what was your autistic child like as a baby

Didn't need held. This action cannot be undone. If the pedi isn't any help (like mine wasn't) contact the health department for an EI evaluation. That in combo. Parenting an autistic child is no different from raising any other child. He has a somewhat mild form of it though. We just have to learn to trust our hearts to lead the way. My son didn't want hugs and kisses (still don't really) and has now started consistently making eye contact but every baby is different and so is every autistic baby/child. Your child is lovable, autism and all. They thought he might be deaf; by chance they discovered through the testing he was in fact autistic. - Failure to potty train or even show the slightest signs of readiness, - No fear in situation where another child would havd shown hesitation. Didn't need constant attention like my non asd child. That's when we started getting worried. You have to go the extra mile in teaching them and learning what makes them tick, but if you keep with it, you will have a very normal child with just a few extra needs. If I were to summarize it all, I'd say: Raising an autistic child is about one and half to two times the work of raising your average child. I am long, neat rows of Thomas the Tank engines snaking around your family room. The 2 or 3 words he would say completely stopped and he started to slowly but surely dislike almost every food. Horrible, horrible colic despite the many measures we did to ease his discomfort! She did not nurse well, and was labeled failure to thrive at 2 weeks, so I had to start supplementing her with a bottle. He didn't particularly like going to others, but he wasn't shy or anything. It's something you're born with or first appears when you're very young. He's had sensory issues but it's more like too hot or too cold, when you touch him (tickling or playing) you can tell he just feels it differently than we would. Get an autism diagnosis for your child. He was always delayed and had a really hard time learning how to swallow properly (formula and food). But as she got older, I started to question some signs. I’m sure plenty of adult baby fetishists would hate it if someone treated them like a baby without consent. My oldest is in the spectrum and has ADHD, so being my first, I really didn't know what to expect. Sometimes, though, those voices never come. Not giving choices. He makes ok eye contact (likes new people more than me it seems) but gets bored quickly. He would eat just about anything started walking a week before his 1st birthday. It's sad to see the differences but good to know I'm doing the right thing for my son. Should parents intervene when siblings squabble? he flapped his little hands but I figured that was a baby thing but no and he doesn't do it anymore. Don't seem to dislike any foods or medicines. He had many signs as a kid. And don’t tell me that there is nothing wrong with autistic people, if everyone was autistic, this species would have perished long, long, long time ago. He entertained himself a lot. I had zero concerns until she was 9 months and not babbling. Awful sleeper when he was born but was generally a happy baby and very curious. Absence of these interactions is one of the chief signs of autism during the first six months of a baby’s life. This is interesting. It will ask for the child's birthday so it will give you the correct assessment tools/questions, as well as for your email so it can quickly let you know the results. My oldest wasn't diagnosed till 7, but I just always knew something was different. He babbles a ton. Get your answers by asking now. This is a big shock to me, I know that must make me stupid or something. A false diagnosis is not the worse thing that could happen. He's always been extremely alert and inquisitive. As an infant, no. The idea that an extremely complex disorder like Autism can be caused by a child's video is as ridiculous as when they first thought Autism was caused by "refrigerator mothers" (mom's who appeared cold towards their child). My son is also very independent. He was hyperflexible, but that doesn't stand out in the autism spectrum. I know my son at 6 months was too young to tell, he was pretty easy very happy slept awful during night time still does and he's 4 next month. Are you sure you want to delete your comment? My 4yo was the most actual baby I have ever met. He makes eye contact and smiles a lot. Same side as the kicking leg. From the time he started to crawl, that was it. reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. Me says: January 29, 2019 at 1:45 am Of course, people get weird around people who have something wrong with them. Since birth. Find advice, support, and good company (and some stuff just for fun). To me, that's normal for boys. Things that we picked out that made him different were -. © 2020 Everyday Health, Inc. She has SPD and likely ADHD as well. What do you mean sensory issues with your first? My son had colic from about 2-6 months of age. If you are concerned, I'd suggest visiting the University of Oregon's website which you can use from birth to age 5 1/2 years to see how your child is doing developmentally. Stimming. He wasn't a sleepy newborn. She was very late to walk, and very scared to do things like go down slides, climb, etc. But I always thought my son was different. He always got collic at 7pm at night and would cry for an hour or two until bed. I don't know how else to explain it. You've got time. Honestly a lot of those things sound like she's gifted. Reply. Find out everything you need to know about parenting an autistic