Freaking out

nomadica

My son is 11 months old and does not point, wave, or clap. I wasn't really sure if he was responding to his name but knew it wasn't consistently, and asked at DC, and they expressed concern that he wasn't responding to his name. These things are the biggest red flags for autism and related disorders. I know if he doesn't do these things by his 12 month check up, the pedi will refer him to be evaluated. I just don't know how to live with my fear in the meantime....

yankeebaby2

I thought autism couldn't be diagnosed prior to 2 years old?

If I were you and worried for real I would just go now to the pedi so she can put your mind at ease.  

Mine does not wave or point and his clapping is sporadic.  Pedi saw no issues whatsoever and thought he was right on target.  

Kim&Doug

I wouldn't freak out yet.  Do you really feel like there's something wrong or are you mostly concerned because he's not hitting the milestones like what's recommended?  Every child develops at their own pace, and if it's your first child, they seem to progress slower than a later sibling will.  My son claps but I'm not sure if he for sure responds to his name, but I know there isn't anything developmentally wrong with him.  Good luck!

nomadica

My pedi says wait until 12 months, and if he isn't doing both things (gesturing and responding to name consistently), he'll be referred for an evaluation. I don't think they diagnose before 18 months, but they would decide if ongoing monitoring is needed. I guess in my gut I do feel like something is off. 

UsuallyLurking

If you're really going to be fear stricken until his 12 month check up, then I'd make an appointment now so that you aren't left in "what-if" land.

However, my son does not point at specific things (he'll use just his pointer finger to poke at things, but definitely doesn't sit and point at things in a book, or a toy on the shelf, etc.).  He does not wave, although we're trying, and he does not clap, though he is getting close!  He does respond to his name almost always, but every kid is going to progress at their own rate!  Good luck, I suggest getting an appointment so you aren't left wondering and worrying. 

nomadica

Pedi said no appointment before 12 months! Because it's technically not a worry until then. Waiting just feels horrible.

Kim&Doug

I'm sorry you feel something is indeed off.  In the meantime before another check up, I would just work with him as much as you can because if he is on the autism spectrum, I've heard the more you work with them, the better the outcome; especially when/if specialists come in to play.  But honestly, if it is your first child, I would try not to freak out in the meantime.  I know easier said than done.  Even with my 5 year old, since she is my first child, and I've never experienced a child at any of her ages, I've always had a few worries about her over the years and still do sometimes.  I hope it's just a case of a worried mommy and there truly isn't anything wrong.