Is 13 months too early to spot ASD?

[northwesternskies]

Hi all

Just as the thread title says really, my LO is 16 months old (but she was born at 28 weeks so is really only 13 months corrected) and I've been a bit concerned for a few months now to be honest. I'm not sure if it's just me being an extra anxious first time parent, particularly after all she's been through with being so premature but I'm also aware that premature babies have a higher likelihood of having ASD and so I'd like to make sure she gets all the help she needs if it is the case. My family are saying I'm being too paranoid and that she's fine but it would be good to hear others stories or opinions.

My concerns are based mainly on the fact that

• she doesn't look you in the eye when she's being held. She will look at you if she's lying down or sitting in front of you but not while in your arms.
• she constantly fidgets, even if she's just sitting on the floor, she will be opening and closing her hands. She also hand flaps and rocks back and forth in her high chair.
• she's been a bit delayed with her gross motor skills but doctors have said they aren't concerned because she's been meeting the minimum level of movement for her age. She has been cruising for about a month now but she does tend to do this on her tip toes and does the same when walking holding our hands.
• she only answers to her name when she isn't distracted. If she's playing with a toy then it can take a few attempts before she looks up.
• she isn't affectionate, she is happy to be held but turns away from kisses and wouldn't initiate cuddles or affection unless she wants you to help her walk around. She just basically always wants to be off playing rather than being cuddled.

Having said all of the above, she is the smiliest, happiest baby you've ever seen. Everyone comments on it. She seeks out interaction from strangers when we are out and about by staring at them until they look at her and she will then smile at them. She is very interested in other people and what they're doing around her. She loves peekaboo and laughing. She can clap and wave (however only when she feels like it). She points but only really to show she wants something rather than pointing out something of interest. She has recently started to show us toys that she's playing with. She has about 3 meaningful words but again only says them when she feels like it. In general, she's good with food and a good sleeper.

Do any of my concerns ring any bells with any of you with children on the spectrum?

I can understand your concerns but it doesn’t ring any major alarm bells. I would just keep a track of things, but definitely don’t get hung up on it. Besides, diagnosis doesn’t make much difference in my experience.

I picked up on our child’s autism early, and we were referred at 18 months (17 months corrected). Diagnosis of autistic the week they turned 2.

Keep a track of things (don’t obsess) and make sure you get your 2 year review in person. As your daughter is premature you should be able to access the Neonatal Paediatrician until they are 2 (although in our area they extend that to 3 if you visit them before they turn 2). If you remain concerned you can also generally access autism charities pre-diagnosis, and they may be able to direct you to services like sensory rooms etc that can help all children with their development, not just autistic children.

I hope that makes sense!