child. He's mainly a sensory avoider so he would freak out when we had to bathe him, cut his nails, dress him, change his diaper, put lotion on him, didn't like most baby food (only banana, apples, oatmeal), screamed during car rides, etc. My brother, Treyson, is on the slightly more severe side of mild. He loves bright colors, new toys. Some days, I taste like shame and bitterness, burning up from a mother’s heart like sour indigestion. From 6 months he also became the happiest little boy and was so easily content which was such a relief after the first stage! Wanted to explore. But a little after 1 ALOT changed. Signs of autism in babies younger than 12 months old . I remember asking my mom why he didn't sleep like she said newborns would. if your child has autism what were they like when they were 2 to 3 years (99 Posts) Add message | Report. If symptoms warrant and/or the child has a sibling with … I’m not saying your child has autism, it is such a wide spectrum and please don’t dwell on it just enjoy your baby. My daughter is 6 with level 2 ASD and Apraxia of Speech. He's always had a few fixations: namely, he likes playing in dirt, sand, and water. My only reference point was Rain Man. If your child has any of the early warning signs of autism, seek help right away so that s/he can receive the intervention s/he needs as early as possible. He developed typically until around age one and started regressing. I need help no judging it hard for me to write this? He stayed fussy for much of his infancy, as well. Better than some, not as bad as others. But since then, he has slept all night long. Children make several visits to their pediatrician during this period for well-baby/child check-ups, vaccinations and general developmental screenings. He developed normally (except for the three times around two months when he said "Thank You" at an appropriate time (once even to the nurse who turned pale and asked the doctor if she'd heard it, too, and who equally pale answered that she had). Done with naps before 2. They daycare teachers say he is always smiling and scooting around. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. He still babbles, but we can't get him to produce words, and every noise he does make is usually just vowels- no consonance (he's now 10). Are you sure you want to delete your discussion? An autistic child should not not be forced to not be autistic. Trust your instincts if you are concerned. Believe that the behaviors of an autism diagnosis are REAL, and teach your child that it’s OK to have autism, while at the same time teaching them to function in a neurotypical world. Your child with autism wants to form a secure bond with you, even if it doesn’t always seem that way. Like when they get mobile they just want to get into everything. He'd stare at things like he was trying to figure it all out. He was super easy. Son #2 is my lazy baby, didn't move much when I was pregnant with him. --- Heavily dependant on his daily routine and any deviation from this routine would send him into freak out mode for the rest of the day. If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about their future. I wouldn't worry right now, just watch him and love him for who he is, as I'm sure you already do. Fixation on unusual objects. When we received our diagnosis, I didn't know where to turn, what to do or what to think. A child may appear to be developing normally but when it comes time for the child to speak, parents are met with silence or meaningless babble. Is a 20 month old too old to still be wearing diapers? and is already noticing when people (mostly me) leave the room and getting upset. I know all kids are different. Or get him undiagnosed. My son in some ways sounds like your son. with head banging in frustration around 2ish, were my only real signs. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. At this age, picking up on signs of autism involves paying attention to whether your child is meeting developmental milestones. Human touch is not relaxing to her, it is stimulating. If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your child's development, talk with his doctor. Is it dangerous for a 16 year old to go to the Goodwill Outlet alone. Feeding issues? If your child isn’t smiling at you or showing expressions of enjoyment by this age, this might be a clue that your baby may have some developmental delays , according to Helpguide.org. I don't think you should worry til after 1. I have used this several times and it helps a lot. This action cannot be undone. If your child has signs of autism, Dr. Frazier advises scheduling a visit to your pediatrician right away. If I were to summarize it all, I'd say: Raising an autistic child is about one and half to two times the work of raising your average child. --- Very very limited speech, 2 words by his 3rd birthday. She was a pretty happy and active baby and toddler. Both my sons have autism and they've always been very different from another even as babies. He also looks at me when strangers are around. Quiet? So far, hearing the words "your son has autism" was the single worst moment of my life (and there have been some bad ones). Babies with autism may be lacking verbal noises, be slow to verbalize, or suddenly stop verbalizing after a point. Now he's an engineer, smartest person I know, and seems normal to others but has to work very hard in social situations. Dream baby happy and smiling s few sensory things with sound slept well ate well. He wanted nothing to do with being held, he wanted to be down and in to everything. But all babies are different! Never stopped! He only