Expert: James Michael Roan - 9/19/2007

Question
Hi James
I'm so glad I came across this site. My 14 month old son will not point, or wave goodbye though we encourage this all the time. He has an obsession with "spinning" his toys on the floor or turning toys like his train over and just spinning the wheels. He won't ever play with any of his toys the way they are intended to be played with. He does not stack blocks, or put them in the container either. He is however, very good at eye contact, and does give us great big smiles, and loves to be tickeled and giggles a lot when we do so. We have been doing "So big!" now since he was 5 months, and he will still not raise his arms in the air to say "So big!" with us. Nor does he show the ability to clap his hands together, even when we try to help him. We've noticed when he gets excited, especially when we are in the car, he is constantly twisting his hands and feet. My mommy instincts tell me something is wrong. This is such a scary time for my husband and I right now, any advice would be appreciated. Do you think he could have Autism?

Answer
Hi Bree;

If he does have autism, I suspect it would be mild based on the limited info you have given me. To better help you, please go to my website (in progress) at www.autismspectrumdisorderfoundation.org and complete the M-CHAT and scoring, both on the front page. I'll be happy to review those results with you if you copy and paste the M-CHAT and descriptions for each item on an email to me. Meanwhile keep working with him and physically prompt imitation attempts and successive approximations of desired action rewarding with big hugs and smiles. Teach sharing with him also. Again, exaggerate your facial and body expression along with your tone of voice. Keep working with him.

P.S. I know this is a hard time for you. You are brave and doing the best thing for your son and the family. I'll support you through this as much as possible.

Kind regards,
James