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Autism/No good eye contact and smile at 2wks baby girl

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Expert: - 12/3/2010


Question
Hi, I have my second child(girl) born just 2 wks ago. so far, she does not have good eye contact and smile when I am holding and talking to her. My first child (girl) has been diagnosed with Autism between mild and moderate before 3 yrs old. She has poor eye contact, late speech development, lacks of social skill and plays alone. I am so worried about the second girl and hope that she is not with autism.

I know it is too early to check her eye contact and spontaneous smile. my question, will normal new born baby show good eye contact and smile since born? 2wks? or 4wks?  

Answer
HI Andy

I look for eye contact around six weeks to two months. I can understand your concern as you have another child with autism. It's good that you are keeping on top of things.

Write me back if you still don't see it in a month or month and a half

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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