Expert: Ettina - 7/30/2009

Question
Hi my name is Shveta and I am the mother of a 2 year old baby boy. My problem is he is not communicating as an average 2 year old should although is able to say syllables like"ma-ma, pa-pa, baby, ka-ka, ka-ki, kitty kat". He is always at home with his dad who baby sits when I am at work. He can point to all the things in and outside the house like trees, flowers, moon, dog, kitty. He has no problems making an eye contact. He loves to play with the kids when he is at park and also tries to make an eye conatct with them. He does bye and hi five if our neighbors asks him to do.
Should he still be evaluated for autism?

Answer
Your son doesn't sound like an autistic child - he is sociable, makes eye contact and uses gestures to communicate. Autism that is severe enough to detect in such a young child has a substantial effect on social interaction.
He might have an expressive language delay, but it's not clear. If he wasn't using any words at all, that would be a definite delay, but you said he says a few words. If you are concerned, talk to his pediatrician, but he could still be within the range of normal.