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About Valerie Herskowitz
Expertise
I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience
I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
American Speech and Hearing Association, Autism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Autism > Concerns about 7 month old baby

Autism - Concerns about 7 month old baby

Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 11/4/2009

Question
I have a baby who is about to turn seven months old. I am concerned that he is showing early signs of autism. Some of the things that worry me: it is difficult to get his attention and he often does not respond to voice; he does not appear to understand anything we are saying to him yet; no babbling yet like "ba ba ba," though he does say "a-ga" and "ga-ga" and makes a lot of vowel sounds; he completely avoided eye contact the first two months, and while his eye contact has improved a lot, he still will often look at us and then look away and usually avoids eye contact at close distances -- his eye contact is much better when we aren't holding him, like when he's on the changing table or in the high chair; he does not like being cuddled, though he does like to nurse; he overall does not seem very attached to us and does not cry, for example, when we leave the room or reach to be picked up; he also does some repetitive motions with his hands sometimes, like a slight twirling or scratching; he cannot sit still very well and has a short attention span. Some things that are less worrying include: he smiles and laughs, though more giggling than belly laughing; he enjoys social games like peek-a-boo; he loves meeting new people and watching people, other babies, and animals -- he sometimes looks at people (including us) and makes noises to get their attention; when we have his attention, he can be very interactive and has just started trying to imitate us -- he makes great eye contact then; he is very alert and curious about his environment; his eye contact and sociability continue to improve over time; he is very vocal and, when we have his attention, has "conversations" with us.

What are your thoughts on this?

Answer
Hi Leigh
From a speech perspective, making vowel sounds are good. We call this cooing. Babbling comes in around 6 months, so keep a watch on this. If you don't see it by 10 months, go get his hearing checked.

The lack of bonding with you: again-see if that changes by 10 months.

The curious nature is good as is his sociability-that's important.

All in all-it's hard to say as he is so young. Sometimes children develop a little slower than others, so it is hard to say if you have a future problem.

If you are still concerned, I have a more in depth checklist that we can do on him. Let me know

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