Could my 17 month old toddler have autism?

Question

IHere is what we are seeing: He uses three words regularly, one of the words he uses we don't think he knows what it means. He doesn't identify any common words or objects. He doesn't follow any simple verbal instructions. He doesn't bring us things to show us. He often doesn't look when we point. He doesn't point. He repeatedly throws objects onto the floor especially if he becomes frustrated with them. He takes toys from other children at childcare and throws them on the floor. He does some repetitive but not very pronounced movements (flapping hands, shaking head, walking on toes). He often won't make eye contact and often doesn't respond to his name. However, I have been working with him and got him to wave three times and clap with the tv. He is also engaging in a tiny amount of pretend play. He often brings me objects like a telephone and wants me to pretend to answer it but won't do it himself. Could he have autism or does the pretend play exclude him?

Answer 1

I have a 3 yr old who has autism. By what you have stated, I would say yes there is a good probability that he too has autism. I'm leaving some info for you from the Autism Society of America. It will give you some basic info about autism, the characteristics of autism, and the criteria for diagnosing it. I would talk to your pediatrician about what you have noticed in your son and talk about getting a referral to have him evaluated.

The characteristic behaviors of autism spectrum disorders may or may not be apparent in infancy (18 to 24 months), but usually become obvious during early childhood (24 months to 6 years).

There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior, and developmental levels. However, because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited. At first glance, some persons with autism may appear to have mental retardation, a behavior disorder, problems with hearing, or even odd and eccentric behavior. To complicate matters further, these conditions can co-occur with autism. However, it is important to distinguish autism from other conditions, since an accurate diagnosis and early identification can provide the basis for building an appropriate and effective educational and treatment program.

A brief observation in a single setting cannot present a true picture of an individual's abilities and behaviors. Parental (and other caregivers' and/or teachers) input and developmental history are very important components of making an accurate diagnosis.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, and although it is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults with autism can exhibit any combination of these behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act completely different from one another and have varying capabilities.

Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some individuals mildly affected may exhibit only slight delays in language and greater challenges with social interactions. They may have difficulty initiating and/or maintaining a conversation. Their communication is often described as talking at others instead of to them. (For example, monologue on a favorite subject that continues despite attempts by others to interject comments).

People with autism also process and respond to information in unique ways. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits:

Insistence on sameness; resistance to change

Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words

Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language

Laughing (and/or crying) for no apparent reason showing distress for reasons not apparent to others

Preference to being alone; aloof manner

Tantrums

Difficulty in mixing with others

Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled

Little or no eye contact

Unresponsive to normal teaching methods

Sustained odd play

Spinning objects

Obsessive attachment to objects

Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain

No real fears of danger

Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity

Uneven gross/fine motor skills

Non responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf, although hearing tests in normal range.

For most of us, the integration of our senses helps us to understand what we are experiencing. For example, our sense of touch, smell and taste work together in the experience of eating a ripe peach: the feel of the peach's skin, its sweet smell, and the juices running down your face. For children with autism, sensory integration problems are common, which may throw their senses off they may be over or under active. The fuzz on the peach may actually be experienced as painful and the smell may make the child gag. Some children with autism are particularly sensitive to sound, finding even the most ordinary daily noises painful. Many professionals feel that some of the typical autism behaviors, like the ones listed above, are actually a result of sensory integration difficulties.

There are also many myths and misconceptions about autism. Contrary to popular belief, many autistic children do make eye contact; it just may be less often or different from a non-autistic child. Many children with autism can develop good functional language and others can develop some type of communication skills, such as sign language or use of pictures. Children do not "outgrow" autism but symptoms may lessen as the child develops and receives treatment.

The central features of Autistic Disorder are the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication and a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interest. The manifestations of this disorder vary greatly depending on the developmental level and chronological age of the individual.

A. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):

1. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction

Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)

Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

2. Qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:

Delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gestures or mime)

In individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others

Stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language

Lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level

3. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus

Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals

Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)

Persistent preoccupation with parts of object

B. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:

Social interaction

Language as used in social communication

Symbolic or imaginative play

C. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

Answer 2

The signs of autism may be observed as early as 18 months to 3 years age of the kid.

If your child is experiencing difficulty in the following aspects, it would be helpful to consult a doctor or an expert:

* Looking at others - Can he or she not look at you straight to the eye when you try to communicate?

* Playing with other kids - Does he or she avoid other kids or automatically shies away?

