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Behaviour/development

worried about a 10 month baby- no imitation

25 replies

Lena83 · 10/08/2011 15:12

Hi,

I'm new here and I really need some advice from more experienced mums. My son is 10 months and although in many ways he is a great child, he is missing a number of important milestones, which point to ASD... To keep things short: perfect fine and gross motor development: sits, crawl, pulls up to standing, even can stand on his own for a bit and attempted first steps. Picks up small things, clumsily uses a spoon if he wants, can use a crayon if he wants, turns pages in a book etc. He is very social and very smiley- smiles loads and its very easy to make him laugh, he loves playing with us and loves being with us, always prefers to be at least in the same room, if not on our laps. We have a very good bond, we sleep together and he often cuddles to me at night etc. He responds to his name, not always, but most of the time he does. So emotionally- perfect. He also babbles, so thats good. But: 1. he doesn't imitate. I know that babies are supposed to imitate- sounds, gestures, facial expressions. He doesn't do that- he will reciprocate a smile, but that's all. 2. No back and forth exchange of gestures and very little initiative. He loves peekaboo, when I put a blanket on his or my head he will remove it and laugh, but he would never put a blanket on his or my head. He would never give me something- he would take something from me if he wanted it, but would never give it back. Often he looks as if he wanted something, especially when he wants me to pick him up, he also put his arms up then. But he doesn't clap, doesn't wave, blow kisses, point (I know it's early for this one) etc. etc. Whenever he feels I want him to do something he gets really angry, so maybe that's the reason, he hates being made to do something or restrained in any way. I don't know what to think, on one hand he seems to be such a great kid and on an emotional level I feel everything is fine, but then I read about those red flags and milestones he's missing and wonder... In any case, what can I do about it? I'm pretty sure that the GP will tell me to give him time, but everywhere you read that early intervention is important. So there are red flags, but you can't do anything about it?
Has anyone else had a baby who did not imitate and did not exchange gestures at this age?

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dycey · 10/08/2011 15:35

You know I honestly don't think my ds imitated either... He used to stick out his Tongue in response to mine when he was very tiny but stopped and now will imitate through speech (he is 2.6 years) and I caught him copying his baby sister yesterday. But he has never gone in for mirroring. And didn't as a baby.

Your baby sounds absolutely lovely. I wouldn't worry at all. Perhaps he is very bright and can't see the point in mirroring you ?

Maybe someone else will say something else but I think you do not need to worry at all.... But check with your health visitor (if you have a nice intelligent one and if you don't then please find someone else to talk to!)