Autism-World

Q: I’m looking for someone with personal experience on this one. I’m wondering if there are any signs of autims as early as 6-7 months of age. If there are can you please describe them? I never been around babies before, so I’m not sure what the normal behavior of a 6-7 month old is.

Answer:

Receiving a diagnosis of autism this young is rare. He is still young and a doctor would more likely get one in a year or so from now. PPD is a more likely diagnosis for a toddler. PPD is in the autism spectrum.

Characteristics are “staying in his own little world” Not imitating others, playing with a toy and not paying attention to anyone around. Not responding to his name.

A big sign is self stimulation. Watching his hands flap or fingers flick.
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
No babbling by 12 months
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
No words by 16 months
No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

Autism has either 7 or 13 criteria. Just because some are present does not meen that your baby is autistic. It’s like if you have a limp does not automatically mean your leg is broken.

Early intervention is important. Ask your pediatrician how to get your baby tested. Maybe occupational /speach therapy will be assessed in a year or so.

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This entry was posted on Monday, October 1st, 2007 at 11:29 pm and is filed under Ask and answer.