10 month baby showing symptoms of autism Please help what can I do?

Hi NAS81074,

You might want to have a look at the diagnosis section of our site for information on how autism in children is diagnosed. The section 'Pre-diagnosis for parents and carers' is here - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/pre-diagnosis/parents-and-carers - if you would like to learn more about the process, although doctors do not usually assess or diagnose ASD until 18-24 months or older. I would also recommend raising the issues you have mentioned with your GP or paediatrician and see what they say.

Hope this is of some help,
Ross - mod

Thanks for taking the time to respond. His motor skills are really good it s just his social and communication skills that are not as refined. His 9 month check was great nothing was a problem. However his feeding has now become a real issue and I am desperate for some support

Have you spoken to your health visitor he should be due a review very soon. It’s unlikely you will be able to get any referrals yet as most if not all of your list can be quite normal in 10 month olds, especially if there is teething and growth spurts and things going on. With my daughter things didn’t come more obvious  until she was about to start school because she was still showing behaviours that NT babies and toddlers usually grow out of. I understand that you want to do the best for him but it really is the truth that 10 months is too early for assessment. If he does have any specific areas flagged on the review questionnaire from the HV then you can help with those without needing a diagnosis. Eg. Certain toys if he is struggling with fine or gross motor skills. There are plenty of ways to help the really little ones become the best versions of themselves and manage their struggles without having to wait however long before they reach the age they can be assessed.

I left it too late with my boy and have always regretted it.

I think you should have a chat with the doctor, if only to get an intelligent explanation of why it's too soon to be worried. There are other developmental milestones they'll be able to look for while you're there.

It's very tempting for people to reassure someone in your position, but go by your own instincts, not theirs.

Thank you so much Dawn,

I am just so worried about him and want to give him the best possible start as I can. I am a first time mum with little support, my partner will not listen to me at all.

My baby was tensing up in water or when the hoover was on for about three weeks and clicking his fingers but that seems to have stopped now for about a week.

But it is the looking at objects from the corner of his eye that really worries me. When I google that it is autism. I just feel so upset as everyone keeps saying you need to wait and see, but I think I am loosing valuable time to help him.

Any advice would be so helpful.

I think at this stage, a GP would advise keeping a careful eye on his development.  It does sound as though there are some signs of normal social development; playing with other babies.  As for the speech, if he's babbling that's OK.  Most kids will give a first word around the year mark, so he's too young to draw conclusion yet.  There could, of course be physical issues around the eating and sleeping.  

I'd get him checked out to make sure there's not another explanation and then keep a careful diary just in case.  If he is autistic, early diagnosis is important but 10 months is very young to assess.  I'd monitor carefully at this point and then raise concerns early if other signs emerge or his development does not seem typical.