Expert: Jene Aviram - 6/6/2009

Question
At my son's last doctor visit, he voiced some concerns to me that I hadn't thought about.  Since then I've been worried my son may be autistic.  At 19 months he is not talking.  He just babbles.  He doesn't call me mama or his father dada.  He doesn't point at objects he wants.  He usually will look in my direction if I call his name, but seems to ignore me most of the time.  He seems to get frustrated easily.  He throws himself on the floor and whines and cries a lot, and I never can tell what he's crying about.  I've tried reading to him but he isn't interested at all.  He will pay attention momentarily to a book, and then get up and run away.  The only way I can get his attention or calm him down when he's upset is through music.  He loves when I sing to him or put music on.  If the TV is on he becomes a zombie in front of it.  I don't normally allow him to watch TV unless it's something with music or colors or shapes (baby einstein or something similar) because he seems to slip into a trance when he does watch it.  He does make eye contact and will interact with other people and other children, but only on a one-on-one basis.  When there are many people around he ignores them.  He chews on everything (he's chewed through most of his books).  He opens and closes all the doors in the house over and over again.  He seems to recognize certain numbers and letters when I ask him to point them out (he has these big foam letters and numbers and I ask him "where's the 'a'?" and he'll pick it up) but doesn't actually say any of the letters or numbers.  I'm sorry if this is so long but I'm trying to tell you everthing I can remember.  His doctor says that this month he wants to test him if he's not saying at least 10-15 words (which he isn't) and I'm worried.  Help!


Cynthia

Answer
Hi Cynthia,

I can feel your anguish and my heart goes out to you.  I know what a difficult time this is for you.  It sounds like you have an incredible Pediatrician who is very aware of child development.  At your next appointment, I sincerely recommend that you print out this question and take it with you to the doctor.  You have described so many things that are valuable information for him to hear.

I do feel that your son has many concerning characteristics and behaviors.  The delayed language, love of music, lack of pointing, eating non-edibles, spacing out and tantrums are common traits in children with autism, and many parents share the sentiment about not knowing why their child is frustrated or how to console them.  This does not mean that your son has autism.  There are many factors that come into play and a professional will evaluate your son at length and advise you on your best course of action.  If anything, it sounds like he will certainly qualify for speech services, but I can't stress enough how important it is for you to get an evaluation right away.  Ask your doctor who you should contact for "Early Intervention."  I don't know where you live but this is usually completely covered by the State.

It sounds like your son is very smart.  He might not have expressive language but he certainly has receptive.  It appears he has learned his letters and numbers and my bet is he knows a LOT more than he's showing.  Once you get some help for his language I think your son will amaze you!

Cynthia, I'd like you to read this article called "How do you know if your child has autism?"  It's a helpful article and I think it might clarify some things for you.  You can find it here http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm

Another one that will lift your spirits is called "Forget the Diagnosis" which you can find here http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-theory.htm  

Cynthia, I wish you the best of luck with a very positive outcome.  I can tell that you love your son greatly and with a caring, proactive mom by his side, your son has a bright future ahead of him.  I hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com