Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 6/17/2010

Question
My grandson was 9 months old 6/13.  A couple of weeks ago he was saying "dada" a lot and my son-in-law was thrilled.  This was his one word and he said it a lot.  Now he is back to just mainly screaming and will not say "dada" or any specific sound.  Is this a sign of autism.  Also, he will not clap his hands but loves to clap his feet.  He uses his hands to play with his toys but also likes to use his feet to play with things.  If someone puts their hands out he will try to help you clap.  His doctor said his head is a little large in proportion to his body but said we would just watch this.  He can crawl by pulling himself around and will reach to be picked up.  He is not pulling himself to a standing position.  The doctor seemed a little concerned that he gained the skill of saying "dada" and now does not make any consonant sounds.

Answer
Hi Zandra
Though a baby of only 9 months is not expected to be saying words yet, he should be doing other things that are considered to be pre-language activity. We have a checklist of approximately 30 things that he should be doing. Because your grandson's doctor is a little concerned, I would recommend that you take him to see a speech pathologist who knows language development in an infant well. Not just any speech pathologist, but someone who has lots of experience with babies. I don't know where you live and if that is accessible to you.

If that doesn't work out, I do phone consults with families all around the globe. I would be asking you lots of questions to determine if your grandson is on target or if he is behind. If it is determined that he is behind, then I would make recommendations to you as to how to follow up with outside help and with certain exercises the family can do at home. If that is something that you are interested in, just email me at: info@valerieherskowitz.com

Either way, let me know what you decide to do. And if you take him to see a speech pathologist who knows about infant development, let me know what you find out.

Good luck