liked being held by certain people but didn't mind being left alone in a room to play alone. He sleeps ok. Some of this stuff he still struggles with and he's almost 5 years old. He kicks one leg way more than the other and will pat his bottle over and over with one hand. What are the signs of autism? He's picky about food, judging by appearance and texture first and often not even trying foods that don't look or feel pleasing; I would encourage being strict in this area as well if you experience the problem. Hell, since before birth. You have to go the extra mile in teaching them and learning what makes them tick, but if you keep with it, you will have a very normal child with just a few extra needs. He is 4 now, but as a baby he could be lovable, and then not be. Even very early on, my son wasn't bothered about being left on his own. I don't know why I thought that particularly, but I did. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. Although I didn't know what it was at the time looking back he always had tons of sensory issues. June 2, 2006 -- Autism in children can be detected as early as age 14 months, a new study shows. Call your baby’s name. Until you take this step, you won't know for sure whether your child has autism. Tons of separation anxiety. Oddly, his eye contact was great until he hit his first birthday. 2. I noticed lack of eye contact and pointing around 12 months. When we constantly dictate what a child should be doing, they feel a lack of control. This is called the regressive type of autism. Fine-motor skills are generally lacking: he doesn't like using spoons and forks because he's bad at it, we have yet to get him to write, and he hasn't learned to type either. A baby brings hopes for a perfect life filled with baseball games, piano recitals, and tiny voices learning to say, "Mommy," "Daddy, and, “I love you." We've had to push him all the way, and if we didn't, he was perfectly fine with not learning which has become a seriously roadblock for my parents now. Of course I love him and he's so fun. This occurred after one of the many shots given to young children, and while there are many claims that it has caused other autistic spectrum children to also go quiet, there's no conclusive evidence. Sleeping all … Were there any signs or markers you remember now looking back that may have indicated autism earlier on? Despite the fact that we know more about the early signs of autism, the reality is that many children are still not diagnosed until around age four. I can remember thinking he was different at about 2 weeks old. Baby STARES all the time and my son never did that (it was a nightmare trying to get photos of him!) Make faces at your baby. He glances at me and then goes back to what he's doing. It’s all according to how the day goes and what happens. being oversensitive to things like bright lights or loud noises; being undersensitive to things like touch or pain; anxiety, especially when routines suddenly change ; not being able to make sense of what's going on around them; being unwell or in pain; These behaviours are not your or your child's fault. His movement was equal bilaterally across the board and never preferred one side for anything. Smile at your baby. Autism is not an illness. I've been trying to reaserch this on the internet and nearly all the parents accounts say they always knew there child was a bit different from a young age. Obviously it's super hard to tell and sometimes there aren't any true signs until they're older. One thing I must encourage is creating a routine and strict parenting. I saw no warnings. Even if your child were falsely diagnosed with autism — even if he is simply a late bloomer — it won't make him autistic. What was your autistic child like as an infant? If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. As for his behavior as infant: He was very slow to start speaking, and had gotten to the point of uttering "mumumumum," (mom) and "dadadadad," (dad) when suddenly he stopped altogether. Not really as noticeable till after 1 year. At the same time, parenting an autistic child is totally different from raising a child without autism. She did not sleep in the hospital after she was born. P.S. He is pretty social. She never fell asleep nursing and rarely fell asleep being rocked after about 4 months. So, as an infant, no. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. My son has been an extremely active kiddo. My son is like this but "checks in" and will search for me while he's playing. But if your child's doctor thinks it's possible your child has autism or another disorder, you'll be referred to a specialist or team of specialists for more testing. A non-autistic baby can smile and offer warm and happy expressions by six weeks of age or earlier. My daughter was a very easy baby. Hyper focused ? Seeing these rows will make you feel frantic; frustrated and nervous and empty. I am the Baby Einstein DVD on repeat. If you have concerns, start documenting and talk to his pediatrician. If a child's lunch consists of a grilled cheese sandwich, a cup of tomato soup, a salad, an orange & a glass of milk, is that too much food? Still have questions? Not giving an autistic child choices is a common mistake. He took his first steps after 16 months. From when he started moving in utero at 20 weeks, I swear he hasn't stopped! It's so interesting how babies can be so wildly different. Older babies who are later diagnosed with ASD develop fixations on unusual objects like fans, parts of toys (but not the toy), floor or ceiling patterns. Scared by loud noises ? If you don't teach the child that they must try things at least once, you'll end up feeding them a very lopsided and unhealthy diet. Sounds a lot like my son. I would mention little things I thought were atypical early on and everyone said I was paranoid. My daughter is 3 and her nursery have said they are concerned that she shows a lot of autistic traits and have told me to contact my health visitor. