What??? Autistic???

What??? Autistic??? I hope not! That was my first reaction when my husband told me that Gerald's speech therapist mentioned that he might have autism. I hope they did just come up something like that word because he is not formally talking yet. He had gone through a lot this year, and he is not out of it yet (MRSA need to deal with). Gerald Jay has this weird thing that he always do like staring up on the selling or moving his pupil towards the corner of his eyes, and his therapist thought that he might have the signs of autism. I can see that he has another appointment to look forward too grrrr. My husband has been troubled by that thought since he came back home from Gerald's therapy session today. So, I searched some information about autism online. I found some websites  that are very informative and read the sign and symptoms of early autism  just to comfort him.


Possible Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders ( About.com: Autism)

• Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age  ( GJ does meaningful gestures all the time)
• Does not speak one word by 16 months ( he had a higher social skill by six months)
  
• Does not combine two words by 2 years ( he doesn't do this often I agree but he copy what ever we say to him.)
  
• Does not respond to name ( This is my biggest concern because he does not respond when you call his name. Although, he knows that we are calling him ;( )
  
• Loses language or social skills ( he lose some language skills due to his heart surgery last Feb., but he has the best social skills [ at least that is what we saw from him])
  
• Poor eye contact ( he can stare at you actually)
• Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys ( He knows how to play toys and even figure out what to do with it or how it works)
  
• Excessively lines up toys or other objects ( he does line toys up like a train.  That is also the reason why I bought him the train and train tracks)
  
• Is attached to one particular toy or object ( No, he his not focusing on one particular toy, but he have favorites one. I think all kids do.)
  
• Doesn't smile ( He score higher point on this. As you can see his pictures)
  
• At times seems to be hearing impaired ( he can hear me when I yell )

I also look at the sign and symptoms of  Asperger Syndrome , and seems he only have couple signs that almost match. I
I don't think that he is autistic though, but whatever they recommend to get this issue strait  I will do it. It's just frustrating and sad.

Please give me your opinion or if you have a knowledge about autism. I will appreciate it! Thanks