Lack of eye contact at 2 months; problem? | Autism PDD

I didn't actually realize Early Intervention could be consulted that early. The lists at this link include contact information for Early Intervention in each state.

http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm

Again, good luck with everything.

I agree with hmschool mom. I do think it's a reason to worry about ASD. Babies usually stare at you, smile, react. I'd bring it up to the pediatrician and show him. He can try to make eye contact and see what he thinks. My son had early intervention from infancy on and it really helped. The earlier, the better. Even if you can't get a dx. so early, you can get infant interventions. I think you have excellent instincts. Cole started services at around 4 months, adjusted age, so YES. If there is a reason or high risk, they will do it. I guess I am in the minority in that I do not think very little eye contact at 8 weeks is normal. I would be very concerned about that, as you are. Not smiling spontaneously at your sons age is something that I think is ok though, as that seems to take until about age 3 mo. to develop well. Babies are "hard wired" to seek out human faces even from birth, so the fact that he prefers almost everything BUT faces is concerning. I definately do share your concern even if he is only 8 weeks old. Just because he is so young does not mean he cant have the red flags for Autism, it just means he cant be officially diagnosed. Please call your states early intervention and have them do an assesment soon. If you cant find the number in the local phone book, call any local elementary school and they will have the number. PLEASE keep us posted and I really hope all is well

However, as Norway Mom mentioned, social smiling is not usually seen for another month and those antibiotics may have messed with your babe's tummy.

I would probably watch him relative to the various developmental checklists- just to make yourself feel like you are being vigilant and help you sleep well - but NOT mention it to extended family members. For those of us who definitely have kids on the spectrum, probably all of us have stories of well intentioned family poo-poohing our early concerns. You don't need family drama to add any burden you are feeling. Besides, he could just be a busy body and be curious about the things he sees in the room.

However, because he was so early, we watched Cole like a hawk. I saw in my own infant son what it sounds like you are talking about. He did socially smile at us, but when I fed him, he was often more interested in the valances over his windows than me. I tried to attribute it to REALLY cool valances, but did bring it up to a developmental screener (who poo-poohed me).

Statistically speaking, your son is probably fine! But autism does occur, and you are a good parent just to be on the lookout for anything unusual. That vigilance goes a HUGE way into helping any child, but particularly a child that does happen to fall on the spectrum,navigate his way very well through life. YOU are the best thing going on for your kid!

Good luck and touch base back with us to let us know how you're doing. Wishing you the best!

I think it's great that you are trying to be so aware of what is going on with your son. However, as others have said - it is too early to tell if any of these things that you mention are signs of autism.

I would encourage you to keep a close eye on him, but please don't forget to enjoy your baby. You will never get this time back and you don't want to remember it only being a time of worry for you. Play with your baby as much as you can - read to him (we started reading to both kids in utero and even as a newborn - they can't really focus on the book at first, but both did around 4 months or so) and just enjoy him.

Welcome to the forum - if you continue to see signs that concern you, don't hesitate to come ask questions!

That is a bit too early to worry. My 4 month old wasn't so interested at 2 months either and now she won't take her eyes off us.

If as time progresses if other things seem off then maybe get an evaluation, {hugs}

Hello all - we have an otherwise healthy 2-month baby boy who (based on what we've read and others we have spoken to) has atypical social behavior. He very rarely makes eye contact with either parent and seems to prefer staring at walls/windows/ceiling fans rather than people. He doesn't seem to recognize when a parent enters or leaves the room.

He occasionally smiles, but it's usually a spontaneous smile and he does not often return a social smile. He rarely responds to speech, and does not seem to notice or track toys/rattles/objects that we dangle in front of him (with the exception of a musical mobile, which he enjoys and observes intently).

A quick history: he was born one week late and spent one week in intensive care receiving antibiotics for a possible infection. Otherwise, he seems healthy so far in the 25% percentile of growth charts. His hearing/eyesight appear to be normal.

He's very fussy but from what I've heard that doesn't mean much. We are most concerned about the lack of eye contact or acknowledgement of parents/other people. Everything we've read indicates this tends to be one of the early red flags for ASD, and infants should be making significant eye contact almost from birth.

Any thoughts/experiences on this? Are we crazy to be concerned with an infant this young?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

2 months is way too early to correctly identify any developmental delays. My
advice is do not worry. Continue to track his early development (like all
parents should) and keep a "baby book" noting both accomplishments and
idiosyncratic behavior. If he starts missing major milestones as he develops
into a toddler, then call early intervention in your area to come to your
house for a developmental evaluation.

I think it's too early to worry. enjoy your baby.

Forgot to include this sensory checklist:

http://www.sinetwork.org/aboutspd/prof-siobsguide.pdf - The Sensory Integration Observation Guide, Level 1 (0 to 12 months)

Welcome to the forum. It's no fun to go around worrying about your child's development, no matter what age the child is. According to the CDC/American Academy of Pediatrics, your child should be smiling at people by 3 months, so you have a little time.

For your own peace of mind, you might want to talk to the pediatrician and ask for help in monitoring your child's development -- for an example an extra well-child visit or two.

It might also help your peace of mind to have a comprehensive series of milestones to refer to. The CDC/American Academy of Pediatrics lists are best, in my opinion. Here's a link to the 3 month list of milestones and red flags:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly/milestones_3months .html

His fussiness could be connected with the antibiotics affecting the bacteria flora in his digestive system, and you should talk to the pediatrician about that if you haven't already.

It could also be sensory issues. We all have sensory issues -- noises we can't stand, food consistencies we hate, etc -- but some people have stronger sensory issues than others, that can affect daily functioning. Here's a checklist for infants/toddlers:

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/SPD-symptom-check list-for-infants-and-toddlers.html

Good luck with everything.