‘Oh that’s an early sign of autism’
We have a family friend with a child who has autism.
Whenever we visit them they make references to how our LO has similar behaviours to theirs when she was x age.
In my mind these behaviours are just signs of a curious, active baby but the repeated comments really make me get in my head.
After I often think…have I missed something, are these early signs of autism?
Behaviours my lo has;
intrigued by hair and pulling it in adults and other babies
Can get very hyperactive and jumps on adults in a playful way
interested in touching shiny jewellery
a wild child in comfortable settings and very reserved and quiet in new ones until she is comfortable
very expressive with her mouth with a huge open smile
Intrigued by light up toys in new houses (we have a mixture of Montessori style at home with some interactive toy)
Am I going crazy or should I look into things further
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This sounds like typical baby behaviour to me. I wouldn’t allow this person to get into your head.
Typically baby behaviour i would say.
I wouldn’t worry, sounds like my child to a T as well…
I would say brush off what this person has said, and enjoy your baby…if there are concerns later on then you may be more inclined to act on them but for now, most babies are like that and are just exploring the ways their bodies move, what they can/can’t do, learning new things (such as pushing buttons on toys, and seeing what things can do) as well as being their own little person x
sounds like normal behaviour, don't stress to much, it's just babies developing
Important to remember lots of autistic traits are very normal developmental behaviours for such young babies/ children x
Similar but different, my family has ADHD. Unless your baby isn't developing like they should or regressing, I wouldn't worry about it too much until they are a little older. It'll be too early to tell if they definitely have it or not.
Maybe make a note of any behaviours/signs and when they happen, just in case? (And if you're not worried in the future, it'll just be little reminders of your little bubs).
What I try to remember is everyone has these traits/symptoms, but when it hinders everyday 'normal' life for a person is when it's an issue. Eg. Being shy vs anxiety/inability to socialise normally around new people or making friends. Hard to explain without sounding ableist.
Mine does everything on this list too. He also does things people have commented on like shaking his head rapidly side to side sometimes & sometimes he will sit and push himself round in a circle. But apparently I did these things too when I was little & I am deffo not autistic.
I think a lot of these people mean well, but their autistic child doing certain behaviours doesn’t mean that they’re “autistic traits”. It just means that their child who happens to be autistic also did those standard baby behaviours too.
Who knows maybe Cooper is, but right now, it’s far too young to know & not every child who spins in a circle or shakes their head turns out to be autistic… Else like I said, I would be! Does that make sense?xx
Very normal baby stuff! If my babg wasn't doing them things I'd be worried!
Sounds normal to me
Don’t visit these friends anymore ….
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