Expert: Trey McGowan - 9/5/2007

Question
My question is, I have a 1 yr old son. He doesnt associate dada with his father. Doesnt wave bye-bye. Likes to walk in circles. Has a lot of toys but would rather sit and stare and spin the wheels on his toys. He does smile at you. Doesn't point. Can only say dada, and makes like a dog whining noise. Oh and says na. You have to say his name like 5 times for him to look at you. These are just a few things. I am waiting on his evaluation date. They said it could take up too 2 weeks just to get an appointment. I am so worried and so ansy. Does he seem like he could be autistic? He is walking. Growing well... am I worried over nothing?

Answer
Hello there, Nicole!

I can understand how antsy that a person can get waiting for the evaluation. It's really not easy to be wondering about these things, especially if the possible diagnosis is something as frightening as 'autism'. And I'm not going to deny that, indeed, there's classic signs of autism in the child's activities, with the lack of speech, with the fascination with spinning himself and his toys... I'm assuming there are others, with how you mention 'just a few things'. However, there are some very important things for you to remember that may very well help.

The first and most important thing is that 'Autism' isn't the end-all of a child's world. Just like there are different levels of a lot of different disabilities, diseases, and gifts, there are different levels of autism. Certainly, even high-functioning autism will need some intervention to be able to overcome difficulties (whether it be because of speech, personal interaction, or other issues), but there are many high functioning autistics who have lived their lives normally, and even used their autistic gifts to their own advantage.

As an example, Temple Grandin's understanding of the animal mind has allowed her to do amazing things with humane animal slaughtering techniques, as well as the invention of the 'human squeeze box' which has been of vast help to many parents and therapists through the years. She has been an inspiration for a great many people, neurotypical and autistic alike.

Another important thing to know is that while you have to wait two weeks for that big appointment, you *are* getting said appointment. You are making certain that your child will be getting the evaluation, and by knowing now, you can be prepared for intervention later, should it be needed, or have the weight taken off your shoulders, if it isn't. Trust me when I say that waiting to get an appointment is *much* better than simply waiting to see if you need one!

If I may make a suggestion, take a tour around Google and investigate some of the autism support groups in the meantime. Even if you find out that your child isn't autistic, and only happens to have some similar aspects, it will give you a chance to become better educated and reassured. And if there's one thing I try to preach, it's better education about the ASDs.

Might I suggest ASPEN as one of the better information groups for some easily-digestible information. It is primarily for Asperger's Syndrome, rather than all levels of ASD, but they have a wonderful section for ASDs in general written by parents of ASD children, experts, and the ASD people themselves.
http://www.aspennj.org/

All in all, my extremely (and maybe overly!) wordy answer comes down to one thing: if by 'worried' you mean 'Am I thinking my child has an ASD for nothing'? Then no. I would say there is a chance of it and an expert would be best to tell that. Go for the appointment, and in the meantime look up a little information to help get a feel for what it is. If by 'worried' do you mean 'is this going to be a huge blow'? Then to be honest, I think if the child is indeed developing as you say, if there is autism, you are likely looking at a high-functioning (or mid-level). And the faster you get that intervention to aid with life's little lessons, the easier it will be for both your son and yourself. I especially and *highly* recommend speech therapy, as a matter of fact; the difference learning to communicate verbally can make in the world? Irreplaceable.

Hopefully that helped answer your question, and I wish you all the best of luck. Feel free to add or reply more if I misunderstood the question!

Trey