Autistic behavior???

I have a 2 1/2 yr old with a speech delay (but progressing everyday ;one month ago vocab of 20 words now vocab of 100 words),likes to play with his hands(waves 1 hand alot while laughing/babbling and counts numbers on fingers), likes to be around kids (runs around with them BUT not interactive play), lovable (gives kisses and hugs),makes eye contact when spoken to, prone to tantrums lately (esp. when we don't understand him, when holding new sibling, and at times for no reason).I've talked to the pediatrician who is not concerned.  Says he will develop at his own speed.  The lack of language (yes, we are in speech therapy), the odd hand gestures, and the tantrums concern me.  Do I need to be??

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

No, there's no need for concern. None of the characteristics you describe suggest any problem along the autistis spectrum. In fact, aside from the language delay (which is getting better in a steady way), the other characteristics do not warrant any concern.

[k6271]

Autism is very underdiagnosed by pediatricians.  The best way to know for sure is to have your child evaluated by a specialist in the field of autism because the main thing to remember about the disorder is that EARLY INTERVENTION is the key.  Good Luck!

[tricky2]

I was just wondering how your child is doing now.  My son has similarities to yours - see my question posted on 4/20/05.  His speech is improving daily but he has trouble with yes/no questions.  He has also been having some temper tantrums lately.  He loves other kids but mostly plays beside them.  We recently joined an organized playgroup with instructors and he has frustration doing what they want - wants to do his own thing.  I think a lot of his new tantrums at home are because I keep asking lots of questions and trying to get him to do things with me.  I am trying to back off and let him be more b/c I seem to be making things worse.  He seemed happier before I started trying to jumpstart things for him.