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Autism/9 month old - displaying red flags?

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Expert: - 4/5/2011


Question
Hi Valerie,
I am concerned about my 9 month old son. He appears to be very social - engaging in eye contact, stimulated by other people, responding to smiles and laughter by smiling and laughing, etc.

He babbles a lot (but not back and forth) and likes being held and will try to get our attention if we are not paying attention to him. He will follow a point to an object but doesn't look back at us, or point or gesture to anything himself.

He also doesn't respond to his name, and is happy playing by himself, although he frequently smiles or ups his game so to speak when we enter the room. He also flaps his arms quite a bit whether he's happy or displeased and only occasionally imitates us doing one particular gesture.

Our doctor does not seem concerned but obviously, I'd like to be proactive as I know the earlier the intervention, the better.

Are any of these things red flags at 9 months? My anxiety is through the roof.

Thank you so much,
Elisa

Answer
Hi Elisa

I don't see any big red flags right now. Let's just watch him to be sure that in a month or two he begins to have baby talk that resembles real conversation. And let's see if he imitates you more.  But right now, you haven't told me anything that seems too mind blowing. He's so young. By 11 or 12 months, certain milestones should appear that will let us know if he is on target or not. So until then, don't worry about anything. And write me back in a couple of months

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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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