Expert: Trey McGowan - 12/2/2007

Question
My 17 month old is and has for a while shown signs of Autism.  His attentin span is extremely strong.  He focuses well on everything.  He doesn't say words clearly, he walks on his tip toes, makes these breathly grunting inhaled noises, at 10 months he could flip through a book as if he was reading along, he will not interact with other children, he loves to make things roll, we have to call his name loudly to get his attention, but can begin to count and he will respond, if he throws a tantrum that is excrutiating, the only calming affect is to sing.  He loves the piano, loves music, ecspecially rock music, he has a memory that is unexplainable, will hold his bowels if upset, when he does something that would get him into "trouble" he clinches his fist or squeeses something tight.  The new interesting thing that has been going on is he walks in circles around chairs, tables, people, poles, trees, everything multiple times as if he was examining how they are constructed.  He is the only child, is healthy (has only had a total of 5 colds), is kept by my mother during the work week, my husband and I are not in any form of emotional disruption, financial disruption, I praise him, we read together, he has a routine that isn't always followed, he does not attend any form of daycare, he is however completely surrounded by adults, yet we do take him to a local park on a regular basis and go to friends house with children his age or around his age.  He also shakes his head back and forth while running and loves hide n go seek, being scared (saying "rah").  He 17 months old, 42 pounds, 33 inches tall, wears a 3T and has almost all his baby teeth.  He was 7lbs 14oz and 19in long at birth.  He was 2 weeks early.  The other thing he is so clumsy and cant do simple things like wave bye bye.  I do not know what type of specialist I should see.  For the majority of the time he is always smiling and happy.  But does not like pictures of himself displayed in our house.  If anything what specialist or testing is recommended to see, his PCP (whom I work with) says he is within normal age and should not be concerned.  Thank you for taking the time to read my frantic sounding letter.
Jessica 24 yo mom

Answer
Hello there, Jessica!

The best thing to do is check around your area (I'm not sure where 'your area' is so I can't make suggestions) and look for a place that works with Developmentally Disabled children. Many of them will specifically mention autism, as well, which can help. Ask the PCP if maybe he (or she?) knows of someone in the area who you can speak with. If there is genuine concern, then discussing a second opinion might well be a helpful thing. If only to reassure.

As for what tests there'll be, expect the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) to come into it. Your child is a bit young for a formal diagnosis by it (the M-CHAT is generally for 24 months), but it is one of the more common tests for autism. There are others as well, like the original CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and other less formally-named ones. If you wish, you can find a copy of one (or both) online and fill them out. However, don't try and grade them yourself. Instead, take the finished test with you to the therapist/doctor when you speak with them. It will help save time, most likely, as well as give them an idea of how the child acts at home.

I wish I could give more more than this, but hopefully even that small amount is a help!

Trey