Expert: Ettina - 9/26/2009

Question
Hi my 4 month old daughter seems to be delayed, I am a bit concerned, I have 5 children and one of my 5 (second born, boy) has autism. I can't remember how he acted at that age because I wasn't looking for anything like autism. My new baby was born 6 weeks early, but she is now 4 months old and sleep a lot! she is not interested in anything, does not roll even to her side, she does follow objects with her eyes and respond to voices, but she is very stiff won't push on her legs..reach out. She laughs very rarely and only smiles from time to time. still doesnt have good head control and is happy with just being left alone, lately shes been chewing on her fingers. Pleases tell me what you think?
thank you!!
WORRIED MOM

Answer
There is no way autism can be detected in a 4 month old. A few studies have found ways to detect autism in 10-12 month olds, but only a very skilled clinician can do that.
Your daughter does sound delayed. I'm not a clinician and I've never met your daughter, so I really can't tell, but it sounds like your daughter might have cerebral palsy. It's a congenital physical disability characterized by stiff and/or jerky movements. There is a range of severity in impact - at one extreme just walking with a bit of a limp or being clumsy, at the other extreme using a motorized wheelchair and an assistive communication device, with people anywhere in between as well. It's more common in premature infants.
Most autistic kids, at 4 months old, have better motor skills than your daughter. However, many are less responsive.