Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 9/24/2007

Question
I have a 3 and 1/2 year old boy who has never had any signs of autism before now.  He walked at 12 months and his motor skills have always been above avg compared to his playmates.  He can hit a baseball and make a basket and kick a football like a 5 year old.  He started speaking in full sentences before 2 yrs old and is very verbal.  He has a playgroup of friends that he enjoys playing with and is very concerned whenever he sees any of them get hurt.  However, while he was at his football program (for 3 year olds), he got very excited when running around trying to grab the other kids flags and started flapping his hands.  I had never seen him do this before.  He did it several times that day at practice and since then I have seen him do it a couple of times.  He also sometimes makes silly faces while I'm trying to talk to him.  He has always done this and we have laughed at him in the past, but now I am trying not to react to him to see if he will stop.  Are these signs of autism?

Answer
Hi Tracy,

The best answer I can give you is, maybe.

Children who have Asperger's syndrome often talk very early and well. They tend to have facial expressions that don't fit the context of the conversation. Some, however, do not flap at all.

I think you can relax and watch for a while. If he begins to have trouble interacting appropriately with other children, then you should seek an evaluation.

You are correct that you may have reinforced the face making by laughing. Also try ignoring the flapping because calling attention to it can reinforce the behavior.

Trust your instincts. Mothers usually know the score.

Best wishes,
Catherine