To suspect autism at 7 months old?

[NeurodiverseFamily]

My DS has just turned 7 months. He's not able to sit independently and seems a long way off from doing so. Any attempt to sit him results in him tumbling over straight away.

He isn't babbling like most babies do by this age, he'll make the odd encouraging sound like 'mmm' but his main form of vocalisation is shrieking (whether happy, sad etc)

When he's in his bouncer chair he does alot of rocking back and forth, that's probably just him enjoying the bouncing motion although I remember my oldest DS (now diagnosed with severe autism) doing the same.

He does make eye contact from a distance, say when hes on the floor or in his chair, but when picked up his natural reaction is to look away from your face.

Hes a very smiley baby though and loves engaging with us.

We suspect DH of being on the spectrum although he isn't diagnosed, my DSS (from his previous marriage) is suspected of having it too and is currently being assessed for ASD and dyspraxia.

With such a strong familial link I can't help but be hyper aware of these potential developmental delays and what that could mean for baby. Life has been incredibly hard for my other DS and I feel so sad that baby DS might have it all to come.

Genetic link aside - would any of what I've written concern you in a baby of 7 months or do you think he's not particularly delayed?

I know early intervention is key but I don't want to be laughed out of the building if I raise it with the HV at this stage.

Any and all input welcome.

As a parent of an autistic child no none of that would concern me much
Wait until your 12 month check up with the questionnaires and you'll be able to see if he's behind developmentally
However he's still so young
I wouldn't spend your time worrying about this, if as he grows you notice more and more then mention it to your health visitor
But enjoy your baby op they grow so fast! 🙂

I do think it is too early to tell. However, I can see where you are coming from. Remember, thorough he is an individual so will probably be very different to your other DS even if also autistic.

If all his siblings are autistic or on the pathway and you are worried I’d ask for referrals.

Nothing would worry me, but now you've mentioned the very significant family history I would be a bit more vigilant. In saying that, I don't think any team would see you at this stage, it's far too early.

I have an autistic 1st born and with my 2nd pregnancy I discussed it with my midwife and the health visitor. The HV came round for additional assessments for my 2nd son so they would pick anything up earlier - speak to your HV, hopefully they will understand your concerns and do extra reviews to reassure you.

I think with your family history you're always going to be more aware or attuned to tiny little things. Not to say that any of it is autism, it sounds within the range of normal baby behaviour, but I think it's entirely natural you are hyper-vigilant to signs.

Without that context, though, I don't think any of it sounds worrisome or overly unusual for a baby of that age.

He could be... But my understanding is nothing is diagnosed till after 2 anyway. I would just focus on learning about his behaviour, there may be communication challenges so read up on them... Really it's a time for education as early support (in my experience) is pretty basic.

Thank you for the replies and not writing me off as neurotic!

Eldest DS was around this age when he first started showing signs. He would stim, shake his head side to side. At the time I knew nothing about autism but now with the knowledge I have I can see that the signs were there.

I think waiting until the 12 month review is a good idea, that's probably what any HV would suggest anyway.

I do enjoy every second with him though, he's such a wonderful little boy and always so happy to see/be with us. Autism wouldn't change my love for him, I'd just like to be able to support him as best I can.

Good point raised above that even if he is autistic he's likely to be different to our eldest DSS so perhaps wouldn't struggle quite so much. I need to remind myself that autism doesn't automatically mean non verbal, learning disabilities etc.

My first concerns for ds are recorded in his red book at six weeks old. I didn't know what was wrong but I knew there was something as he was so unlike his siblings had been.
For dd (born when ds was 8 and had been dx at 2 and a half) I suspected when she was four months, knew when she was eight months and she was referred for assessment at thirteen months and subsequently dx'd the week of her second birthday.
My GP was great, didn't consider me neurotic, so try speaking with yours. IME an already dx'd sibling seemed to ease the path for assessment next time around.

We have a strong family link with autism too on my exH side - all the males in his family have some form of formal ASD diagnosis and quite a few of the females are displaying traits too but they are as yet undiagnosed. I suspected differences with DS very early on compared to other boys his age, bearing in mind his dad's diagnosis and needs, but was consistently dismissed by HV and GP. Tried to tell me I was just an anxious mum, don't compare, he'll meet milestones in his own time etc. He had so many issues I honestly can't remember them all now, but definitely the sitting up really late, crawling late, shrieking vs babbling, very obvious sensory problems, delayed potty training and so on. I'm not a professional at all but in your place I'd be keeping an eye on it all too, as you are doing, and keep on flagging it up. I mentioned my concerns at the 12 month and then 2 year checks, but was basically laughed at by the HV just as you fear. After years of me trying to get him help he finally got a proper diagnosis age 6. Even then the school and GP wouldn't consider it so had to use savings to go private, though the GP was slightly more interested in doing a referral once I raised the family links. You might have more success as you do have the experience with your other DC. I hope you get somewhere with it, it's very difficult when you have a feeling about your baby but people aren't listening.

You might be right - but (I mean this in the kindest way) so what? There’s nothing to be done at this age if he is, and makes no difference if he isn’t. best wishes.

None of that would concern me but it's hard not to fret about these milestones. My son didn't sit till 7.5 months. We got one of those blow up rings whuch really helped, he could wobble about in it and strengthen his muscles. Then he just sat and showed no interest in crawling or walking....he did both in the same week aged 13 months. My daughter was quicker but a slow talker. I think they just work on different skills at different times.

@NeurodiverseFamily Hi. How is your son doing now?

I think the best thing to do is get the diagnosis but honestly it doesnt seem too bad. Babies usually cannot sit still, they like to play around with everything.