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Autism - concerns about 7 month old
Expert: James Michael Roan - 11/5/2009
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;
Please understand that I do not, at any time, attempt to diagnose or rule out a diagnosis or condition over the Internet.
Actually, based on your second paragraph it sounds like he is developing normally. Don't stress the eye contact thing, it sounds like it is just fine. Keep an eye on him and keep interacting with him as much as possible.
Kind regards,
James
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While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.
Bio
James Roan is a certified school psychologist who has been consulting in the areas of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties in the United States and in Ireland for over ten years (http://www.jamesroan.com). James earned his M.Ed. in School Psychology and M. Ed. in Adult Education and receives ongoing post graduate training in autism at the University of Washington’s Autism Center. James Roan has traveled to Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Clare, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and other cities and counties across Ireland assessing children and adults, and consulting with solicitors (lawyers) in defense of children with disabilities. James Roan was the consulting assessment professional responsible for many of the autism and AD/HD screening tools and other content for Access Special Needs.Com. James Roan consulted with the graduate department of the Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford Ireland in the development of their graduate program for the certification of private autism tutors. James has conducted formal assessments of students in the Autism Unit in the Claddagh National School in County Galway Ireland.
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