my son is shaking his head

[ERICAK]

I have a boy 6 months old and about 15 days ago begun a habit of shaking his head from side to side. Is this a sign of autism? My peadiatritian said that it is because he will have teeth soon. Is that true?

He is diagnosed with profound hearing loss and we have done some neurological tests and he is fine. We still have the MRI of the brain to do.

[Sally44]

Children with autism can show repetitive behaviours which can be anything really.  But firstly you have to check for things like an ear infection.  If you paediatrician says it could be associated with new teeth, then I would wait and see if it subsides.
You say he had profound hearing loss.  I do know that children who are deaf or who have hearing problems do show some similar characteristics to autism especially around speech and social interaction.  But those with the hearing problems grow out of it.  That is why many professionals involved with autistic children suspect that in some way they are 'deaf' - and as they also share characteristics with blind children - in some way 'blind'.  They suspect this may be down to the processing of sensory information.  Anyway, for a diagnosis of being on the spectrum a child has to have difficulties in three main areas and they have to have enough characteristics in each area.  To see the diagnostic criteria you can google DSM IV for Autism and also Aspergers.  But when there is a language delay or disorder this rules out Aspergers.
Your son is only 6 months old, and after the hearing loss you are probably hyper aware of everything.  But you are right to question behaviours.  Just keep an eye (and keep a note) of anything you think is unusual and always get answers from the professionals involved.  He may have language delays or difficulties due to hearing loss - only time will tell with that.  If he is showing difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behaviours, problems with change and transitions, very emotional tantrums etc at the age of 2+, then you can ask your paediatrician for a referal to a team who have experience in diagnosing autistic spectrum disorders.  Of course you can discuss any concerns you have prior to that.  You can also google 'hearing loss and autism' 'deafisms (and blindisms) and autism' etc to see the similar characteristics both children (hearing loss and autistic spectrum) can display when younger.

[jf34]

I've never heard of this being a sign of Autism. When I first read the title I was going to say maybe is something going on with his ears. I know when their ears are hurting or there is something going on they can shake their heads. Only thing I know of with Autism is they will slam their head on the floor, walls, etc. Mine started this at 18 months and stopped a few months later and now at 8 years of age is starting again. He has been diagnosed with Apergers in 2006.