Expert: James Michael Roan - 10/2/2006

Question
My 32 yr. old daughter has a 3 month old infant who is very
irritable.  She will go from smiling and cooing to absolutely
screaming in 30 seconds, for no obvious reason.   And this
screaming is not easily consoled, even by mom.  She is being
breast fed and clings to her mom, and seems to find that her
only solace at times.  It is rare for others to hold her for any
length of time, if at all.    It is also rare for her to lie still unless
she is almost sleep.   She is constantly moving her arms and
legs, much more than most babies.   I am an RN, familiar with
babies, and am starting to wonder if there is something more to
this temperament.  She is very alert, does not arch or become
limp.   Her pediatrician seems to think that she is progressing
well.   But this irritability is unusual.   Do you think that we
should be concerned?   What else should we be watching for?  

Answer
Hi Susan;

When considering autism as this young age, you want to look for low sociality or even social aversion including low to no eye contact, aversion to being picked up, and turning away from the mother.

She may have a medical condition that is responsible for her screaming or perhaps she has some sensory sensitivities. There are no formal assessments yet that will detect autism this early.  

There is some information on this topic on the internet currently being researched by Dr. Geraldine Dawson of the University of Washington's autism center.

Kind Regards,
James