Expert: James Michael Roan - 3/25/2008

Question
My child has just been evaluated by a speech therapist, occupational therapist and a dietician.  She has the play skills and verbal skill( by their evaluations) of a 6-9 month old.  She does not say any words.  She is fixed on tv and has been since about 7 month old.  She loves to cuddle and watch tv.  She has a GI specialist because she does not like to east and still has reflux.  She is only 17 pounds. She has not great eye contact.  But his biggest problem is that she will not pay attention to learn anything.  THey say she is too early to be diagnosed with autism.  THey are very careful on what they say. But what does that mean to me?  She is going to start therapy with all of them.  I know early intervention will help but is there anything else I can do?

Answer
Hi Heather;

Although it is difficult, you can diagnose autism at this age. Limit the T.V. time and replace it with interactive time. Read up on Stanley Greenspan's DIR Floortime model for establishing joint attention skills. Ask your pediatrician about a gluten (wheat) and casein (dairy) free diet. Many children on the spectrum are intolerant to these two food sources and adversely affects their concentration, learning, and behavior in general. Play lots of interactive games like peek-a-boo and ones that contain songs such as "itsy-bitsy-spider." Exaggerate your voice (inflection) and facial expressions. Combine the above with lots of love and cuddles.

Kind regards,
James