Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 10/27/2010

Question
hello my son turns 2 next week.  We have autism in our family (husbands side) a 24 year old aspergers male.  So since my son was born or really since I was pregnant I worried about the possibility because of statistics.
 My son developed perfectly normal even though at times I worried if this or that was a sign as I am sure lots of moms do.
 He is now almost 2 and is doing great.  He has incredible language.  He is talking in 6-7 word sentences, can count, signs the ABC's, kicks, jumps etc.  I think he is right on developmentally if not a little ahead.  
 My one thing that I have been driving myself nuts about is his eye contact up close.  If I am holding him it is very spotty even if I tell him to look at my eyes.  He will briefly but then looks away or watches my mouth.  Other than up close his eye contact is great.  He always looks at my eyes when asking a question or waiting for a response.  I watch him interact with others and he makes great eye contact.  I have even seen him stare down strangers and sometimes it feels like he is more apt to not look me in the eye up close but with others?!?
 So am I just really watching too closely or is this a big deal?!  I know I am watching closesy so I wonder if I am just analyzing where others wouldnt notice?

Answer
Hi Krystal

I can understand your fear. My niece just had a baby, and we are watching him like a hawk, since my son has autism.

But from what you are telling me, he sounds like he is doing really well. I don't think the eye contact is a big deal all by itself. Certainly if it was in conjunction with other issues-but from what you describe, his language and social skills are right on target.

So I think you can relax.