Expert: Jene Aviram - 5/25/2010

Question
My baby girl is 3 1/2 months old is not making all her milestones on time.  She has slightly 'weak tone' (in terms of holding her neck up etc) and has poor focus and tracking of objects, particularly human faces. She was in the Special care nursery for two weeks at birth due to respiratory problems, and was on oxygen for 5 days, but was born at 38.5 weeks. She does not vocalise a significant amount and doesn't turn to voices/people yet. I have seen a Pediatrician who has referred me to a Pediatric Opthamalogists to check her eyes.  Friends are already talking to me about Autism!  Would I really be seeing signs of this already? I appreciate your advice and expertise very much.

Answer
Jodie,

Please take autism out of your mind.  You have nothing to worry about.  There is no way a 3 month old will be showing signs of autism.  In fact what you've said is synonymous with being in an ICU or having a difficult start.  I can't begin to tell you how many people I know who's children needed oxygen or had medical issues at birth who were worried about all sorts of things.  Most of these babies were unable to hold their head up at 4 months and even 5 months.  They were under the care of neurologists, cardiologists, PT's  and all other types of professionals.  Today their kids are typical and absolutely fine.  Since your daughter had respiratory issues and was in special care, it's likely that she will be slightly behind.  I'm not sure why your Ped would suggest an ophthalmologist at this stage since babies vision is still developing at three months.  I have found that pediatric neurologists are the perfect professionals when it comes to figuring out if there's an issue or just delays in tracking and developmental milestones.  Perhaps you could ask your ped about this and for a referral?  But please don't be concerned about autism.  You have said absolutely nothing to indicate anything to do with that.  

I wish you great success.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com