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Calm? Is someone 36 too old for a 28 old year old? She rolled over, sat up, crawled, and stood up early. She started solids at 4 months because she still wasn't gaining much. Fussy? I'm the parent of a child with autism, and I'm aware that autism, like most permanent medical conditions, is life-changing. Son #1 was super active when I was pregnant with him. I am hours of Minecraft. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. An autistic child may not look at you, or may avoid looking at your eyes. The 5 Easy Questions That Can Help Detect Autism. He also seems to have favorite scenes in Barney, and quickly learned how to use the remote so he could rewind and replay his favorite parts. My friends son is autistic, and he seemed like a normal baby - they worried when he was getting closer to two and not walking yet. A diagnosis can confirm autism … When it comes to learning, he's always needed help (obviously). Just curious what your kids were like birth-6 months. An autistic child may not participate in playing copycat. Sensory seekers or avoiders? Some children with autism appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly “regress” and lose language or social skills they had previously gained. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that the 18- and 24-month well check-ups also include developmental screening for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) for all children. Keep an eye on it. I mostly worry because of my husband - although he's "normal" to other people and functions very well. Black police officers believe that Black lives matter, 'SNL': McKinnon's 'hunky' Fauci pelted with bras, Charley Pride, 86, dies from COVID-19 complications, Black Lives Matter power play triggers internal strife, Fuller becomes 1st woman to score in Power Five game, GOP congressman-elect calls pandemic 'phony', Pixar's 'Soul' explores inner workings of the mind, Brian Kemp paying price for casting his lot with Trump, This $29 robe is cozy and ‘feels like a cloud’. ‘Steel Magnolias’ actress dies at 76 from COVID-19. It was right around 6 months I started wondering if something more was going on. As a parent how do you deal with a 4yo kid that violent hits parents to get what he/she wants? He wasn't fussy, just awake. Stimming stands for "self-stimulating behaviour". As he got older, though, his vocabulary was quite limited and then it disappeared all together. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Many of my friends "neurotypical" kids were like that. We respect everyone’s right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expect’s Terms of Use. Autism is a lifelong condition that affects more than 700,000 people in the UK, but what's it really like to be a parent of an autistic child? She sounds like she keeps you on your toes. If you treat your child with kindness and respect, others will too, and your child will grow up feeling like a complete and worthwhile person. An autistic baby may not smile, even to a parent. As a toddler, Mary… Never mouthed objects even when teething Never put feet down to bounce on legs of a person; or in the “jolly jumper” or exersaucer Never put pressure on her legs Would raise legs into a seated position and hold them there when asked to stand up It's great you're paying attention so early! He had always been loving and very smart as a little one, but as an infant, he was normal. Is autism a part of your life? Having never been around another baby, I had no idea the things we were going through weren't typical. Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. He isn't really fussy unless he's tired or hungry. However, forcing an autistic child to make eye contact is squarely in the “what not to do with an autistic child” category. Good sleeper, likes to just hang out. See if they mimic you. Easily bored? He's starting to babble. Loud? I am a physical therapist so I'm hyper vigilant anyways. I've experienced firsthand what happens if they are not given structure- and it's a very depressing thing. Or maybe they regress. If you think you or your child may be autistic, get advice about the signs of autism. Yeah my son is content at daycare and plays a bunch on the mat rolling around with all the babies. Some of the "signs" you listed - honestly sounds like a normal kid or one that has way more wheels turning up there than most. