Expert: Trey McGowan - 9/25/2009

Question
Hi, I am just looking for some guidance and hope you can help me.  I have myself all worked up about my son, who has just turned 11 months old.  I worry that he may be displaying some early signs of Autism and am after some advice.

The things that concern me are:
He is not waving as of yet.  
He is just starting, sort of, to point.  But it appears he does not do it to draw my attention at all.
Joint attention - there doesn't seem to be alot of this happening when we play - it is usually him playing with a toy and me watching him.  He doesn't "engage" me in his play at all.  Is he too young for this?
He walked bang on 10 months - I have heard that alot of autistic children walk early.
He is extremely active and does not like to sit still at all.
Cat naps during the day and fights all day sleeps.
Is very fussy with his food.  Although it doesn't seem to be a 'textural thing'.  More a dislike of alot of foods.
Is happy to just "wander off" and explore without me and often does not turn around and come (or look back) when I call him.  Although he turns to his name in most other situations.
Does not seem to imitate me at all - ie: if I poke my tongue out, wave, etc.  Will imitate limited sounds, and only sometimes.  Does imitate clapping though.

On the good side:
He is a very happy, smiley baby who I can make laugh quite easily.
Turns to his name, say, 60-70% of the time.
Can understand and follow simple commands such as "where's bunny" (goes and finds bunny and brings it back) or "clap your hands"
Turns and looks at his dad if I say "where's daddy".
Plays but does not initiate Peek-a-Boo.
Seems to be quite social with other children.
Sleeps 7pm to 5am through the night (after some control crying).  However he is ALWAYS up at 5am!
Turns to his name - say, 70% of the time.

I am hoping you share some of your advice with me.

Kindest regards
Mel.

Answer
Hi there, Mel!

What you are describing to me sounds like an average and normal 11 month old child. I am not completely certain as to which symptom is concerning you, as none of the 'bad parts' seem like anything that would raise a red flag. Certainly, he may be somewhat delayed in one or two milestones, but as you yourself say, he is well ahead in others.

Children will develop slower or faster than others. A delay in developing or advance in developing should not be a reason to panic. Children are not cookie cutters, and shouldn't be expected to be. While yes, there are signs of problems if a child is way behind in developing a skill, three months (even up to six with some milestones) is neither unusual nor is it something to be afraid of.

As I have told many parents before, take the time and enjoy your child's childhood! It will be over before you know it, and if you spend the whole time worrying about it, you will never get the chance to actually savor it. Rather than saying 'OH NO! My child walked early!', this is your chance to beam and say, 'My child walked early!'. Take it while you have it. There's only one chance per child.

Questions? Comments? Feedback? Follow-ups? Feel free to ask!

Trey