Dr says my 6 month old is autistic

troopersmom · March 2016

ok
so my lo came a month early. Every dr app the dr has used a premie scale to determine where lo is statistically based on other premies. At our 6 month app (Monday)the dr was really busy and not quite herself. She was grading him on the non premie scales and we had to keep reminding her to use the premie scale. Then she said she thinks he's autistic because he's not laughing, or playing with his feet.

Background info: So it took my lo a long time to smile- he seems to be 30-60 days behind all the other sept babies. He can roll over but he's not liking to eat solids, and he doesn't laugh a lot- I've heard him laugh 3 times. He smiles all the time. He just learned he had hands and grabs stuff a lot. He's chunky and hasn't really found his feet yet but I think it's because he can't reach them lol.
questions:
1 does anyone have autism knowledge- or experience?
2. Does he sound autistic?
3. Is 6 months kind of soon to diagnose this?
this would not be the end of the world or anything but I do want the very best for my son and I'm very curious and could use some help/support ladies-
please post ANY thoughts/suggestions/support/info
thank you

Ali8348 · March 2016

6 months is entirely too early to diagnose autism. I'm actually very surprised a doctor would even mention it at this point. Both of my children have come a month early or more because of my preeclampsia and both of them were a little behind in their milestones at first but eventually caught up. Just breathe for now and don't worry just yet. Premature babies need a little more time.

shelbydd · March 2016

That's absolutely insane. I have a 20 year old stepbrother who is autistic and a 4 year old nephew who is. Although infants can show some minor signs, those very same signs can be totally normal for some infants (one of the more common signs are different sensory sensitivities.. Like babies that don't like certain textures, sounds, etc.. But again, babies without autism can have some of the very same reactions and it's completely normal which is why even suggesting autism in an infant is crazy) I have never heard of an autism diagnosis before 2 years old and even that is pretty early. I've DEFINITELY never heard a doctor suggest autism in an infant that's only 6 months old. My son was born at 39 weeks, he's 6 months old today.. He didn't discover his feet until about a week or two ago. He didn't laugh until he was about 5 months old. That's not late, I'm just pointing out that even a baby that's not a preemie can do some of those things on the later end of the scale..

Your son sounds like a perfectly normal baby. Your pediatrician on the other hand, she sounds like she needs some additional education on the subject.

troopersmom · March 2016

Ali8348 said:

6 months is entirely too early to diagnose autism. I'm actually very surprised a doctor would even mention it at this point. Both of my children have come a month early or more because of my preeclampsia and both of them were a little behind in their milestones at first but eventually caught up. Just breathe for now and don't worry just yet. Premature babies need a little more time.

Thank you! thats what I was thinking. Then- you start thinking and it makes it worse. I've got him in bed with me tonight and we don't go sleep.
Thank you for replying

troopersmom · March 2016

shelbydd said:

That's absolutely insane. I have a 20 year old stepbrother who is autistic and a 4 year old nephew who is. Although infants can show some minor signs, those very same signs can be totally normal for some infants (one of the more common signs are different sensory sensitivities.. Like babies that don't like certain textures, sounds, etc.. But again, babies without autism can have some of the very same reactions and it's completely normal which is why even suggesting autism in an infant is crazy) I have never heard of an autism diagnosis before 2 years old and even that is pretty early. I've DEFINITELY never heard a doctor suggest autism in an infant that's only 6 months old. My son was born at 39 weeks, he's 6 months old today.. He didn't discover his feet until about a week or two ago. He didn't laugh until he was about 5 months old. That's not late, I'm just pointing out that even a baby that's not a preemie can do some of those things on the later end of the scale..

Your son sounds like a perfectly normal baby. Your pediatrician on the other hand, she sounds like she needs some additional education on the subject.

Thank you @shelbydd it's nice to hear real life examples! Yes I can google stuff but I appreciate you telling me your real life experience. Again, this wouldn't be a horrible thing I just want to do everything possible for him to have the best.
Textures- he hates solids right now. So she also put that on the list. His not wanting solids, feet, and not laughing.
I should add- he was in the nicu for not eating right after birth. So I think this solids delay goes back to his initial nicu not eating too.
*sigh*
so what can I do if he is autistic? He's so little- can I just work with him more or what would they do for a two year old?
should I just go find another, better dr?

Plumeria1214 · March 2016

I work with preschool children with special needs including many with autism spectrum disorders. This is too early to diagnose and it doesn't appear she used any of the standardized testing needed to make an informed diagnosis. I would get a second opinion if you're concerned.

if he were autistic, there are early intervention services available usually through the state or private agencies. You'd also want to see a developmental pediatrician -- they can diagnosis ASD using appropriate tests, observations, and interviews. If a pediatrician is concerned, they'll usually refer parents to one.

