Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 2/16/2010

Question
We are very worried about our 13 month old son. We had our 12 month appt. last week and our son is not meeting several milestones.  He is not talking, gesturing, or pointing.  Our pedi. said he thinks he is more than likely on the spectrum.  We are crushed.  He has had several ear infections and he said that could be playing into the lack of communication.  He has an apt. with an ENT next week and then we are going to an Autism specialist after that.

He makes very good eye contact.  He smiles frequently at us, our family and even strangers (waitresses, etc.)  He does not do any stacking or unusual things with his toys.  He does like to hold one in his hand when he is crawling around(he is not walking yet).  He loves playing with the dogs and loves to have them "chase" him.  He will engage in "peek-a-boo" and smile some, but doesnt seem to love it.  

My wife and I are just scared to death.  When a child has these delays (talking, gesturing) is it likely that they are on the spectrum.  If the ratio is 1-70 boys, what is the ratio when children have these delays(1-10, 1-2..?)  I know this information is not readily available but I am an analytical person and wonder about this.  I would be so relieved to hear a pedi say "I have seen many boys with these delays who turned out just fine", but I dont know if this is the case.  

Sorry for the length, just alot on my mind right now.  Thank you.

Answer
HI Robert

I understand your deep concern. The statistic of boys being diagnosed within the autism spectrum is 1 out 58. There are no statistics that talk about how many children who are delayed at the age of 13 months do end up being on the spectrum that I know of. However, when I see a child who is language delayed, I am looking to see if the delay is just in expressive language or a more global one (including the ability to understand and follow directions.) Usually the children that just have expressive delays do not get diagnosed on the spectrum whereas the one that have the global language delays that include a language processing component do. There are many things that a child of your son's age should be doing that are in the language arena that are not just saying words.

If you would like some input from me, I am happy to do a phone consult with you to help you determine the extent of the situation and also to learn some things you can do at home to help him. You can email me at info@valerieherskowitz.com

I know you are very worried, but you are doing the right thing by exploring this early. Research indicates that children who receive early intervention make the best progress. Let me know if I can help