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Original poster

Poor eye contact 10 months

18 replies

BabyRCovidBaby2020 · 31/01/2021 22:09

Hi,
My son is 10 months old and doesn't look at me during play and doesn't look really seek out eye contact. He will.do some.shared play like ball rolling and peek a boo but doesn't seem interested me at other times. I don't know whether this is a lockdown issue or developmental.issue.
Any thoughts or positive experiences.

OP posts:
Flattenthecurve · 31/01/2021 22:40

Hey hopefully a more experienced mum will be able to help but didn't want to read and run. Could be many things - he's still very little, because he's young it might just be a case of waiting it out, other things I can think of, is maybe he needs more time to process eye contact (some babies find it more stimulating than others), it could be an eyesight thing (just a suggestion?). He should be having a developmental review with your HV soon, if it's your gut feeling that you want someone to assess things then just call them. Hope that makes some sense? Maybe try gentle games at different times to see if he is more engaged at different times of day (post nap, after snack etc?) Hth xx

StillMedusa · 31/01/2021 23:45

Get his eyesight checked!
My DS2 didn't make eye contact..he sort of stared past us.. and didn't smile until VERY VERY late... it turned out he did have developmental issues... but also he needed glasses! He got his first pair at 6 months and his social interaction improved afterwards once he could see clearly. (yes they can test babies.. DS2 was checked under sedation.. no idea what they did but he was prescribed strong glasses afterwards!)

DS2 also has autism.. but from a non interactive baby and toddler he became the most loving, gorgeous boy who has done brilliantly and is loving, chatty and fab within the limits of his autism.

ttrrii · 18/09/2021 21:29

@BabyRCovidBaby2020
How is your baby doing now?

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Original poster
BabyRCovidBaby2020 · 18/09/2021 22:01

Hi
He is 18 months now and is doing well actually, social interaction much improved hes a bit quirky, definitely has some sensory issues and socially shy. I'm thinking it's just his personality but you never know, however I am not obsessing as much.and trying to enjoy my son.

OP posts:
ttrrii · 18/09/2021 22:22

@BabyRCovidBaby2020
Thank you for answering! So Glad to hear! Is he pointing also?

Original poster
BabyRCovidBaby2020 · 18/09/2021 22:29

Yes he is pointing and started using words, he is slightly obsessed with cars but other areas have developed so trying not to fixate on things.

OP posts:
ttrrii · 19/09/2021 04:42

@BabyRCovidBaby2020
How lovely! Would you mind telling me more about his development at 10 months and after? My DS is 10 months also and eye contact is so so, ots great from distance, but when i held him facing forwards me - its rubbish. He also does not like to be cuddled 😵‍💫. Does not babble or sit neither, but responds to name almost every time.

PileOfBooks · 19/09/2021 04:43

Did you get an eye test ?

Original poster
BabyRCovidBaby2020 · 19/09/2021 08:11

No I did not get an eye test, I could tell his vision was fine It was more about interaction as he was able to spot objects and follow etc short and long distance.

It's a bit of blur to be honest now but I used signing to reinforce language even from young so he picked that up and then started to gradually babble more and last 2 months really start coping words and using words instead of signs.
He wasn't as interested in songs as much as other children his age but also I felt I was pressuring the situation with my expectations so was affecting our relationship and I think he could sense that. I had to just step back and enjoy him, however I did this with some professional support. I also made sure I was describing all play as advised by a speech and language therapist.

If you are worried and can afford it go private for some advice and reassurance. Or I went via a local charity as knew the NHS would not see him.

OP posts:
Original poster
BabyRCovidBaby2020 · 19/09/2021 08:13

He didn't like cuddling but is affectionate now, I found this really hard at the time like you say.
He was also very physical and met those milestones early.
Does he do tummy time?

OP posts:
ttrrii · 19/09/2021 10:57

@BabyRCovidBaby2020
He is hypermobile, so everything physical is rather hard for him. He is getting to crawling posititon, but cant move forwards yet, only commando crawling.
When did you start signing? I think my DS wouldnt “get it” if you understand what i mean.
You said that your son is socially shy. How does your son act around strangers? Mine smiles to anyone who comes to visit, but then quicly turns his head away to avoid eye contact. But it the person is not looking at him, he will stare and look everything that he is doing. After 30-40 minutes he will engage more. He does look at me when i play with him or when somebody else is playing with him, but not like for long enough period so i can teach him something. He also does not follow my point or gaze either. When did your son started doing that?

Mas05 · 12/04/2022 08:48

@ttrrii hi any updates on your son? TIA

Melodymama12 · 13/06/2023 13:21

I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you had an update. My son doesn’t make a lot of eye contact and it’s really concerning me. Thanks!

Chzm · 20/05/2024 12:55

Melodymama12 · 13/06/2023 13:21

I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you had an update. My son doesn’t make a lot of eye contact and it’s really concerning me. Thanks!

Hey, I’m presuming you had the same concerns so asked the OP for an update. Can I get an update from you please, how is your son now? Thank you

Chzm · 20/05/2024 12:56

ttrrii · 19/09/2021 10:57

@BabyRCovidBaby2020
He is hypermobile, so everything physical is rather hard for him. He is getting to crawling posititon, but cant move forwards yet, only commando crawling.
When did you start signing? I think my DS wouldnt “get it” if you understand what i mean.
You said that your son is socially shy. How does your son act around strangers? Mine smiles to anyone who comes to visit, but then quicly turns his head away to avoid eye contact. But it the person is not looking at him, he will stare and look everything that he is doing. After 30-40 minutes he will engage more. He does look at me when i play with him or when somebody else is playing with him, but not like for long enough period so i can teach him something. He also does not follow my point or gaze either. When did your son started doing that?

Hey any updates please? Would appreciate it x

Chzm · 20/05/2024 12:57

BabyRCovidBaby2020 · 31/01/2021 22:09

Hi,
My son is 10 months old and doesn't look at me during play and doesn't look really seek out eye contact. He will.do some.shared play like ball rolling and peek a boo but doesn't seem interested me at other times. I don't know whether this is a lockdown issue or developmental.issue.
Any thoughts or positive experiences.

Hey could I get an update on your baby now? How is he please? I have the same concerns thank you x

Mumof3bb1 · 28/06/2024 07:47

Hey, was just looking for an update?

Mumof3bb1 · 08/07/2024 08:56

Hi @BabyRCovidBaby2020
@Chzm
any updates please?

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