Expert: James Michael Roan - 1/2/2008

Question
Hi James. I realize you do not diagnose, but I'm wondering if it's time to talk to my doctor. Several providers at my daughter's daycare approached me on New Year's Eve to discuss some possible "mental challenges" that my 15-month old daughter may be having. They even typed up a list that included: wanting to play alone, spinning hands and feet while in the high chair, problems communicating what upsets her and prolonged tantrums with head beating. As a mother, I would desperately like to believe she is nothing more than a very spoiled child. However, it worries me that not one, but three women all indicate similar answers when I ask them about her behaviors and I see the same things at home, just not wanting to see what they see. Can you please help with any suggestions, or if you think that maybe it's an overreaction?  I have read many of the questions and answers you have provided and am hoping you maybe can shed some light on this subject. Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Candice;

It's hard to tell from your limited list of behavior. I have included the red flags to look out for as a guide to direct your description of your daughter's behavior more along the lines of autism. Read the list and tell me what she can and cannot do.

6-12 Month Markers:

•   Passivity and decreased activity
•   Extreme distress reactions
•   Fixation on objects

By 12 Months:

•   Decreased positive affect and social smiling
•   Delayed gesture and language
•   Poor or no eye contact
•   Poor disengagement of attention
•   Inability to shift attention back and forth between different stimuli
•   Failure to orient to name
•   Poor imitation
•   No babbling by 12 months
•   No gesturing by 12 months

By 16 Months:

•   No single words by 16 months
•   No pointing to objects or interesting events in an attempt to share them with another

By 24 Months:

•   No spontaneous two-word phrases
•   Loss of any language or social skills at any age

Kind regards,
James