Is my son autistic??

Question

i know this a little too early to ask this but im being paranoid after reading a lot about autism and seeing some minor redflags on my 1 yr 5 days old son. when i call his name, he rarely look at my direction, maybe he'll just looks for a couple of second and then back to whats he's doing. sometimes he doesnt look at all but evrytime we call his name, we know that he knows we are calliung him but just looks pre occupied especially when hie's watching tv. he rarely makes eye contact also. he doesnt want to be taught baby tricks like close open, beautiful eyes, etc. but when i play peek a boo at him, he really like it and maintains eye contact. when he's playing he is not lining his toys. he babbles baby sounds also with different emotions. he says ngaangaaa, brrrr, mamammmm, gogo, lala. when i sing a continuous ngaaaaaaaaaaaa, he also follows me doing that he plays like a normal baby, when his toys fells, he looks at its direction and even looks for it when its hidden from him. he smiles at strangers but sometimes doesnt maintain eye contact and looks busy looking at other things when they talk to him. he flaps his hands when his watching his favorite cartoons but not all times. he is very keen to sounds also.but he doesnt liked to be cuddled so much. he wants to do it himself if he wants to hug me especially if he's afraid. when i come home from work, his eyes lights up and makes funny sounds and wants to be picked up. he has good muscle tone and is learning to walk by himself. no other problem is some other aspect. does autistic babies have no emotions at all, doesnt smile at strangers, doesnt like peekaboos, doesnt enjoy cartoon shows? im afraid my son wont turn out to be normal. im just so paranoid. pls enlighten me. i know babies grow at their own pace but his being inattentive really bothers me. thank you in advance for your helpful answers

Answer 1

My partner and I run a nonprofit, audiohope.org, to treat autistic and ADHD kids in the mid-Atlantic states. The website is something we're proud of, but I think you're way ahead of yourself--1-5 DAYS old is way to early for autistic symptoms to show up. You don' t get eye contact from him because at that age their vision isn't fully developed. They will react to light, movement, and  perhaps a smile at very close range, but that's it. Vision isn't really complete until they lose that muddy slate-blue color that all babies' eyes have and begin to take on a "standard" color. It sounds to me that you haven't done your homework and are being stampeded because you know little about child development. Ask your doc or Planned Parenthood to recommend a couple of good books,

But there are precautions you CAN take, particularly with immunizations. There's a big flap on about mercury preservatives, but we think that's only part of the story. The critical is 12-24 months, when kids get a lot of shots and some of them show "autistic regression. We've come to think that part of the problem is quantity itself. With most shots, docs love the combos that immunize against 3,4,or even 5 diseases; we know of some kids who have received as many as NINE immunizations in a single DAY. What do they expect THAT would do to a tiny and developing body. Be especially aware of the DPT shot for diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.

If possible get three shots spaced apart.

Finally, check out the website at aitinstitute.org. It is probably way to early, but ask them these questions too. They have a great checklist for diagnosis, but wait until your child is older.

Answer 2

Seek a professional opinion from someone who is very knowledgeable regarding child development (eg. a paediatrician).

I get a feeling you may be overly concerned with his development, but a mother shouldn't ignore her instincts. Take those 'suspicions' (write them down) to the 'professional' and discuss them with him/her. Perhaps get a second opinion if you are still not satisfied. But try not to stress. He sounds gorgeous.

Even if you did discover a developmental delay of any kind, he is still gorgeous :)

Your baby sounds like a very independent 'thinker', maybe knows what he likes and dislikes.

Some children appear to behave in some ways which may be typical behaviours of a child on the autism spectrum, but that doesn't necessarily mean he/she is autistic.

Stay observant, but try not to panic. Seek quality advice.

Another idea is to speak to the main autism association in your country/state. They can talk with you about what your observing and feeling about your child.

I am a mum, friend and aunt of autistic children (and adults). I feel blessed and honoured to be 'chosen' as their mum (a mum to my kids that is) and aunt/friend.

Take care ;)

Answer 3

It sounds like he could be autistic. You get that child tested as soon as possible; the earlier you start specially designed interventions, the better!

Medical doctors think they know everything but they are not qualified to diagnose autism. Find a center that specializes in this. He will be tested by a licensed psychologist, most likely. (Note: a psychiatrist is a medical doctor with very little knowledge of psychology. You want a child psychologist.)

Also, read as much as you can on autism, should he be autistic. You want the best interventions possible!