Mirror Play - Autism worries..!

[Ljordan13]

I am a FTM to a just turned 5 month old boy. My DS used to smile and coo to himself in the mirror but in the past 2 weeks it is like he actively tries to avoid eye contact with the ‘other’ baby. We have tried mirror play when he’s not tired or hungry but I am now getting concerned that this is an early sign of autism.

Just seeing if there are any other mums on here who can provide some insight?

Does he smile and make eye contact with you and other people? It's really too early to be worrying about autism and whether he has it or not he needs love, security and face to face interaction either way at this age x

Thanks for responding.

Yes he does make eye contact and smile with myself and my boyfriend and other people. I am hoping he will get his vest for interacting with the other baby soon! The internet is just a dark place for autism red flags ☹️

Oh I wouldn't worry at all. He has literally no awareness that it's himself, that won't come until about 18 months, and he has literal interest in interacting with other kids, that'll come at about 2.5. So basically his dislike of the mirror is totally arbitrary and doesn't really mean anything. If he's otherwise developing well I wouldn't even think on it x

Hi, can I just ask how your LO is doing now?

My son is 16 months now and I have no major concerns with his development.

My anxiety at the time I posted was sky high and I wish I could rewind time and have enjoyed him more! Looking back now I was always seeing things worse than what they were and searching on forums like this for answers but ultimately it spiralled me… I dunno if you are feeling anxious too but my best bit of advice is something as small as mirror play will not be a deciding factor on developmental delays and just try to remember it’s a big picture!

xx