I wouldnt worry!!

chelseajeanene · March 2016

I think that's unprofessional and insensitive for her to have just said that, especially when you said she wasn't acting like her normal self. I would get a second opinion just to calm your nerves. All babies do things at their own pace and your LO is so young still. My son was born at 37 weeks and is 6 months today and hasn't rolled once, he's chubby and couldn't reach his feet until 3 weeks ago. I've worked with austistic children before and it doesn't sound like austism to me.

buckleyk · March 2016

If he was a month early, I would think she should still being using his adjusted age to base her determinations about developmental milestones. Which means, at 6 months he should be doing what 5 month olds are. I don't know how early you have to be when doctors begin is use adjusted ages but I think a month is early enough. And Dr's typically use adjusted ages until 2yrs.

I would get get a second opnion and (maybe) a new peditricia. I'm a special Ed preschool teacher and agree 6 months is WAY too early to throw around the word "autism." You could also ask her for a referral for your county or state's infant and toddler services. They should be able to come to you and do a free developmental screening. Or a developmental pediatrician. Both of those services would give you better information about what's "typically development" and what isn't.

ForeverEverAfter · March 2016

That's really early. Up here, early intervention for kids on the autism spectrum doesn't start til age 3. Even then it's often later because of the wait lists. I've never heard of any criteria to assess infants for it. I think your Dr wasn't assessing correctly for an (adjusted) 5mo. My full term baby is 5.5mo and only just started reaching her feet last week because we don't prop her to sit. So it took that long for her to kick her foot high enough and hold it there to grab it.

Mewkie · March 2016

While I don't know a ton about diagnosising autism, I just wanted to share with you that DS1 was a month early as well and didn't laugh until he was 5 months. Smiled all the time. I can't remember when he found his feet but his doctors never asked me about that so it wasn't something I paid much attention to. He also took a while to get into solids. Could have been his reflux, not entirely sure, but he was about 9-10 months old before he was consistently eating 3 meals a day. He did much better with finger foods than purées.
His doctors never used a premie scale to determine milestones or even weight and length ect. They said a month was right on the cusp. They weren't ever really concerned about him meeting milestones late but they did always say it wasn't a huge concern given he was a bit early. He rolled (back to front) later, crawled and walked on the later end of normal too. Now he's almost 2 and you would never know!
Sorry for the lengthy response, thought maybe it would help ease your worry. Maybe it's a good idea to see another pediatrician just to ease your mine.

vibarra27 · March 2016

Sorry but i think she was just too Damn distracted. My twins were 6 weeks(33wk5dy) early & their doc says not to worry if they're not doing what others babies their age are doing. Neither of my boys have found their feet. The older twin rolls over while the other is barely starting. I suggest u make another appointment with another doc & mention you need a 2nd opinion. My boys have their 6 month visit today. If you dont mind i can mention it to the doc & get back to you.

kmcshane0211 · March 2016

Get a new Peditrician immediately!

missdaccortezz · March 2016

Wow I cannot believe that she would say that to you. Find a new doctor. And don't worry. Every baby develops and progresses at their own pace!!

LaurenNewph · March 2016

I'm certainly no expert but 6 mo seems to early, and not laughing or playing with feet doesn't seem like autism.

rachelkawesome · March 2016

Ugh! I am so upset and frustrated for you, because now you are worrying about something that shouldn't even be in your mind to worry about yet! I too have worked with autistic kids and like above posters, this doesn't sound like autism based on the things you said. If you are super worried, it might be worth it to see a developmental pediatrician, just to have piece of mind (though I'm assuming you would need a referal). I would see another regular pediatrician to get a second opinion, and see if the new person wants to refer you to a DP.

Growingapepper · March 2016

6 months sounds wayyy too early and on top of that, I've heard autism is often diagnosed in children that aren't autistic just because the signs are so variant.
My aunt had problems feeding my little cousin solids until she was a whole year old.. she's now 13 and she doesn't have autism.

rosalbap2 · March 2016

My son was also a premie and he is barely starting to roll over. Babies just reach their milestones differently than others. I'm not an expert about autism but I also agree you should change your pedi.

shelbydd · March 2016

@troopersmom I honestly wouldn't even worry about it. I know that's a lot easier said than done and if you need peace of mind it doesn't hurt to talk to another doctor. If it were me I would switch pediatricians.. But again, just me. Suggesting Autism is kind of serious and not something I would be comfortable with a pede suggesting in passing while distracted anyway.

