Expert: Jene Aviram - 8/13/2009

Question
Hi, I really dont know if I'm working myself up about something or nothing, but could really do with some advice please. My little boy is 13 months old. He is a very high spirited active boy, hitting all physical milestones e.g. rolling at 2.5 months, sitting up at 6 months unaided, crawling and cruising at 8/9 months, and is just on the cusp of unaided walking now. He litterally does not sit still all day unless I am reading to him, or he is playing with his toys (then its mostly cruising back and forth between them!). The things that really concern me is that he has only clapped twice, does not point and does not wave. If he wants something then he'll go get it rather than ask. He can say a few words like mum, dad, yeah, hiya and the dogs name (not very clearly yet though), and sometimes I think he doesnt know his own name, although when he doesnt respond to it hes usually really engrosed in something. Because he is really active I dont think I have ample chance to teach him these things, as hes really not interested, but when I mentioned these things to my Health Visitor she seemed quite concerned, although I admit I wasnt before she made this comment as I as said hes really physically focused. Im sorry about the really long post but its going round and round in my head, should I be really worried now about this. He also shakes his head alot and I can count on one hand the number of times hes belly laughed since birth. That all said he his an extremely affectionate little boys always hugs and kisses people and himself in the mirror, smiles alot and has brilliant eye contact when concentrating on a person. Is he just a very busy boy with no time to learn these things, or do you think it may run deeper?? sorry forgot to add hes a fab sleeper and eater - finger foods are a hit!!

Answer
Hi,

It sounds like your little one is right on track physically.  He sounds delightful and curious about the world around him.

Even though he is highly active and probably quite advanced physically, he should still be developing in the other areas.  Even being very active, it shouldn't deter him from picking up all the other skills.  At thirteen months, he should be clapping, waving, pointing and there should be no confusion about his name.  My guess is that he knows it, but simply doesn't respond often enough which is why you are wondering about it.

Thirteen months is too early to detect autism, so I don't want you to worry about that.  I do think that your son would benefit greatly from services so that he can be brought up to par with his peers.  The sooner you begin, the quicker he learns, and the faster you close the gap.  I would call your pediatrician and make an appointment.  Ask for a list of milestones that your son should be doing.  And voice your concerns.  Let them know everything you've said here.  

Your pediatrician will be able to guide you on who to call for early intervention.  They will evaluate your son (usually at no charge) and will provide you services if your child needs them (usually for free.)

Most important, please know that this is not unusual.  All kids are different.  Some develop fast in areas and lag behind in others.  Some need help with speech.  Some need physical help.  Some need social help.  It's nothing to be overly concerned about, yet it's definitely worth looking into.  And if you get an evaluation that says your son is on track and doesn't need help, well what could be better than that?  Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

I wish you great luck and success.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com