Autism??

Linda - posted on 04/18/2011

Is Casey your first child? your husband is doing what i use to do when my daughter was younger- geez i was crying everyday! i use to look up the silliest things and i at one stage was convinced she had autism , shes 21 months now and has just started calling me mum! she points at things but 99 percent of the time she will come to me or her dad and grab our hand and lead us to what she wants to do or where she wants to go.she doesnt always respond straight away when i call her , but it doesnt concern me because its not like she never responds to me calling her name.she use to eat like a horse but lately she has been very picky , but she is getting her two year old molars , only one as appeared so far. so yeah i know how your feeling hun! tell hubby to stop googling everything! my whole family got so mad at me and i laugh because i realise how silly i was! but i guess when you have your first child you worry about anything and everything. let us know how your travelling but i think Caasey is fine hun :)

Linda - posted on 04/18/2011

Is Casey your first child? your husband is doing what i use to do when my daughter was younger- geez i was crying everyday! i use to look up the silliest things and i at one stage was convinced she had autism , shes 21 months now and has just started calling me mum! she points at things but 99 percent of the time she will come to me or her dad and grab our hand and lead us to what she wants to do or where she wants to go.she doesnt always respond straight away when i call her , but it doesnt concern me because its not like she never responds to me calling her name.she use to eat like a horse but lately she has been very picky , but she is getting her two year old molars , only one as appeared so far. so yeah i know how your feeling hun! tell hubby to stop googling everything! my whole family got so mad at me and i laugh because i realise how silly i was! but i guess when you have your first child you worry about anything and everything. let us know how your travelling but i think Caasey is fine hun :)

Nazevyanga - posted on 04/10/2010

I don't think that would be the case, it's just his way of communicating. DD is a very picky eater, she will not touch anything soft or mushy (not even finger paints)! She knows her number to 20 and her ABCs and some colors and shapes but she does not call me and seldom responds to her name. When she is doing something she will not respond, but when you say come to mommy, she will drop whatever she is doing and come, and yet she does not even call me. She still only speaks one work at a time, unless she says things like.."this is a circle" other than that, I feel scared sometimes, but I focus on the positives.....see if that helps you too...

Julie - posted on 04/09/2010

i know how you feel my sons doctor did and assessment on him and he failed it twice so I always have in my mind that he could be autistic but i find myself looking for things he does like his sister so that he could be "normal"

Michaela - posted on 04/03/2010

Dear Alizbeth,

I am a teacher in special education and I work with children who have Autism on a daily basis. My area of expertise is langauge development which goes hand in hand with all areas of child development. The behaviours you describe that Casey is displaying are normal for a child his age. I have a 3 1/2 year old who went through the same stage and I now have a 19 month old that is doing the same things. All children are different and develop at their own pace but in general most boys tend to develop langauge skills a little later than most girls. If you are worried I would go see your doctor. The Autism scales that you may have been looking at, are not a diagnostic tool on there own. You have to take into account the age of the child and the frequency behaviours are displayed. We have a running joke about the Autism scales and that is once you have read them you think you and everyone you know must be Autistic

Stacy - posted on 03/20/2010

Stop worrying and talk to his pediatrician - worrying about it doesn't do anyone any good!

Chloe - posted on 03/20/2010

My oldest son has autism. We battled for 2 years for some one to listen to us, that something wasn't right! And finaly some one did.

OFTEN the "signs" of autism are caused by a speach delay this is what 4 different peadiatricians have said to me. That is why Thijson didnt get a diagnosis earlier

Kathryn - posted on 03/19/2010

When you took her for her 18month check-up they should of gave you a questionarre to fill out and check for autism.

Tina - posted on 03/19/2010

There is a lot of misinformation out there on autism, like "they do not show affection". Autism is such a broad spectrum, no two children are essentially alike. What you have described do not necessarily point to autism. But, I'll tell you what I tell everyone.....if you are concerned, get him evaluated. Get a second opinion if needed. If I listened to people telling me that my son didn't have autism when he was 12 months, I'd be way behind today. My oldest son is 3.5 years, diagnosed at 16 months due to my persistence and refusal to "wait and see". My second is 18 months and has no words, but I don't think he has autism based on the whole picture. However, I will be getting him evaluated next month just to be sure. Better be safe than sorry with this disorder.

Amy - posted on 03/18/2010

My 19 month old says a few words, probably 20 or so different ones. He is attached to his bottle. He lines toys up by size and colour. He points when he wants something and generally grunts to get my attention. He is independent and quite often prefers to play alone. He bangs his head when he's angry and he is a picky eater most days. My doctor has no worries that he is autistic, but looking at the symptoms, he seems to exhibit most of those traits. Or he could just be a regularly developing baby!

JEnny - posted on 03/18/2010

My oldest child has autism. Does your son lay out his toys in a long line or sort them????

