AboutValerie 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.
Question My 12 month old son does a sort of wrist and finger twisting with has hand about 6 inches from his eyes and has done this since around 5 or 6 months old. Can this alone indicate autism?
Answer To answer your question-that behavior by itself-no. But it is an unusual behavior. Does he do anything else at all that is odd? Or does he have tantrums, colic, reflux, does not responding to his name, does not have babbling, finicky with foods or clothing or has sound sensitivity?
That behavior alone is not a sign of autism-only if it was one characteristic of other issues.
Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
www.valerieherskowitz.com
Author: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology
