Expert: James Michael Roan - 12/10/2007

Question
Im not sure if my 2 year old son shows signs of autism.
He can speak quite well I think for his age but he has some unusual quirks that im concerned about.
- he handflaps or walks with jerky hand/leg movements (like frankenstein a bit?)when he is excited.
- he repeats alot of what you say to great excess
(will say it back in a shouty voice if excited)
- he is very good at recognising shop logos / brands on adverts etc - ie if a partic product sponsors a tv program - if he sees the product he associates it with the program.
- is very good with numbers / memorising songs /stories etc
- has obsession with certain things - like if go to childminders has to knock the door when we get there / when I leave and when I collect him etc and goes mad if cant do it

He was delayed with his walking (had just turned 2)

Answer
Hi Ruth;

It's hard to advise you without specific and detailed accounts of his social behavior and development. Please go to my web page ( www.autismspectrumdisorderfoundation.org )and complete the M-CHAT at the bottom of the page and score it. If you can, send me answers to each question and I can comment further.

Kind regards,
James