I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

my son just turned one, for the past 2-3 weeks Ive noticed him covering his right ear with his hand and occ. banging the side of his head (not like he's in pain)
He currently does have a little cold but In the past I have had his ears checked and the Dr. always says - No ear infection!
My husband and i were just talking about how he's always on the go and doesnt like to just cuddle.
Are these signs of Autism? Iam really starting to freak myself out. Maybe I should book a Dr's appt tomorrow to discuss this...thanks for letting me vent

STRANGE THAT 48 PEOPLE READ THIS AND NO ONE HAS A COMMENT..?
THAT'S NOT TOO REASURING

Message edited 6/21/2009 8:58:17 PM.

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

I don't really have any advice other than to say that if it concerns you call the doctor. I wish I knew more to tell you.

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

I read it and didnt respond...I didnt respond bc you asked if they were signs of autism and I really dont know so I couldnt answer your question. Im sure its nothing, but if nothing else for peace of mind....call your Dr.

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

My son is 9 months, is very active and does a similiar thing. I don't believe it is autism related though, atleast with my son, because he is very related, has lots of sounds already. To some degree, all children engage in self- stimulatory behaviors. Could it be teething? I know that with DS, soon after 2 teeth come in, another two teeth are not far behind. I work with children with autism so this is constantly my fear as well, but I always have to stop and say to myself, there are many different behaviors that when put together, make a child receive a diagnosis for autism - not just one thing here and there! HTH! Also, I am sorry you didn't get many responses. I find that people who don't post on a regular, don't always get responses. I know that happens with myself too and I find myself going

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

DD is 14 months and covers her ears all the time, I thought ear infection too at first, Dr said she was fine. I think maybe it is just a phase.

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

my ds grabs his one ear all the time. But i happen to know that his top 2 teeth are coming down. He also tends to do this when he's tired too. He used to pull his hair, but now he tugs on his ear.

He is also not a cuddler either. I wouldn't worry at all!

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

Hi! I feel bad b/c you were concerned no one was responding. My DS didn't and doesn't do that with his ears - he is now 21 months old and sometimes he is a cuddly kid but, sometimes not so much.

I will say though from everything I've seen and read (and I am FAR from an expert b/c luckily this is not something I have delat with) a few "quirks" do not indicate autism - i would look to overall things appropriate for that age - eye contact, responsiveness, communication (verbally or physcially) understanding, interaction, pointing at things he wants etc. - if these things aren't a concern I wouldn't worry about other quirks

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

Thank you all for responding, i feel a little better now, sorry if i seemed a little aggressive..just worried that's all.
DS has a well visit on Thursday, I will bring it up- Once again Thanks

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

NOT signs of autism. Definitly have his ears rechecked. Just because the doc looked and there was no infection, doesn't mean there wasn't fluid in the ears which can cause ichiness or just be uncomfortable. Also ,that fluid could have easily later become infected.


ETA: i am a pediatric registered nurse AND i have an autistic child Hope this helps you feel better

Message edited 6/21/2009 9:48:24 PM.

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

he may not have an ear infection, but does he have fluid? My dd had tons of fluid and it was affecting her hearing and causing discomfort (not pain) but felt weird and she'd do weird things with her ears/head. When she had them drained it helped. Have you had a hearing test?

Message edited 6/21/2009 9:58:22 PM.

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

it might be just a faze he's going through. my son didn't have any of those signs and he has autism, but some of the kids in his class did what you are describing. i would just keep an eye on it. it might be nothing at that age it's hard to tell. the next time you go to the pediatrician ask him what he thinks. the ear thing - he might not have ear infections but he might have water in his ear. sometimes they can have that and it doesn't get infected. i wouldn't be too concerned now but just see if he keeps doing it. and if it continues ask the doctor. keep us posted on how things are!!!

Re: I am starting to worry...am I crazy?

Posted by JTK

NOT signs of autism. Definitly have his ears rechecked. Just because the doc looked and there was no infection, doesn't mean there wasn't fluid in the ears which can cause ichiness or just be uncomfortable. Also ,that fluid could have easily later become infected.


ETA: i am a pediatric registered nurse AND i have an autistic child Hope this helps you feel better