I posted on here a couple weeks ago when Nate's EI therapists and coordinator told us that they thought he should be evaluated for ASD. We have an appointment for him on Feb 26th so I will know then if we will become part of this board.

But in the meantime I have another question. We went to our Pediatrician today for the twins 2 yr appointment (the doc agreed that he should be evaluated too) but my question is regarding tantrums.

While at the doctors Nathan was fine in the waiting room and played with the chalk board. When we had to leave to go the the exam room he started kicking, screaming and rolling on the floor. Once in the exam room I tried letting him play with the Doodle Pro I brought & the doc got crayons and paper for him. He was okay for a little bit with that stuff but got frustrated with not being able to hold the Doodle Pro pen properly to make it write and with the paper moving around when he was trying to use the crayons. So after a few minutes of no crying, back into tantrum mode he went. Screaming crying, throwing himself on the floor. After about 30 mins of this my doc said something like - Alright this is not what a typical mom of 2 year old twins has to deal with. I got all teary eyed after she said that. I'm not even sure why? Maybe I was relieved to know that this is why I can't seem to do things that other moms can do with their twins or maybe it was because it hurts knowing that Nate is delayed.

Anyway, Once we left the exam room Nate ran back to the chalk board and started to scribble again and was as happy as a clam - Of course until it was time to leave and get back in the car.

My question is, do you think that Nathan wasn't acting much differently than an average 2 year old? It dawned at me after we got home that the doctor only saw a glimpse of Nathan and she probably didn't understand exactly why he was tantruming. He does this type of tantrum when we make him stop playing a few activities and toys that he really loves such as: bath time or any water play, coming inside the house after being outside playing, taking away his crayons/paper or Aquadoodle and taking away his jump rope or any other cord type object that he happened to find to stim with - oh and he doesn't like when we take his shoes off after coming inside so I usually leave them on until naptime.

Reagan tantrums when we take away things she is playing with too (we have been giving them the warnings like "5 more mins then we are all done" and it helps sometimes but not every time. She used to have tantrums that lasted like 20 minutes but she has recently started to not tantrum as long.

I guess I thought this was pretty typical of a 2 year old. But now I am all confused.

The difference between the tantrums of my typically developing 2 year old, and Angus at her age, are really the intensity and duration of the tantrum. Sydney will sometimes have a little fit when it's time to go somewhere or stop something fun, any kind of transition from one activity to another if she is not ready or willing, but her tantrum is typically short-lived and she can be distracted ore redirected with a treat, or a promise of something else fun - she can sometimes be reasoned with. Now Gus, totally different story. Extreme tantrum with the same kind of transition situation, but he could absolutely NOT be reasoned with or bribed, there was no way to redirect him, he was focused on his tantrum and could not let go of whatever it was that set him off - he would have a full out meltdown, oblivious to all attempts to soothe him, and it would go on and on, well past when most kids would give in and calm themselves down.

(((hugs)))
It does seem like Nathan's tantrum was a bit extreme - what I would call a meltdown.

Ditto to what Crissy said. When Jay has his meltdown/tamtrums they last awhile and he becomes aggressive. If he is frustrated with something he can not move on from it.

Thanks.

I'm sorry for all the questions, I'm sure you get this kinda stuff all the time. It is just so hard for me not knowing what is going on with Nathan. I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer.

You do not need to apolgize hun. Thats what we are here for. To support and give eachother encouragement. Its hard and we have all been there. (((HUGS))))