They told me I was crazy for 2 years.  They thought it was silly that I
would think he was allergic to milk since he wasn't breaking out in hives or
having anaphalaxis.  But, they were absolutely convinced he was autistic!
His allergies manifest as the typical sinus symptoms, drainage that turns
into throat infections, etc.  But he was also behaving extremely odd.  He
would self-mutilate, he did a lot of "stimming" (self-stimulatory
behaviour - banging his head, rubbing on the carpet until his hands bled),
he was unable to "connect" with others, spoke in a loud monotone voice, lack
of eye contact, sleep disruptions and/or deprivation.  In fact until he was
diagnosed, he never slept more than 5 hrs in a 24 stretch... and those 5
were never in a row!  On the average, his longest stretch of sleep was about
1.5-2 hours.  It was **** in my house.  The ped told me not to take him off
of milk.  I thought I would be a bad mother if I didn't give him milk.
Babies need milk right?

Go with your gut, follow your instincts.  I pushed, pulled, pleaded, begged,
demanded and finally refused to leave my doctors office, threatened to chain
myself within the walls if I didn't get a referral to an allergist.  I got
it, they did a RAST (blood test - he was 22 mos.) and discovered the
allergy.  I had already cut out milk and cheese and noticed a difference,
but he was still having symptoms.  I didn't know then all of the ingredients
and "hidden" sources of dairy in his diet.  Once we learned and
eliminated... lo and behold, my child isn't autistic after all.  In fact,
he's a normal, healthy... and in fact gifted child now at age 3.  He eats,
he sleeps, his behaviour is typical.

Parents just KNOW.  The testing can always wait.  I commend you for reaching
out and learning now, making all the changes you can.  That's great!  What a
wonderful mom you are for paying attention to the signs and following your
heart.

Gail