Expert: James Michael Roan - 5/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: "My grandson is 14 months old and a wonderful baby. My concern started several months ago with his fixation on balls and spinning objects (8+ months) After he started crawling at around 10 months (not walking yet) he will take 2 objects (usually balls) and will push them in front of him and chase and push them around the couch...always.  Now I have  noticed a fixation on wheels and you cannot distract him from them and appears frustrated (cars) his stroller.  At the zoo he ignored animals  right in front of him to get back to the stroller.  I have not said  anything as yet, I have been trying to find as much information as possible.
 I tried to distract him from these behaviors by walking him (out of sight) and he appears to do pretty well.  He has always been very sensitive to loud sounds.  And will cry when the sounds are high pitch; but appears to like low repetitive sounds and will smile (like a rumble from a
steady motorcycle idling.  Am I being overly concerned, If not, how do I handle this with my son and daughter in law.  I am very close to both and she is due in the next few weeks with another child."
Thank you for any insight that you can provide.  Gail

ANSWER: Hi Gail;

When you are possibly looking at autism, early intervention means EVERYTHING. For this reason he should be taken in for an evaluation immediately. If you live in the U.S., you can have evaluated by his school district or contracting agency. Call the special services/education department in his school district and make a referral for a full assessment.

Kind regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your speedy response.  
Is there a chance that I am over reacting or does it sound like there is enough going on that it should be investigated? I talked to my son today and he said that he started taking steps again yesterday and has been walking ever since yesterday so that is good!!  Should they take him to their pediatrician or a specialist?  They are located in Naperville Illinois.  Do you have any suggestions on how to approach my son and daughter-in-law about this?   Is there anything else that I can do with my grandson, to help him?  I am going over to their house again today to give her a hand (she is due with the baby any time now)and it gives me a chance to spend some time with him.  Is there anything else that I could do or observe that would help to confirm or eliminate the possibility that it may be autism?  Is there anything I can do now?  Thank you for your time and hearing me rant.....Gail

Answer
Hi Gail;

You can engage him in interactive games/activities like reading a book to him, peek-a-boo, etc. Try and establish joint attention on an activity and watch what he does. Does he look back and forth at the object of joint attenti and you? Just the object? How good is his eye contact? Does be bring things to you to share? What is his interest level in children roughly his age? How often does he look up at you when you call his name?

Regards,
James