link between AS and weight gain

[jerry5]

Hi,
just been to our 6 yr olds paediatric clinic and whilst the good news is that the doctor will support our application for continuing and further support at school he also raised some concerns over his weight. Whilst over the last 6 months his gain in height at 4cm is within the band, his gain in weight of nearly 7 kilos is well over. Now I am sceptical about all these recommended bandings as I myself am no longer the slim jim of my 20s or even 30s but whilst I admit to being overweight on the belly department my "ideal " weight would seem to me not enough for my frame. That said, I do believe the doctors concerns to be valid as our son's typical (limited!) diet has not really changed, he is not eating anymore than he used to and, if anything, he is a bit more physically active now than he was them. He seemed to think that there was a possibility of a gland (presumably the thyroid being the obvious candidate) causing him to have a lower metabolic rate and wanted us to consent to a blood test. Obviously this would stress him out but would it be worth it? I have heard of links between autism and weight gain in children but has anyone got any links or info on AS and weight gain? Would appreciate it if anyone can help.
thanks

[kittykat123123]

This isn't scientific answer - sorry! I'm an AS girl and I gained weight every year approximate to my age in stones in my teens. The only thing that worked with losing was when my only option was to do the activity that would help me loose weight, e.g. walking to school as no lift available, only eating what was available and what was allowed in house (my mum keeps the fridge empty of convenience food, I have to spend my time making food and snacks for myself). I find it really hard to spontaneously perform exercise, trying to fit treadmill into my routine now is especially difficult. My metabolism is borderline low, so nothing can be done there to help. I hope this extremely non-scientific answer helps a little.

[Sooty]

as above, there isn't really a good answer, If there are any links between autism and weight gain, it could easily be down to the general dislike of team sports and group activities as any specific physical link.

What I'd suggest, based on what works for me, i have to admit, is to try and get him interested in some of the slightly alternative physical activities, as what most schools offer probably won't hold much interest. For me it was getting involved in fencing that sorted it out, physical, demanding, competitive but, importantly, not a team sport. Also it's extremely precise with strategic aspects to it. For me at least, it's the ideal sport!

I know 6 is a little young for it, but try all sorts. A lot of commonplace physical activities for children are group activities which can be a bit off-putting. If you can get him interested in something he can do alone if need be or with others, if he choses, he might take to it early and stick with it.

[jerry5]

thanks sooty,
your right, the major reason why he doesnt like PE or a lot of playground games is that they simply involve too many other people. My concern is that he has been a lot more active physically over the past 3 months or so (playing frisby and football with just me or on his scooter or playing tag with his best friend who lives next door rather than spending most of his non school time on a games console) but his weight gain is still out of synch with his growth in height. The doctor thought that ,whilst it was early days yet and at the moment there wasnt any undue cause for concern, it could be an indication of a glandular issue.

[Jiheishou Daigakusha]

If his weight is going up despite increased exercise and no dietary alteration, then it probably is glandular in nature. Get that blood test, stat!

[jerry5]

yep, I'd agree but at the moment its a case of trying to persuade my better half who doesnt want to unduly stress him out (as a blood test undoubtedly would) so think we'll wait for his next appointment with his dietician which will be in about 2 months time and see what his weight/hight stats are then.

[Jiheishou Daigakusha]

If you explain to your son that the blood test will help to avoid a thyroid op, he'll be less stressed out than you think.

[jerry5]

its true that he is getting a bit self-conscious about his weight so that might help in persuading him, but ,trust me, when the time comes he'll get stressed out!

[Jiheishou Daigakusha]

When I have to do something nasty in order to avoid something even nastier, that helps me to be quite calm about the nasty thing. Although I do still get a little stressed!

[philipo]

it may be you and your partners are really more stressed out about the blood test than him .Pleas note that evry family have different size/shape and that weight gain and growth spurts are usual through childrens life so dont worry too much .A blood test can be made into a fun day out ,especially if mom n pop dont show any signs of stress/anxiety about it.