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Autism/14 month old autism signs.

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Expert: - 8/3/2010


Question
Is an autism diagnosis or even looking into it, ever brought up around this age? My son is behind, or so it seems, developmentally. He only says one word (baba) and doesn't even use it properly half of the time. He does not point, or wave bye bye. He doesn't follow on step commands. He does not imaginary play, he doesn't have any interest in toys at all, let alone using his imagination with them. I'm not looking for a diagnosis, just wondering if it seems autism could be a possibility? Thank you.

Answer
To answer your question-they don't like to diagnose autism this early, but we do like to start therapy right away when we see that a child is not progressing developmentally. Why don't you get in touch with the early intervention team in your area. You can call the local school and get the number. They will test your son and recommend some home program training. Another option is to schedule a phone consult with me and I will do a developmental scale with you to see where he is at and then recommend some stimulation tasks to do with him at home. If you would like to do this, just email me at:
info@valerieherskowitz.com

And we can then proceed

Either way, keep me in the loop

Autism

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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