Charlotte - posted on 03/18/2010

Often Autism shows up around 18 months. It is traditionally more prevalent with boys then girls but of late is becomming more common in girls.Don't try to diagnos your son yourself, get to your MD, then get a second opinion before choosing your course of action. There are certain theories that relate additives in vaccines to the disproportionate increase in Autism. Since MDs administer the vaccines, don't expect much help in terms of finding treatment options. IF you have a positive diagnosis, try to find a good Homeopath or Naturopathic MD (not sure where you live, i've got one I can reccommend in Calgary) and stick with the plan. There are lots of options and help available and the earlier you catch it, the more you can do to prevent further issues. Good luck.

Joanne - posted on 03/18/2010

My son is 18 months and does all those things also. Has to put things back where they have came from exactly nothing can be out of place or he gets upset even door that should be closed if they are open he goes and shuts then straight away or gets upset. Lines things up in a row. Turn light switches on and off. My son has mild hearing loss in both ears so doesn't say much and leads me around everywhere by the hand. And only eats when he is ready.

Yvette - posted on 03/18/2010

Hey My son is 19 months and he doesn't speak a word. He is a very picky eater and pushes me toward what he wants. You can not compare your kid to anyone elses because everyone is different and learn on there own pace. My son suffered hearing lose from multiple Ear infection had surgery and he has his hearing back. He responds to music. He recieves early intervention and speech therapy 3 times a week and it has been helpful. Many times if a child isn't around other children they learning is at a slower pace.

Tiz - posted on 03/18/2010

Try not to worry about it. I have a younger brother who have Autism and there are more symptoms then that but if you and your husband is really worry about it talk to your son doctor

Sally - posted on 03/18/2010

For a child to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, they have to have some degree of impairment in each of the following areas:



Social development (eg avoiding eye contact, not liking to be held/cuddled);

Language development (slow development or unusual/strange use of language);

Restrictive interests & Repetitive behaviours (eg being obsessed with trains/dinosaurs etc to the point of not being able to play with anything else, or becoming very upset when their rituals or obsessions are interrupted).



It's called the triad of impairment.



Talk to your doctor, get a referral to a specialist, get it checked out if you're worried.



We do worry too much as parents, but as I've said to my doctor several times, I'd prefer to be told I'm an obsessive first-time mum, than be asked why I didn't check something out when it first came up.



Good luck.

Christine - posted on 03/17/2010

Those are completely normal behaviors for a little one! My twins sound just like your son and I am not worried at all. But talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns. It's better to address your concerns than address concerns too late.

Also be sure to gage your evaluations based on where he is at...is he tired? overstimulated? is he busy doing something else?

Children at this age are learning so many things at once and really beginning to interact with their environment, so, sometimes they devote more time to mastering one development while others are a little slower to develop.

To me, the only concern I'd have is maybe the talking, if he isn't saying anything at all...maybe getting his hearing checked would be a good first step!

Ashley - posted on 03/17/2010

Its perfectly normal to worry if your child is going to develope some form of Autism. However we as human beings like to self perscribe ourselves as well as our children with just what we read. If you are really that concerned I would go talk to a doctor. There are memebers of my family who didnt say a word until they where 3 years old and then spoke in perfect sentences. As for the not always responding to his name, my son does the same thing. He has my attention and doesnt want to loose it. Perfectly normal. As for picky eater, my son used to eat everything under the sun but now will only eat things if they are plated a certain way and only certain foods. There are occassions when I do worry about my child having Autism or something else. Every child is unique and has their own little way about them. I try not to compare my son to anyone elses children that I know for the shear fact that every child is unique in their own way. The guidelines and standards that we hold our children too may push children too far. I am strongly against that children should do things within a certain age. There are limits like a 4 year old still not potty trained and ect. However children are all unique and as parents we do worry that they are not as they should be sometimes. Get a doctors opinion and hopefully you will be able to sleep better at night.

Kylie - posted on 03/17/2010

My 5 yr old has autism, what you need to do is ring Children, Youth and Womens Health Service in your area, they will do an 18mth dev check with him, if they have found any delays they will do the griffiths development assesment, then from there they will be able to tell you if anything is wrong, and where to go from here my 5 yr old needed autism assesments after this but i just did it with my 18mth who is showing some signs and now he needs occupational therapy and Speech therapy, and there going to keep an eye on him for autism, good luck and try not to worry too much, all kids develop at different times but if your worried you need to get him checked, with autism the earlier the diagnosis the better the out come, my son was diagnosed with moderate autism at 2 and now at 5 with all the early intervention he has had you can hardly tell he has it, good luck with this and if you need any more advice feel free to private message me

Christyn - posted on 03/17/2010

Speak with your son's pediatrician. My daughter just turned 19 months and at her last well visit, they had me complete a questioner regarding Autism. It could be that your son is delayed and needs early intervention for speech. Most children are picky eaters as well. The best course is going to be getting your doctor involved. They are experts and will walk you through your concerns and address any problems. Remember that every child is different, develops in their own time and in their own ways.