* Imagining - Can he or she not handle make-believe games?

* Communicating - Are there words that he or she cannot say or will have to be said over and over before he or she can grasp it?

* Repetition - Are there mannerisms or motor movements that he or she keeps repeating for no apparent reason or purpose?

* Changes - Is he or she inflexible to changes? Does he or she get alarmed when you change a certain routine, like waking up while it is still dark?

Some babies can actually manifest signs of autism

* Babies that do not look in the eye can be displaying signs of autism, especially if they would rather stare at moving mechanical objects or parts of it.

* Too calm babies should also be observed. Are they able to lie for hours without crying?

* When babies do not play or do not interact with other babies

Answer 3

He is displaying some common Autistic tendancies. Some other things you can look for include
echolalia: If you ask a question or say something to him, does he tend to repeat the last word/s that you said
Intolerance to change: Does he become stressed if you change his routine
Fixation on particular objects: e.g. if playing with cars, does he tend to become fixated on the wheels. Or does he have something in particular that he doesn't stop going on about
sensation difficulties: does he become distressed at loud noises (and respond innapropriately... not just "that's loud
but maybe over the top screaming, sensitive to light touch... e.g many autistic children hate showers but will be happy in a bath as long as there is not toomuch splashing... the light touch of water in the shower or from splashing can be stressful for there overactive senses. Many autistic children will also struggle to walk on particular surfaces (e.g. grass or plush pile carpet)
When younger, were there any feeding difficulties... for example when introducing solids was he particularly fussy to different food textures
Were his first words obscure... e.g. most children start with Mum/dad/bottle/dog etc... something common. Autistic children tend to pick something more related to a special interest
You can read up on many different features of autism, but the ones above that I have found quite common in my work with kids with autism. I highly recommend seeing your paediatrician if you are concerned and seeking the advice of a speech pathologist to assist your childs language and social development if he is diagnosed
Please feel free to email me on [e-mail] if you have any other questions

Answer 4

My son has autism. He is currently 6. He was diagnosed at age 2...

...Based off the symptoms you're listing, I think it's quite possible. My son had some of the same symptoms at your child's age...But definitely go to a professional and have your child evaluated. If it is determined that your child does have autism, don't panic. For one thing, it may not be severe. My son fell into the "moderate-to-severe" range, but you may have a high-functioning child on the spectrum. But either way, your child is young enough where, with the right amount of effort and therapy, a lot of the symptoms can be corrected, and with time, he'll show lots of improvement.

Best of luck!!!

Answer 5

Hello, I have just read your question and scanned through some of the replies as well.
Your toddler is showing some signs of austistic behaviours, but a child can exhibit autistic behaviours and not necessarily be austisic. What you need to do is to be assessed by a Paediatrician and go from there. Your toddler is at an age where Autisim signs begin to show. Your Paediatrician should assess and examine your toddler in depth. But you may not get an instant answer. Good luck and follow this through now.

Answer 6

He is 17 months old, sweetie and still learning. My two year old twin boy were very slow learners and a lot of what you are saying could be describing them.
17 month old kids don't play with other kids usually. My boys didn't take a liking to each other until recently, even now they prefer to play by themselves. And the throwing toys is pretty normal, I see heaps of 2yo at my kids learning centre do that. Some are 3 years old.
Have a chat with your GP, he will be having his 18month old shots soon (if you are Australian). But don't think the worst.He is still growing up.

Much love
Charli xxxx

Answer 7

1 out of 166 (this number may not be right on the money, but its close) kids have autism. Based on this the fact you have a child means there is a good chance of them having Autism. So far everyone else has given better answeres though.

Answer 8

yes what you describe sounds like autistic qualities. but, he is too young for an official diagnosis. however, depending on your state, you could have him assessed by the school system and he may be eligable for an early childhood development program. when you are ready for him to be assessed by a doc, see a child psychiatrist. dont mess around with anything less( psychologist, etc) child psychiatrists are in high demand and you may have trouble finding one. be willing to travel or to get on a waiting list.
all the best.

Answer 9

I think you need to see a paediatrician. There are several things mentioned that you need checked. Good for you for noticing. If it turns out it is Autism then early intervension will be brilliant for him

Answer 10

The pretend play does not exclude him. He sounds very like my 4 year old, who is autistic.

Answer 11

Get the book "Louder than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism" By Jenny McCarthy. It might help.