AboutJene Aviram Expertise How do you know if your child has autism? If you're concerned about your child's behavior and would like to know if they're symptoms of autism, I can help you. If you need behavior and parenting strategies, I have many suggestions and ideas to help you. I can also help you with questions on ABA therapy. I cannot answer biomedical questions.
Experience I am one of the co-founders of Natural Learning Concepts, a manufacturing company for autism and special education materials. I am an author and writer and my work on the autism spectrum is frequently published by many organizations and renowned magazines. My son has Aspergers and my nephew has autism.
Publications Autism/Aspergers Digest
Autism Society of America
Autism Today Issue
Spirit Magazine
The Autism Perspective Magazine
Yahoo News
Parenting Magazine
Education/Credentials My original background and education is computer network engineering. A turn of events led me to switch careers in early 2000 when my passion and driving force became helping people on the autism spectrum. I then co-founded a successful company that helps people on the autism spectrum every day.
Question Hi there. I would like to get your opinion about my 15 month old son. To my knowledge, he has never pointed or clapped on his own. My husband and I have worked on this since he was around 10 months, especially the clapping. He also likes to bang his head in his car seat by rocking back and forth and has recently started to do this on the couch (face forward into the cushion). He also does this when he wakes at night and wants to go back to sleep. He has never called me mama, but instead, calls both me and my husband dada.
On the other hand, he started walking at 11 months, babbles a lot, has a good word vocabulary, loves to play with and around other kids, loves hugs and kisses, and has great eye contact. He responds to his name and loves to play with me on the floor. He brings toys to me and loves for certain "favorite" books to be read to him over and over.
I took these concerns to my pediatrician at his 15 month visit. I filled out the m-chat, and because he does not point, she gave me a pamphlet with a number to call our local "children's special health services". My family, husband included, thinks that I don't need to call and that I am just over-worried or looking too hard to find something.
I want another opinion, and am seeking yours. Thank you for you time! :)
Answer Hi Pamela,
You are certainly on top of things! Because your son is doing so well in so many areas, most people would overlook the other things you're concerned about.
First of all, let me say that you're doing all the right steps. It's very promising that your child plays with peers, has a good vocabulary an enjoys interacting with other kids. But I do agree with your pediatrician that your son should certainly be clapping and discriminating between mama and dada. In summary, if I had to read your first paragraph alone I see a number of red flags for autism. However, your second paragraph practically vetoes them out. I realize that if your husband had written the question, I would get a totally different picture of your son. That's why I think a personal evaluation for your son is worth doing.
The M-CHAT is actually designed for toddlers who are 18 months and up. Most pediatricians would ignore your concerns but your pediatrician is very progressive in taking action now which is wonderful. Even if you contact your health services now for an evaluation, it can take a long time before services actually begin if you need them. If I were in your shoes I would call them. The evaluation is free. What do you have to lose? They might tell you your son is perfectly fine and what can be better than peace of mind? But if your son needs services, it's better to start sooner than later, and you'll regret it if you postpone it.
I know you've done the M-CHAT but I'd like you to go to this link and do it again. Record your answers on a piece of paper because after you press submit, it will tell you exactly which questions are related to autism. http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-mchat.htm
Although your son is still a little young, I think this article might be of great benefit to you. It's called "How do you know if your child has autism?" This might give you some peace of mind. You can find it at this link http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm
I wish you and your family great success and I hope this has been of some help.
