The Adventures of Baby Arthur

by Lincoln

During our last visit to Dr. Frenchy, he saw it fit to screen Arthur, now 19 months, for some early signs of autism. Liz was handed a fancy touch tablet that asked her a series of questions. While Arthur was happily fiddling with some toys on the floor, Liz was asked questions like:

• Does he respond when you call his name? (Usually, Though it sometimes requires high pitched squealing.)
• Does he make eye contact? (In addition to the head butting)
• Does he look in the direction of what you point to? (Only when he wants to!)
• Does he try involve you with his activities? (This kid will not do without a playmate, like ever... Liz is at his beck and call.)
• Does he point to things and try to get your attention? (Happily with a "ooh!")
• Does he wander aimlessly without purpose? (I don't think so, as evidenced by the sudden rash of dissapearing remote controls!)
• Can he point to his own body parts? (Proudly! Size doesn't matter!)
• Does he babble? (If we only knew what is running through his mind...)
• Does he follow objects? (Hide his blankie at your own peril!)

Happily, the results of the quiz were positive. Thankfully, Liz and I have never had any reason to fret about autism either. Dr. Frenchy normally asks us general questions about Arthur's progress during every appointment and i'm sure he's been looking for signs of it for quite some time.

Here are additional resources on signs of autism and some more information on tests for autism.

Labels: health