Expert: James Michael Roan - 2/20/2008

Question
Our 11 week old flashes beautiful big smiles but only just before he burps up milk after feeding. He has little eye contact and prefers to look at bright lights and out the window. He hasn't laughed and makes only small cooing noises. Should we be worried? I understand that at this age it is too young to diagnose autism but what can we do at this age incase it is? Many Thanks

Answer
Hi Estelle;

Interact with your child as often as possible. Play interactive games like "itsy bitsy spider" and "peek-a-boo." Exaggerate your vocal tone and facial expressions. Playing tickle games like "I'm going to get you!" helps to build predictive thinking and social thinking skills by developing in your child an understanding all of the nonverbal forms of communication. Make everything fun and exciting. Read to your baby.

Kind regards,
James