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.
My husband's third brother has mental retardation, and also his second brother's son has autism. That draws my attention to this topic.
My son is 18 months old. He is late in speech, walk and teeth development. His teeth erupted when he was 9 months old and now at 18 months, he has only 4 in the front and one molar on the lower left jaw. He started walking about 3 weeks ago. Even though he started goo goo at only half month old, yes at half month old, but now he can only say ma and ba.
His cousin, as I said, is 7 years old, and is autistc and has to take medicine upto at least 11 years old. I concern my son's situation. Here are more details.
My son always smile, he loves to be held and hugged by me and his father. He likes music, he can turn off the radio and turn on the CD by himself, he can identity which buttons to press for music for 3 -4 different toys, he would act like adult to hold the remote control towards the TV and Press the button, when he hears the sound, he knows the postman has come and he would rush to the mailbox., sometimes in a day, he would stand up in front of the mirror, talk loudly and pointing his index fingers randomly, just like making speech to public, but we don't know what he was talking about. For most of the time, he can get along with strangers, he loves to play with toy cars and watch TV... he has a lot of eye contact, he always look at my eyes and smiles and then hug me, somethimes he will do that to his dad.
My conerns are he is not pointing at all, I teach him so many times to say milk, juice, car etc etc, he didn't t follow at all. He is afraid of hair cut, cries all time when he has it. He dislikes beef and fish, allergy to egg, he likes chicken and pork and vegetables.
I had a healthy pregnancy and he was born thr induction on the expected date of delivery.
Do you think that my son has signs of autism? what should I do to help him?
I am now pregnancy with 12 weeks, I am concerned about autism would be from the Food or beverages that I take? or any environmental factors? or it is solely genetics? pls advise. thanks
Answer Hi Jennifer,
I am not surprised you're concerned. Your family has experienced so much it's no wonder you're afraid! Who wouldn't be?
Nothing you've said about your son shouts autism. However, it does sound like he has some delays and sensory challenges. Being afraid of hair cuts, sensitivity to noise and being picky about foods are all sensory obstacles that can be overcome with some help from an Occupational Therapist.
What does your pediatrician say? Have you brought these concerns forward? You did not give that many details about your son's development and it's difficult to get an overall picture. However, your son should definitely have more words by now. And without words, he should be pointing as a method of expressing himself.
It's wonderful that your son is loving and it sounds like his is very social. These are really great signs. If I were in your position I would speak to the pediatrician right away. Make a list of all your concerns and let the doctor know. Ask him who you should contact for Early Intervention. Most states will grant you free evaluations and services if your child needs them. I think it's a good idea for you to read this article called "How do you know if your child has autism?" I think this might ease some of your fears. You can find the article here http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-howdoyouknow.htm
Congratulations on your new pregnancy! I know it's hard not to worry but try and enjoy it as much as you can. There is much speculation about what causes autism but no hard evidence. Some people take extra caution such as not eating sushi (raw fish) or canned tuna (because of mercury). Others refrain from early immunizations but this is a personal decision and choice.
Jennifer, I wish you and your family all the best.
I hope this has been of some help.
