You are here:

Autism/autism- baby symptoms

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/23/2010


Question
Hello,

I have a 6 month old baby and am concerned about her development.

She does not always respond to her name and only laughs rarely, usually if tickled. She does smile back when you smile. She had no eye contact at all until she was 7 weeks old and even now does not hold contact when feeding a bottle. She does have eye contact when you are talking to her though.

She makes 'ah' noises but will not have a back and forth 'conversation' with you.

I looked at the piece of research about infant movements and autism, and she appears to roll normally, but she cannot sit unaided yet. I did the head tilt test and she seemed to keep it in line with her body.

Do I have anything to be concerned about? Thanks so much

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

I definitely would not be concerned at this age.  Your daughters vision and focus is still developing.  At this age, no babies maintain eye contact on a consistent basis for any length of time.  Her babbling is right on track and I wouldn't be concerned about a back and forth yet.
There are countless babies that are not sitting unaided at 6 months.  Your baby is still so young.  I know it's hard (impossible) not to worry.  But she sounds just fine.  Enjoy every minute with her.

Very best to you.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jene Aviram

Expertise

How do you know if your child has autism? If you're concerned about your child's behavior and would like to know if they're symptoms of autism, I can help you. If you need behavior and parenting strategies, I have many suggestions and ideas to help you. I can also help you with questions on ABA therapy. I cannot answer biomedical questions.

Experience

I am one of the co-founders of Natural Learning Concepts, a manufacturing company for autism and special education materials. I am an author and writer and my work on the autism spectrum is frequently published by many organizations and renowned magazines. My son has Aspergers and my nephew has autism.

Publications
Autism/Aspergers Digest Autism Society of America Autism Today Issue Spirit Magazine The Autism Perspective Magazine Yahoo News Parenting Magazine

Education/Credentials
My original background and education is computer network engineering. A turn of events led me to switch careers in early 2000 when my passion and driving force became helping people on the autism spectrum. I then co-founded a successful company that helps people on the autism spectrum every day.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.