Expert: Celtica - 2/10/2010

Question
Hi,
My 3 month old son is displaying all the early signs of autism. I do understand that its way too early to diagnose, but i did a lot of research and every symptom points to this direction (he avoids eye contact, doesnt smile, coo or reacts to people in any way, doesnt like to be picked up even though i speak and sing to him a lot and generally try to engage him in every way). Also his head circumference increased very rapidly and out of proportion in the first two months (he had a scan, there is no apparent reason for the sudden growth).  I would like to do my best to help my little boy. My questions:
1. Could you please tell me what I could do in this age to improve his condition?
2. Is it better to "force" him to look at me and constantly try to make him interact (by talking, showing him toys, pictures, taking him to noisy places / have friends around) or should i leave him in the baby gym to look at the toys or in his bouncer to just look around (as this is what he seems to like to most)?
3. Is there anything I could do by changing his diet (he is formula fed) or by trying some medicine?

Many thanks

Answer
Hi,

First of all, sorry I'm not very articulate today.

1) I don't really know what would be the best to do for a child that young (as I don't have any experience with that). I can imagine that OT would be an option, even at that age, to improve sensory integration, or at least offer sensory stimulation at home (whatever he enjoys).

That could include gentle massages, a baby swing for vestibular stimulation, classical music, lava lamps, fairy lights and the likes for visual stimulation (I don't know if massages, or baby swings are suitable for a child that young, please ask your family doctor for advice).

Probably find your local chapter of the NAS (http://www.nas.org.uk/) and ask them what they would suggest, and try to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

2) I think you shouldn't "force" him constantly to interact. Noisy places, having people around, and even having to react to toys are likely to be very stressful for him, and if you overdo it he'll probably just space out. Do it in small doses and give him plenty of time to recover afterwards.

3) As some people with autism (including myself) improve on a milk- and glutenfree diet, you could try that (although probably not yet at that age. Again, ask your doctor from what age on you can use milk substitues without causing malnutrition), and I'd look at least for a formula which contains no soy, as many people are allergic to that (there are in fact even gluten/casein free baby formulas out there, just did a quick google search). Being breast fed would probably be the best. I wouldn't try meds, vitamines and such until he's older.

Hope that helps,
C.