Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 2/1/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

My son is 21months old. He seems to be normal. But he is not looking back on call all the time. I feel that he has poor eye contact. But he is pointing out things and gestures are all good. He has no problem in ENT. I am much worried about him. Please suggest.

I have an other feeling that I did not cared for him till 15 months. Coz, I am a mother work from home in night shift. I would be sleeping all the time during day time. I never had any maids to take care of my home or kid. So, he is used to be alone. Now, I have a feeling that he is not mingling with other kids. I have an elder daughter also.

Thanks & regards

Banu

ANSWER: Hi Baru

Very important question: Is your son speaking? If so, how much? Please write back so I can make some suggestions and recommendations.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No, He has not started speaking except a "Mama" and Papa but not denoting us.

Please suggest.

Answer
Hi Baru

It appears that your child is developmentally delayed. Do you have access to services where you live to take him to see a neurologist or developmental pediatrician? He needs to get lots of services like speech and occupational therapy. You can also call the school system to see if they will provide that to you. Do not delay. You must start these things right away. By the time a child is 21 months, he should be speaking quite a bit. Your son's speech delay, poor eye contact and other things you mentioned are a red flag for developmental issues. Please get going by seeing a professional about this right away!