Signs of Autism in kids?

My daughter is 13 months and makes little eye contact! ! Not sure if she got that from me because I don’t either . She doesn’t point wave, but she does flap some but not like she use to, she can only say da… dada… mama. That’s it. Not much at all. She’s pretty quiet for most part. Should I bring this up to her pediatrician I have always thought she may have slight Autism sense day one. No one in neither sides of family is autistic but my half brother kid is 2 and she is non verbal and autisic .

2 Likes

Is the baby learning 2 languages? My son was and he talked later in life

My daughter only said mama and Dada until she was 18 months. All of a sudden she said “I want cookie”. I was like what did you just say! It really was an overnight thing.

If you don’t make direct eye contact, you are not teaching her to. Babies aren’t born knowing how to do that- we as parents teaching that by making direct eye contact with them A LOT.

1 Like

My daughter is nearly two and I think she is “supposed” to be saying 50 words by now. She’s definitely not. She’ll sign a bit, but I wouldn’t worry about her not talking. Some just talk later than others just as some walk or potty train or wean or do anything else later.

As far as eye contact, are you sure she is hearing properly? If anything, I’d check for fluid in her ears or have a hearing test before worrying about autism.

2 Likes

Definitely something you should speak with her doctor about.

Why would you think she has autism since day one? :face_with_raised_eyebrow:

5 Likes

At a year old it is still kind of difficult to ascertain whether a child has autism or not. My son was not evaluated until he turned 3. One thing you can do is constant narration - “mommy is doing the dishes now. Gotta get the plates clean for my sweet babies lunch! Wash and rinse until they’re all shiny clean. Now let’s get the sippy cup and put some yummy milk in it. We like milk, don’t we? Now let’s put the lid on and put it on the table.” Etc etc. You can also begin teaching her simple sign language. My kids mostly used the sign for ‘more’ and ‘poop’ the most lol You can pick up a book on sign language geared towards toddlers at your local library. And speaking of the library you should also try to read to baby every day. That will also help with word development.
A program I really loved with all my kids was “Birth Through 3” (or Parents as Teachers in some areas). A child development specialist will come to your house once a month and hang out and play for about an hour and the have all sorts of useful knowledge on each stage of development for baby. In addition to fun activities they continually screen baby for developmental delays (or acceleration) and can even do a hearing screening right in your living room. They also organize play groups where babies and toddlers can start to socialize with their peers and gives mom a chance to meet other moms. And it’s all free. Your local Dept of social services or your local school district should have the information on the program. I highly recommend it.

Definitely bring it up. And keep an eye on her, be an advocate if you feel she has autism. It’s very challenging to get a girl dx with autism since all the info doctors go on was based on boys. Also, sometimes when children are dx you start to realize the adults around you who should be dx.

2 Likes

I would tell your Pedi. Our son has a speech delay and he’s currently getting speech therapy and getting tubes put in very soon. We start this all at the beginning of the year so the sooner you start the process or speak to her doctor it’ll help the process along. Where i live it was taking some places 6 months to even see him.

1 Like

Pediatricians have a list of early symptoms to run though with you and they can give you much better answers then us.

My 2 1/2 year old is considered on the spectrum, but hasn’t been officially diagnosed because where I live they don’t like to give an autism diagnosis until the age of 3.
She does have KIF11 that is a chromosomal disorder. (Extremely rare, and doesn’t run in our family.)
And wears glasses as well.
We started with the concerns around the same age as your little one and pushed for a diagnosis, and to see a specialist.
We started with Neurology, and from there were sent to see a genetics specialist.

From my understanding Autism isn’t genetic.

The fact that she even says mama and dada is a good sign (my daughter didn’t start talking at all until recently.)

Autism will be diagnosed around age 3. You have to be your child’s advocate. But definitely not something you would know at birth.

With that, early intervention will make a world of difference.

She’s 13 months. I wouldn’t worry yet. X

2 Likes

Tell the pediatrician NOW.

Keep track of what you notice and let the pediatrician know. Also maybe do some research and see if you exhibit any additional signs yourself. It’s a spectrum but also genetic so your family may have a history that hasn’t been identified.

Get her tested … your better off to get her tested and find out than you are to wait and find out later she does have it and she’s behind. The earlier you find out the faster therapy can start and the better off she will be. Also depending on where you live therapy stopps being offered for free after a certian age. where I live that age is 5 and believe me it comes far too quickly.

1 Like

Prayers for your daughter in Jesus mighty name Amene