As far as his dislike of solids, that could be a sensory issue or it could be that he's just not ready for solids. Almost every baby will have some little quirks that fall under the checklist for sensory processing disorder. It's why autism can't be diagnosed so early- because a lot of sensory sensitivities are also totally normal infant quirks. My son can not sleep without white noise, gets mad when I change his clothes and would rather be naked then wear clothes. These are all signs of spd and I'm not worried.. Because they're also normal for some 6 month olds.

kanga915 · March 2016

You need a new doctor

Bognes · March 2016

No discussion of next steps, things to watch for, early intervention?! Just a statement that he might be autistic and you go on your merry way? I can put that at the top of the list for unprofessional behavior.
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/03/15/how-early-can-autism-be-diagnosed
there are a lot of great scholarly articles about early detection of autism online. Right now, though, I think you need to find a new pediatrician. If she's so blasé about this- it doesn't bode well for other issues that will pop up during your child's relationship with her.

ljhans · March 2016

No way!!! This makes me so mad! I teach special education, and have had many students with autism. To suggest that a 6 month old has autism is insanity. Your doctor is CRAY. Find a different doctor and don't worry about this at all!

JenLovesDesign · March 2016

I would also get a new doctor. Unless there are glaring signs, the items you mentioned don't sound that abnormal. I have a one month early preemie and we go by her corrected age and it should all pan out by age 2. Honestly, I would even get a second or third opinion so you're not worried about it. We can say all we want here on this board, but you need peace of mind, and that can only come from other medical opinions. What a POS doctor!

tpete12 · March 2016

My daughter will be 6 months next week and rarely plays with her feet and is just starting to laugh and not once has anyone thought she is autistic.

troopersmom · March 2016

vibarra27 said:

Sorry but i think she was just too Damn distracted. My twins were 6 weeks(33wk5dy) early & their doc says not to worry if they're not doing what others babies their age are doing. Neither of my boys have found their feet. The older twin rolls over while the other is barely starting. I suggest u make another appointment with another doc & mention you need a 2nd opinion. My boys have their 6 month visit today. If you dont mind i can mention it to the doc & get back to you.

OH yes definitely mention if you can. Thank you for sharing too I feel a lot better reading these replies! Thank you

troopersmom · March 2016

Mewkie said:

While I don't know a ton about diagnosising autism, I just wanted to share with you that DS1 was a month early as well and didn't laugh until he was 5 months. Smiled all the time. I can't remember when he found his feet but his doctors never asked me about that so it wasn't something I paid much attention to. He also took a while to get into solids. Could have been his reflux, not entirely sure, but he was about 9-10 months old before he was consistently eating 3 meals a day. He did much better with finger foods than purées.
His doctors never used a premie scale to determine milestones or even weight and length ect. They said a month was right on the cusp. They weren't ever really concerned about him meeting milestones late but they did always say it wasn't a huge concern given he was a bit early. He rolled (back to front) later, crawled and walked on the later end of normal too. Now he's almost 2 and you would never know!
Sorry for the lengthy response, thought maybe it would help ease your worry. Maybe it's a good idea to see another pediatrician just to ease your mine.

Thank you! Thank you for sharing and posting - I agree I'm finding a new dr!

ReneeJ2011 · March 2016

So my son too was born just over 4 weeks early and when the pediatrician started talking about developmental milestones she said he would always have an extra month to meet them because he was early. Now like a PP said 4 weeks is on the cusp. My LO has met all his on time, but if he ever did take longer we wouldn't worry because he gets an extra month.

vibarra27 · March 2016

@troopersmom he said its rare to determine autism @ this age,that just because he isnt grabbing his feet or rolling over doesnt mean anything. I also have my boys in a program called "Healthy Steps" its with the clinic i take them and she joins in @ the visits. Its for babies who are born prematurely & she measures out their development. She said she has worked with kids with autism & you cant diagnose it just by looking @ a baby. & usually doesnt show obvious signs until years later. She said she cant diagnose your son but she wouldnt worry as babies develop at different times. But getting a second opinion would be good.

TabulaRasa25 · March 2016

I DO actually know about autism diagnosis (special ed teacher who has worked extensively with autism spectrum in a specialized school setting, current grad student in developmental psych, know the current DSM-5 updates for diagnostic criteria for a variety of developmental delays and neurological impairments backward and forward, and an autism diagnosis at 6 months is, quite frankly, crap.

