Expert: Trey McGowan - 11/1/2007

Question
Hello.  I am aware of some of the signs of Autism and have been concerned about my son.  He is almost 15 months old and doesn't look 50% of the time when his name is called (especially if preoccupied, playing with a toy, watching tv etc) He does not say ma-ma, not at all.  He will say the occasional da-da but not in reference to his daddy.  He does say quack, quack (along with me or with music) and ta-da and will put his hands up in the air, he repeatedly says no-no-no.  Out of all of the words he say no is the one that we hear the most.  He babbles and does a sort of scream, when excited, or as a tantrum.  When I tell him no (he either ignores me or he says no and shakes his finger at me)  He doesn't point at things, he has his index finger up as if he wants to point but doesnt. He just hasn't shown word association just yet.  If I ask him to close the door or drawer he does and then I say good job and yeah! and he will clap and smile as he knows he has done a good job.   I am not sure if it is just me worring or if he should be tested for autism.  I appreciate any input you have

Answer
Hello there, Amy!

I apologize for the delay on answering this question. For some reason, it didn't reach my inbox, and I only just noticed it when I came to check my earlier pending questions.

It's difficult to tell if this is autism or just a speech delay in your child. The actual levels of speech seem a bit slow, but not yet a level that would have me running for therapists. The thing about autism is that it is more than just a speech delay. There are a lot of other symptoms that come with it. How is his eye contact? His social skills? Touching and sensory issues?

My first question is: have you had your son's hearing tested? The lack of looking might be preoccupation, yes, but it may also be that he's just not hearing the name getting called.

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/language_development.shtml
Here is a list of speech milestones for children that should give you an idea of just how far along your child is in his development, and let you compare other aspects of his communication to be sure it's not just 'worried parent syndrome'. If, indeed, he seems to be a little bit behind, don't panic. Some children develop slower than others, and delays of three months aren't unknown or something to be worried about. If, however, these appear significant, then getting him tested would be a good idea for you. Whether or not it's autistic level, a speech/communication disorder can be difficult for parent and child. By going to a specialist, they can direct you to some early intervention speech therapy and hopefully help with the difficulties.

If, however, you are definitely seeing some other issues along with it, then I suggest you mention them to your family doctor/pediatrician and see if there's someone in the area who can give your child a screening. At this young age, though, I think that (as hard as I know it is) 'wait it out' may well be the best suggestion. Give your child a few more months and see if he starts progressing. If not, then I would definitely bring in the expert testing.

Trey