Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 10/10/2011

Question
my daughter is 15 months also saying no words she passed the hearing test, and doesn't like big crowds, shower anymore since she turned 1 and get either overly excited or very scared like everything new again like taking a bath or shower every other 2 days... she doesn't answer to her name and doesn't responds to anyone me or her dad or other people calling her name... very loosy goosy in the hips still not walking... she barley stated crawling at 11 1/2 months... doesn't feed her self the Gerber puff doesn't have interest in slippy cup she did good with slippy cup at 6 months to 8 months then after that has no interest.. so i still trying though but its still a bottle... is there any other thing to look out for... she grinds her teeth really bad more than the average toddler... please let me know if you think this is a first signs of autism...

Answer
Hi Renee
I can't tell you if it is autism as I am not allowed to diagnose, but it does seem like she is quite delayed in meeting her milestones. I would definitely take her to see a pediatric neurologist right away. She has a lot of issues that need to be addressed. In addition, I wouldn't delay in getting her speech, occupational and physical therapy. Most states offer the Early Intervention programs which cover the costs. Call your local school for the phone number to start the process.

Let me know how it goes and good luck.