Could My Grandson Have Autism?

Dear Dr. Bill:

My daughter has a 1-year-old boy who is starting to walk but hasn't begun talking yet — no "Mama," "Dada" or anything else. If he wants something, he just points and screeches for it very loudly! I've also noticed that he often stares off in his own little world for a moment or two several times a day. He comes back eventually or you really work to get his attention otherwise. Is this normal behavior? Or could my grandson have some kind of problem — like autism? I wonder about this because his 3-year-old brother is very bright; he's already potty-trained and already has a very large vocabulary. What do you think?

— Diana

Dear Diana:

First of all, I appreciate the fact that you are such an involved, observant grandmother. Too many kids today lack loving grandparents in their lives, and your grandkids are fortunate.

Here are my thoughts on your 1-year-old grandson. First of all, the fact that he isn't talking yet shouldn't be a concern. Language development varies greatly from child to child. Many children don't begin saying "mama" or "dada" until well into their second year of life. Their level of verbal development at their first birthday does NOT predict how verbally skilled they will be by age two or three, or tell you anything about their overall level of intelligence.

On the other hand, I am very concerned about the fact that your grandson seems to stare off into space several times each day, and that you have to work to regain his attention. This could be a sign of a hearing problem, a developmental delay, or even recurring minor seizures, known as "petit mal" seizures.

You didn't mention whether or not your grandson has been receiving regular "well baby" checkups from a pediatrician or a family physician. If not, he should be. Given your description, I would suggest your daughter make an appointment right away, describe the behaviors she is observing at home, and ask the physician to give your grandson a complete medical and developmental evaluation. If you would, please follow up with us here at Focus on the Family after the appointment and let us know what the doctor had to say.

Let me also recommend one of my favorite resources for parents with children in the home. It's Focus on the Family's Complete Book of Baby and Child Care, and it's a book every parent should have on their book shelf. You can learn more about it by contacting Focus on the Family at 1-800-A-FAMILY (1-800-232-6459).

Copyright © 2007, Focus on the Family.
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.