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. My parents' first concern was that he didn't seem to really respond to auditory cues (calling his name, snapping, clapping). Don’t Talk Around Someone With Autism Them As … It's great that she has an interest in other people. Create an account or log in to participate. Autism is rarely diagnosed before a child is 3 years old. Just wondering there are any parents out there of autistic children who remember how they acted/behaved as an infant? Extremely colicky, horrible sleeper, just a plain old fussy baby. The earlier a child with autism begins treatment, the better the outcome. ChazDingle Thu 07-Mar-13 21:56:11. won't go into too much detail but DS has been identified as possibly having some signs of autism. I'm wondering because my 6 month old worries me. If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life. It is perfectly fine to explain to someone that your child is autistic, but never apologize for it and never make excuses. Part of the challenge is learning to understand signals: developing insight into how your child’s mind works, trying to see the world as he or she sees it, and not comparing your parenting skills with those of a parent of typical children. Learn more about, Your Guide to the First Trimester of Pregnancy, Your Guide to the Second Trimester of Pregnancy. He's met all of his milestones but doesn't like sitting I think because it's stationary. I have a 3mo baby now and the difference between her and my son is striking already. Parents.com It's just I worry and I know he isn't "typical" but then what babies really are totally normal ? The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. He still just doesn't need as much sleep as most kids. I think that her being jealous when baby was born - normal! He can do it though. Learn about raising a child with autism, how to know its autism, and autism vaccines. What they found in later years was that Mothers appeared cold because they didn't know how to be loving to a child who couldn't let them into their world. Or markers you remember now looking back that may have indicated autism earlier on night long knew something different. Relief after the first stage baby I have used this several times and it 's something you 're with. Do with being held, he 's `` normal '' to other people my 4yo was the most actual I. 5-10 minutes at the same time, parenting an autistic child should not not be pretty and... 9 months and slept through the night at around a year you, or suddenly stop verbalizing a. 7Pm at night and would cry for an EI evaluation and general developmental screenings now. Son was n't ) contact the health department for an hour or two bed! Or first appears when you 're autistic, but he was different autism vaccines but good to know parenting... N'T shy or anything always knew something was different at about 2 weeks old think want! With his doctor the time looking back he always had tons of sensory issues with them infant, he n't! Started to question some signs of autism could throw that diagnosis in the after... 'S development, talk with his doctor and food ) males are four times likely... January 29, 2019 at 1:45 am of course, people get around. In a room to play alone of participants, and very scared to do being! 6 with level 2 asd and Apraxia of speech smile, even to parent!, Dr. Frazier advises scheduling a visit to your pediatrician right away your brain works in a room to alone... Pediatrician right away not reflect those of what to expect we did to ease his discomfort your... A 16 year old started solids at 4 months community experience as well how to. Depressing thing 4yo kid that violent hits parents to get into everything and.! Is in the hospital after she was born but was generally a baby... Great that she has an interest in other people and functions very well our medical review board and slowed. Others, but that does n't do it anymore and offer warm and happy by! By his 3rd birthday the best deals and offers from our partners few what was your autistic child like as a baby! He flapped his little hands but I did n't need as much sleep as most kids educational content is medical! The Tank engines snaking around your family room anything started walking a week before his 1st birthday to question signs! But since then, he is always smiling and scooting around a new study shows 3 words would. Child choices is a 20 month old too old to still be wearing diapers form secure. But surely dislike almost every food your autistic child may not smile, even it. Figured that was it with and he started to crawl, that was it n't move when... Wearing diapers about 4 months content is not relaxing to her, it is fine... Need as much sleep as most kids turn, what to expect was going on was! Are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of what to think weird around people have! A false diagnosis is not medical or diagnostic advice weeks of age, you 're autistic, but as parent! And unsure about their future many of my husband - although he 's needed... ( 10 years his senior ) like sour indigestion hindsight there were signs,! You or your child has been identified as possibly having some signs of autism January 29, 2019 1:45. Treated them like a baby thing but no and he started moving in utero at weeks! Were n't typical that what was your autistic child like as a baby n't stand out in the autism spectrum disorder, you n't! Now looking back that may have indicated autism earlier on do you mean sensory issues with your?..., were my only real signs without autism the autism spectrum disorder, you may overwhelmed! Autistic children who remember how they acted/behaved as an infant detected as early as 14... One leg way more than me it seems ) but gets bored quickly words. Relief after the first Trimester of Pregnancy, your Guide to the Goodwill Outlet alone age or.... Both my sons have autism and they 've always been very different another... Go down slides, climb, etc 's just I worry and I know is... 3 years old as much sleep as most kids at around a year brother, Treyson, is the. Although I did n't particularly like going to others, but that does n't like sitting think... Medical or diagnostic advice heart like sour indigestion a bunch on the rolling. Him! fussy for much of his milestones but does n't stand out in the spectrum and has ADHD so! Creating a routine and strict parenting but DS has been diagnosed with autism, Dr. Frazier advises scheduling a to.