Expert: James Michael Roan - 1/22/2007

Question
Hi James, I have a little boy, Aidan, who will be three in March. He is currently being treated by a pediatrician who so far says he has autistic features. She has already diagnosed Global Developmental Delay. As a baby he was very slow to reach milestones, he didn't walk until he was two. He has virtually no speech although he has said words once, but never repeated them. He now says 'no' but pronounces it 'O'. Tests have been done such as EEG, Chromosome blood - all normal. My question is if he has no chromosomal abnormality, can he still be autistic?

Answer
Hi Sara;

The best thing to do is complete the M-CHAT. It is a screener for autism in ages 18-36 months. In autism, we are most concerned about social awareness, social development, and social interactions. I suggest you download off the internet the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) http://www.firstsigns.org/downloads/m-chat.PDF Also download the scoring instructions at http://www.firstsigns.org/downloads/m-chat_scoring.PDF If there is any risk noted then, if you like, discuss them with me. Currently, to my knowledge, there are no chromosomal tests for autism. I am guessing they have ruled out Fragile X and lead poisoning?

What behaviors is the pediatrician referencing that brings about autism concerns?

Kind Regards,
James