a thing if the child masked well. I have always masked until the past few years. Professionals I have dealt with say they woukd never have guessed I was on rhe Spectrum.

To be continued....

Love and light,
Mamacita Jane