Mikeyatkins6288 wrote:
Hello,
I am the parent of a 17 month boy and I am convinced from the red flags he has autism. He's a very happy toddler who's always smiled at us and loves to luagh. He plays with all toys and is very active (maybe hyperactive).
He's hit all his milestones physically on time (rolling, crawling, walking, climbing) but I'm more scared of his verbal and communication delays. He only knows and rarely uses 4 words at 17 months and is nowhere near talking and also when he's playing with toys he's in the zone.
He makes eye contact with me while playing and laughing but when call his name he doesn't respond most of the time. In fact his eye contact is poor too, he only looks in my eyes if I'm playing with him. He ignores me most of the time. I call him and call him and it's like I'm not even there. I know that's a big red flag and he has a few. Any thought or help on how and if he is on the spectrum what do I need to do now before his 18 month screening.
Thanks!!
Well, whether he is or he isn't, your task and challenge as a parent is to foster and support his own unique excellence and potentials. What are you own ideas about autism based on, and what does it mean to you? There are many AS people in the different generations of my family, and they have excelled in different fields - one taught chemistry at Caltec; another plays professional basketball; two were journalists, three were teachers, another was a violinist and artist.. who knows, your son may shine in whatever field that expresses and harnesses his gifts too.