Expert: Tim Runner - 6/10/2008

Question
Im losing sleep over worrying. every and I mean EVERY family i know has at least one child in "speech therapy." so how uncommon can it be? Ive heard so many stories of late talkers who went on to be overly intelligent even in language so why do we assume the worst? My son is 17 months old. he was an early babbler and said mama meaningfully. he doesnt respond to his own name. I dismissed this because since he was born he had about 10 nicknames and nothing was ever used consistently. he will turn around IMMEDIATELY when i say the name of any book he likes. he is not verbal. today he said "ma" at me because someone else was holding him, thats usually when he always said it, when he was REALLY upset. socially its been either unbelievably advanced or neutral. Hes never avoided other kids. he's gone through phases where he's hugged other kids. lately he's been not paying much attention to them but they dont seem to be paying attention to each other either. if i take him to visit his older nephews he does play with them because they essentially attack him. he seems to me to be extremely spatial. very good with spatial toys. does play with a variety of toys. will "fixate" on one but when you bring another, he'll try that too. he's had different favorite toys over the course of his life. He likes spinning items. I am heartbroken to think this is abnormal. it doesnt seem compulsive or bizarre to me. I have only one concern and it isnt that he isnt speaking (he doesnt point for what he wants, he reaches and screams, he does point sometimes when i read but not when i ask him where the object is. I just started doing this, I would also give him cards and was surprised that he'd always turn them the right side up, its amazing how kids are always learning) my one concern is this- he drifts off sometimes. "spaces out." I can get his attention by making a noise he likes but im a little freaked out. I should add that hes not a good sleeper. we never sleep trained him until recently (and we're not done). We always came to him when he cried and this probably made him cry more. he always seemed to me to be two hours short of sleep. he would yawn rub his eyes tug his ears throughout day quite often. I know autism is a possibility in any child and I know its important to screen for it but I cant help but wonder if making everyone paranoid is a way to deal with the problem. I also wonder if einstein wouldve been diagnosed with autism since it was reported teachers thought he was dumb and he didnt speak at all till 3. Please advise and possibly suggest some activities to help encourage language.

Answer
Lisa,
Rather than getting concerned over what might be, you should have your son assessed. His pediatrician should be able to check him for autism. If not, the doctor should be able to recommend another doctor.

You should also have your son assessed by a speech and language professional. Many medical insurance programs will pay for this. If your plan does not, contact the school in your area that he will be attending when he gets older and seek their help. They can tell you what government agency to contact for help.
I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com