18 month old autism symptoms? ?

Question

My son is 18 months old and whenever he is in a sitting position he rocks back and forth and makes a humming sound. He's been doing this pretty much since he could sit up. He's very aware of his surroundings, he responds to his name, makes eye contact, points, waves bye bye. He does use a few words, maybe 5 or 6. The thing that worries me a little is he does have some strange habits besides the rocking, If he's sitting on the couch rocking, you have to be a certain distance from him. He doesn't like anything or anyone to touch him. If his socks aren't both on the same way he gets upset until I fix them. If his blanket isn't perfectly placed over him he gets upset. Just some strange obsessive things he does. He's started breaking out in random screaming tantrums. (but that could be normal I guess) he repeats himself (again, could be normal since he's learning to talk) he plays with his hair.
Does it sound like he may have autism? Or be on the autism spectrum. Not to be rude but Please don't google information for me. Ive already done that and I'd like to hear from people who have experience with autistic children.

He has a doctor appointment this month so I will bring my concern up with his doctor. Just wanted some advice in the mean time.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

It's possible. The eye contact, name response, pointing and waving are all good signs.

He could, possibly just have some tactile dysfunction (this would explain the socks and touching issues, and obsession with perfection), which could be easily treatable with some PT and OT, and perhaps some touch pressure joint compression therapy. Ask questions and don't stop until you get answers.

The self-repetition is called echolalia. Does he ever repeat things other people say?

Also, I'd delay doing any more vaccinating until you know what's going on. I don't think that vaccines cause autism per se, but I think they play a role, and I think the vaccine schedule is too aggressive for little immune systems.



Over all your son is doing pretty well. My son was a lot worse off than that at his age, and he is now 18, and perfectly normal. It was a lot of work, but he's an awesome guy.

Answer 2

Don't jump the gun yet,its been proven that 18 monthes is FAR too young to PROPERLY diagnose autism. The necessary competencies aren't fully developed until around 3-5 depending on the child. I wouldn't stress it but instead explore other possibilities as to what might be wrong if anything.Some kids are just spacey. I'm an MA and I've experienced this myself with my son. You wont be able to tell yet and any pediatrician will tell you the same.

Answer 3

I have two very different children. My son, my oldest worried me when he was a baby/toddler. I thought he may have mild autism. He showed a few signs but, IMO..most children show some signs, doesnt mean they have Autism...but it is worrisom. My son had sensory issues and is a little quirky. He is now 8, doing very well in school but still has mild sensory, and a few quirks.



You are doing the right thing. Bring it up with his doctor. Most likely they will say..he is fine and will grow out of "it". IF when you leave the office, and are not happy, or relieved with what the doctor says...go with your gut! For ME...when I am unsure about anything with my kids, I have it checked out until I am satisfied. I helps me not worry as much, and I know for sure.



I think you son could use therapy from what you posted. OT...for his sensory, and he may be abit delayed in speech. My son had both, it made me feel better, it helped him, and helped me know what I needed to be doing on a daily basis for him to overcome his issues.



My son didn't have clothing issues, but he did flap(a huge sign) he needed to jump and throw things, when he got excited, he got so hyper and was hard to calm him, which was all because of his sensory issues. I would say your son has sensory issues, but different(opposite) than my son. I was told my sons body "needed" the information it got from flapping, jumping and throwing. Your sons body may need to rock to get the info it needs, and doesnt like the way his socks feel, or he has OCD..the blanket/sock thing. playing with his hair may be the way he found that calms him. (does he do it to calm himself, when falling asleep, while watching tv? My son had a lovey and a pacifier, which I allowed him to keep for to long, I felt he needed it...and he did.