I'm not saying your child does or doesn't have autism. I am saying that it can't be diagnosed at six months. It's simply too early to tell where a variety of sensory and communication-related potential symptoms fall along the spectrum of what's typical development, and there's a pretty wide window for what falls in the range of neurotypical.

Because I've worked so much with children with extreme global delays, I find myself watching my own kid like a hawk and overanalyzing, probably, where he is on meeting various milestones. It's an occupational hazard, but, really, I have to keep reminding myself of that wide developmental windown, and skill acquisition can take off at any time. So it's not worth it to worry excessively, just keep tabs on growth and development, and if things do become a concern, get early intervention to maximize impact. I would get additional doctors' opinions, though, because no responsible doctor should be diagnosing autism at six months. Look for someone with a stronger developmental background.

Bailey1823A · March 2016

My DD was 8 days late and is 6 months today and she just started laughing maybe a week ago and only really does it for her older sister. We also just started solids and she doesn't always like the texture. Food before 1 is just for fun so I wouldn't worry about that either. Sorry you had to go through this.

troopersmom · March 2016

TabulaRasa25 said:

I DO actually know about autism diagnosis (special ed teacher who has worked extensively with autism spectrum in a specialized school setting, current grad student in developmental psych, know the current DSM-5 updates for diagnostic criteria for a variety of developmental delays and neurological impairments backward and forward, and an autism diagnosis at 6 months is, quite frankly, crap.

I'm not saying your child does or doesn't have autism. I am saying that it can't be diagnosed at six months. It's simply too early to tell where a variety of sensory and communication-related potential symptoms fall along the spectrum of what's typical development, and there's a pretty wide window for what falls in the range of neurotypical.

Because I've worked so much with children with extreme global delays, I find myself watching my own kid like a hawk and overanalyzing, probably, where he is on meeting various milestones. It's an occupational hazard, but, really, I have to keep reminding myself of that wide developmental windown, and skill acquisition can take off at any time. So it's not worth it to worry excessively, just keep tabs on growth and development, and if things do become a concern, get early intervention to maximize impact. I would get additional doctors' opinions, though, because no responsible doctor should be diagnosing autism at six months. Look for someone with a stronger developmental background.

TabulaRasa25 said:

I DO actually know about autism diagnosis (special ed teacher who has worked extensively with autism spectrum in a specialized school setting, current grad student in developmental psych, know the current DSM-5 updates for diagnostic criteria for a variety of developmental delays and neurological impairments backward and forward, and an autism diagnosis at 6 months is, quite frankly, crap.

I'm not saying your child does or doesn't have autism. I am saying that it can't be diagnosed at six months. It's simply too early to tell where a variety of sensory and communication-related potential symptoms fall along the spectrum of what's typical development, and there's a pretty wide window for what falls in the range of neurotypical.

Because I've worked so much with children with extreme global delays, I find myself watching my own kid like a hawk and overanalyzing, probably, where he is on meeting various milestones. It's an occupational hazard, but, really, I have to keep reminding myself of that wide developmental windown, and skill acquisition can take off at any time. So it's not worth it to worry excessively, just keep tabs on growth and development, and if things do become a concern, get early intervention to maximize impact. I would get additional doctors' opinions, though, because no responsible doctor should be diagnosing autism at six months. Look for someone with a stronger developmental background.

Thank you for replying! I think my lo isn't autistic. We have a new pediatrician set up for Wednesday. Also- we saw an allergist today who believes his food aversion is due to GI issues and we will be seeing a pediatric gi dr. I think he's just slow- like he was with the smiling.
Im not going to pursue a developmental therapist at this time. I think he's fine and just needs more time. Thank you for your input it makes me feel a lot better!

troopersmom · March 2016

Bailey1823A said:

My DD was 8 days late and is 6 months today and she just started laughing maybe a week ago and only really does it for her older sister. We also just started solids and she doesn't always like the texture. Food before 1 is just for fun so I wouldn't worry about that either. Sorry you had to go through this.

Thank you for replying! It's nice to hear about another early 6 month old- it's nice to know there's others just starting to laugh. We've only heard him laugh 3 times but he's been sick lately-
thank you

kaybee03 · March 2016

I am a speech language pathologist and I agree! Most peds don't know a lot about autism. There are early warning signs but normally developing babies do some of these things too. And I totally get the over analyzing! my little dude makes excellent eye contact, laughs, smiles, reacts to everyone except when you are holding him close to your face then it's over stimulating... Just not something you can know right now!

mill1020 · March 2016

Definitely get a new doc. Keep looking until you find one that makes you feel listened to.

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