Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 6/4/2010

Question
i have a 6 month old boy. he screams at the top of his lungs for hours on end. when these "spells" happen he will get all stiff and will cry even harder when i try to pick him up. he used to respond to his name but now he doesn't he is a very smiley baby and plays with his toys but wont let anyone else play with him. he loves noise and when its quiet he will freak out. when he is sleeping and its quiet he will wake up and scream. i am not familiar with any of this and i just need some advice and help. Does my son Donovan have autism?

Answer
Hi Jennifer

Sorry to hear about the trouble your son is having. Unfortunately, it's really too early to say whether Donovan has autism, however, there certainly is something that is bothering him. I'm not a physician, so of course, my first recommendation is to take him to his pediatrician and ask him if he or she thinks it would be a good idea to have a gastrointerologist check him out to see if he is having pain from reflux or other GI issues. Then, if all that checks out, ask his doctor what else could be bothering him physically to cause him to cry endlessly.

Meanwhile, I would keep my eye on him and make sure his developmental milestones are reached. Certainly the sound sensitivities and lack of response to his name should be watched, as should you be vigilant for other issues.

Lastly, I highly recommend searching out a developmental pediatrician. They have a specialty in development and would really be the best professional to watch your son's development.

Good luck and keep in touch