Expert: James Michael Roan - 11/18/2008

Question
Hello James,
  Just have a few concerns about my 7.5 month old.  He makes good eye contact from beyond 3 feet (often), will gladly watch peek-a-boo and laugh from that distance.  He smiles often with interactions from a distance.  However, if one moves within his 2-3 foot radius he will do anything to avoid eye contact.  His motor development has been good.  He is on the brink of crawling and is pretty good with his hands, able to manipulate toys, push buttons etc.  
  My concern is social interaction.  He does not respond to his name in general, unless it is someone new coming into the room.  He universally smiles at his caretakers-- mom, dad and nanny when they first come into the room and from a distance when we verbalize.  He does not reciprocate when handed a toy, he will hone in on the toy and seldom look up, even to his name.  No interest in patty-cake. I feel there is very little close range reciprocation emotionally.
 His says dadada, but seldom.  Constant humming and grumbling.  Doesn't cry much.  No/little stranger anxiety to date.
 He likes fans and running water, but any movement captures his attention-- especially dogs and cars.
 His mother is completely convinced that he is normal.  She is not open to discussion of this possible problem.
 I realize you cannot diagnosis ASDs online, but what are your thoughts?  Should he be evaluated by a specialist, or will more time tell the tale?  I know time is of the essence.  Thankyou so much for your time and input.

Answer
Hi Kyle;

I'm with you. I am most concerned about the fans and running water, but also the "honing in" on one toy. If you live in the U.S., call the Early Intervention folks at the special education department in your school district and ask to have him assessed. If he qualifies, he will receive the necessary services with or with out a formal diagnosis of autism.They will not be able to diagnose at this age, but will be able to watch him closely. The focus here is first on intervention and then the diagnosis.

Kind regards,
James





James Roan Bio:

James Roan (roanpsych@gmail.com) has been consulting in the areas of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties in the United States and in Ireland for over ten years. James Roan has traveled to Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Clare, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and other cities and counties across Ireland assessing children and adults, and consulting with solicitors (lawyers) in defense of children with disability and with enforcement of their rights. James Roan was the consulting psychologist responsible for many of the autism and ADHD screening tools and other content for www.accessspecialneeds.com. James Roan consulted with the graduate department of the Waterford Institute of Technology in the development of their graduate program for the certification of private autism tutors.