Expert: Trey McGowan - 11/28/2007

Question
I have a 14 1/2 month old son.  I am beginning to really worry about his development.  He does not wave or point.  He does reach for things that he wants.  He makes good eye contact much of the time and smiles and laughs often.  He loves to be chased or to do the chasing.  He answers to his name most of the time and does follow a few simple commands;  come here, hands up and give mama your hand.  He says mama dada and a few other words.  He doesnt babble that much though.  He also wont hand me things if i ask him to, instead he usually throws them on the floor or walks away.  He hasnt started pretend play nor does he bring me things to show me although he does make eye contact when he wants me to do something for him at least until he gets frustrated.  He does like to spin wheels on a train but only for a minute before he moves on to some other part of the train.  He likes to play alone but doesnt mind if i come and play with him.  He does sometimes cock his head to one side and go in a circle but not for more than a few seconds and usually when hes dancing or sees his shadow.  Oh, hes walking and starting to climb things.  Should I be worried?

Answer
Hello, Jenny!

In a word, no.

I suppose that giving a little more detail to an answer like that would be helpful, eh? :)

Here's a list of 'red flags' for age categories, as brought up by another Expert. I am very respectful of his work, and thus wouldn't simply want to repeat it, but I think that the list sums it up quite nicely:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Autism-1010/17-month-old-1.htm

The question is completely unrelated to yours, but the list of 'red flags' should help calm those worries of yours.

On to the meat of your worry, it does sound as if there are a few things that are not developing quite normally. However, I don't think it sounds like any variety of ASD. It may just be that he has a slight delay in a few areas. I would, personally, give him a little time; he is still quite young and in extremely formative years. It's very possible that some of these 'formations' have just resulted in a few areas that are slower than others. If it keeps going for more than a couple months, then I suggest bringing it up with a psychologist.

I also suggest that if you genuinely are worried about things that you write down what parts are worrying you to bring to the pediatrician the next time you go. Particularly if you can write down how often it happens, or under what circumstances. This way, you can show him a list of those things that are particularly worrying and discuss it. Plus, by writing them down, you may find it will be easier to talk about them and remember them, even in times of stress.

Hopefully I've helped on this one! Even if the 'help' is only a reassurance.

Trey