my 2 year old

i want to know if my son has autisim  i took him to our local doctor and he said he does have early signs of autisim he tends to play by him self in stead of interacting with his siblings and he has been hitting his head and rocking since he came home from nicu he does not always hear me when i talk to him and i have to get loud for a response or go to him  is autisim the only posible diagnosis or could he grow out of these is this normal also if something comes on tv he can stare  for hours with no response if you get in his way he screams and hits and bites im just concerened about my son i dont have alot of money or help so ansewers is what i need right now i cannot afford to go to doctors thank ypou for your time

Rebecca Johns

[William L. Holcomb, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

If your local doctor felt your son had early signs of autism, then I strongly recommend you try to find a clinic that specializes in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) for further assessment.  I do not know what country you live in, but you should look for any government-supported services that may be available.  In the United States any child referred by a doctor due concerns about developmental disabilities will be see by the local early intervention program (EIP) in their area for little or no cost.  

The behaviors you are describing may be the early signs of ASD, particularly if your child’s pediatrician has ruled out other factors (e.g., hearing problems).  Below are several websites with information about autism spectrum disorders (both specific to early identification and infomration regarding the best treatment for ASDs).  You may find it helpful to review these sites to see if you think you need to take your son in for further assessment.  If you think that your son is on the spectrum, then it is important to get help as soon as possible.  Again, I would look to your local governmental agencies (medical, educational, child welfare) to see if there are any services you can take advantage of.  


About.com Pediatrics
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/weeklyquestion/a/04_signs_autism.htm
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/Autism.cfm
First Signs
http://www.firstsigns.org/
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
http://www.behavior.org/