IS MY SON AUTISTIC?

I HAVE A 35 MONTH OLD SON. HE ACHEIVED ALL HIS MILESTONES ON TIME EXCEPT SPEECH. HE SAYA A FEW WORDS,REPEATES WORDS BUT IS UNABLE TO TALK IN SENTENCES. AT TIMES HE DOES NOT PAY ATTENTION TO HIS NAME BEING CALLED. LIKES TO SIT ON HIS OWN AND FLIP THROUGH A BOOK. HE LIKES OTHER KIDS AND LOVES MEETING PEOPLE. HE IS O.K WITH TOUCH. IS HE AUTISTIC OR IS THERE JUST A SPEECH DELAY?

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

Diagnosis requires an in-person assessment by a qualified professional, and I would recommend that you have your son evaluated. As you may know, autism is characterized by delays in language and social development as well as the presence of repetitive behavior. It sounds like your concerns are primarily in the area of language development. For all developmental delays, it is important to intervene early. Your pediatrican should be able to direct you toward some local resources for assessment.