girls that have children with autism..(please read)

how early did you "know"? and should i be concerned? my dd will be 15 months on oct 12th. i know every child develops differently but my dd hasnt even uttered the word hi yet..just yesterday for the 1st time she tried to say cracker..so i was happy..but then by the end of the day i could swear she was posessed..she had some wierd meltdown..staring at me and screaming..she doesnt liked to be consoled..and NEVER did..

i went online for early signs..and im wondering if i should be worried..my dd never liked to play peek a boo..doesnt really imitate anything..and has no interest in her cousins..who are the same age..she runs from them. she seems really independant to me..but i am a first time mom and i dont know what is normal. my mom always told me i was never affectionate either..so i just feel like it is her personality..i just thought it could be that i have a really difficult child...

can anyone give me some input on autism? aly hasnt had her mmr shots so im wondering if i should hold off..im just really nervous right now..i saw that jenny mcarthy 20/20 episode and im nervous..and dh seems to think that there are signs..so now he is scaring me. PLEASE HELP.. THANKS SO MUCH

Message edited 9/29/2007 4:52:24 PM.

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

My friend has an autistic child. He flaps his arms up and down, he has major meltdowns, he has no specific focus, he wasnt talking at all until around 2, he ran really fast with no destination, and today he is 8 and while he still has some of these behaviors, he had early intervention and it rectified alot of them. If you think its more then just a developmental stage, I would contact a Dr to do an evaluation. Good Luck

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

I don't have any advice except to say don't delay. Talk to your pediatrician, call early intervention.

If it's anything from a social issue, speech delay to autism, the best thing that you do is get early intervention for her.

And always trust your gut.

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

I work in special ed. If you have doubts follow your gut and yet an EI eval ASAP. These could just be her personality but if it is more the earlier she gets help the better off you will be.

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

I don't know one way or the other. But if you are even the slightest bit concerned-take her for an evaluation to put your mind at ease. Has your pedi mentioned anything?
(((((HUGS)))))

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

i'm a speech therapist and have worked with children with autism before... i'm not sure without seeing your daughter, obviously... but i can say that if you're concerned, you should definitely call EI and get an eval. the worst that can happen is that they say shes fine, but at least your mind will be eased
as far as the speech, kids start at different times, and the first words are usually between 12 and 18 months. but the not immitating things part is a little bit concerning... .usually at your daughters age, kids are like little copy cats, immitating sounds, face gestures, etc. thats the first step to them immitating and then using words.
either way, it can't hurt at all call EI and get an evaluation done, if anything it will just ease your mind. your ped should have the info.. good luck!!

Message edited 9/29/2007 1:08:57 PM.

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

Definitely call EI for peace of mind...and if there is an issue, the sooner it is dealt with the better

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

sorry girls..i havent been on all day..but thank you for all of your support and help..does anyone have any info for EI? should i call my dr? or just wait until her 15 month appt. in 2 weeks.?

Re: girls that have autistic children..(please read)

Here is a link for the contact information. I wouldn't bother with the doctor, just go straight to EI and request an evaluation. I mean of course mention to the dr. at your visit that you are requesting an evaluation, but I wouldn't wait.

EI

Also, FYI, as not to offend, you should phrase it as "Children with Autism" not Autistic Children

Re: girls that have children with autism..(please read)

Posted by Summerrluvv

Here is a link for the contact information. I wouldn't bother with the doctor, just go straight to EI and request an evaluation. I mean of course mention to the dr. at your visit that you are requesting an evaluation, but I wouldn't wait.

EI

Also, FYI, as not to offend, you should phrase it as "Children with Autism" not Autistic Children

Re: girls that have children with autism..(please read)

if you are concerned at all about autism you should go see a pediatric neurologist and have ados testing done.. a few things to look for is not responding to name by 12 months, not pointing or asking for things she wants, spinning things, obsession of parts of objects... FM me if you have any questions.


ETA: they are not concerned with no verbal words actually...its' more receptive speech ie pointing at things and gesturing that is more concerning. hard to explain.. FM me!

Message edited 9/29/2007 5:30:55 PM.

Re: girls that have children with autism..(please read)

Does your DD make eye contact with you? Appear to try to communicate with you? Children on the "spectrum of autism" can vary greatly. It does not hurt to have her evaluated if you are concerned...I would. Good luck.

Re: girls that have children with autism..(please read)

I agree with everyone to get an eval asap for EI - your dr. will just tell you the same thing or dissuade you, unfortunately....

I'm an autism consultant - any questions regarding anything - please FM me - good luck and keep us posted!!!