Anne - posted on 03/17/2010

"he leads you around by the hand....": he wants to share events with you! "Picky eater": they are all like that...if they can make ud worry and give them what they like it perfect! "Talk og name responding": can he hear? boys are often later than girls. Look him in the eyes, sing to him and make him respond and laugh....then no worries.

Chanjal - posted on 03/16/2010

I dont think Casey is autistic coz.....i thinks all these symptoms you mentioned are common in most babies..... For not talking much i would say, That when your baby calls you as in "mama or mummy" leave all your work and kneel down near him and ask "what is it honey?" i mean babies love attention.... give them all you could and slowly when they get what they want they will try to communicate... and when they do, even though you dont understand what they are saying respond to it. anticipating what tha cold be around. when babies understand that elders dont understand what they are talking about they stop trying to talk, i have heard so. And babies at this age start becoming stubborn. and that is why he doens't respond to his name being called. my baby stares at me when i call her. And when i stop calling her she comes to me. and picky eating is a very common in babies..... My baby doesn't eat anything at all. i have to walk behind her for hours to get her to eat something... well as far as i have known this will resolve ones they start to run and play allot! so i dont think there is nothing t worry about... but still if it bothers you consult his pediatrician.

Jessica - posted on 03/16/2010

My husband and I went through the same thing with your daughter. That's the problem with the internet - too much information to worry us parents. When we took her to her wellchild checkup, we addressed our concerns with the Dr. and she let us know that our daughter was definately NOT autistic. We as parents have not had any formal education in this area and should leave it up to our doctors to diagnose - if they suspect something you will be referred to a specialist for further testing. Either way you look at it - stay off the internet! It worried my husband and me crazy for weeks until her checkup.

Becky - posted on 03/16/2010

My daughter is another one of those border line cases. She doesn't talk (only 2 words at 19 months), doesn't always respond to her name, poor eye contact. I would encourage you to find out about an early intervention program in your area and have your baby tested. Where I live the test is free. If it turns out your baby is showing signs, you can get help. If your baby is tested and found normal, hey that is even better! I think that it is best to know. I know it can be discouraging and scary, but remember that at the end of the day your baby is still the little person who you would love and give anything for and nothing will change that.

Lynda - posted on 03/15/2010

My ex used to get me all worked up about autism. It's easy to read something then suddenly think 'Oh no they have ALL the symptoms!'

Does your child show all symptoms? I get worried sometimes about my daughter but I always thought children with autism don't show love, where my daughter is very loving and affectionate. Read through all the symptoms carefully and see if they apply to your son before worrying too much.

Is there a history of autism in your family?
Does he have exaggerated behaviours? (body rocking, strange attachments to objects?)
Does he focus on part of a toy rather than the entire object
Avoid eye contact?

Sara - posted on 03/14/2010

These "symptoms" you cite aren't particularly unusual for this age group. If you are worried, many pediatricians do an "autism screening/questionnaire" between 18-24 months. You could call and ask about it. There are also things like "sensory integration disorder" (totally treatable with some therapy and understanding) and mild hearing impairment which might cause a kid to look like there are some symptoms of autism.
That said, the leading you around by the hand sounds like a pretty good communication tool to me, since he's not talking much. If he is bonded to you, that's a good thing!

Joy - posted on 03/14/2010

How old is Casey? I know that we think that my neice has a form of autism. Does he show interest in one particular thing or lines things up in a row and gets highly upset about when something is missing? My cousin has autism so these are some of the signs.

Lori - posted on 03/13/2010

Hi aliz

i know what your going thru ,i have a 4 year old who has autism and all the time i keep thinking my 18th month old is falling in the same pattern my 4 year old when he was that age ,he didnt say alot of words only a handful not 100-200 words he was constantly opening and closing doors and flicking the lights ,i remember we couldnt leave till he closed the doors and flpped the lights off and on ,he is a very picky eater

when they tested him i didnt believe them that he was autistic until i caught him

lining things up by color size and shape and then he would talk to his hands and then i had him retested by another therapist hoping for a different outcome but unfortunately it was still autism ,

now with my 18month old he is a picky eater ,doesnt say alot of words but can express what he wants by pointing to the object he wants if not we make him say the word or i give him the sign for it like cookie or drink etc.

i want to believe he is not autistic like his brother but it worries me when he dont eat

what we eat and he say alot of words and he hits his head cause he is frustrated with

what he is trying to express ,he is under early intervention right now and thats what i strongly recommend you do is get a hold of a regional center like harbor regional or whatever is closest to you ,i did on my first child and i am glad he got help right away cause right now he is talking so much now and in a less dependent class ,the outcome is unbelieveable ,i really glad i helped him who know where he would be today without the intervention.

Sarah - posted on 03/13/2010

Chill out. Your son is going to be fine. If he does have it then God will give you the skills and strength to deal with it. Your son still thinks that he is attached to you, I litterally mean that he thinks he is an extention of your body. He may have food allergies and talking will come. You and your family will be fine.