In a message dated 7/15/02 8:48:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< He is
still
going strong at the breast at 13 months. He has always been pretty
grumpy
and anti-social. He never really did the sing-songy cooing, toe
grabbing, or
easy laughing. He has gained well, is obviously very bright but it
seems
like there is a missing link. It has been a very strange case and I
wonder
what the future will tell us. Any LC's had a similar experience? His
was a
very normal pregnancy, very healthy mom and dad and a wonderful
homebirth."
I wonder about autism. You might not want to mention that outright to
the parents initially, but perhaps you could suggest to them that while
this may just be that babies personality, it isn't the way babies
usually act and they might want to consider having him evaluated
further. >>
I have to agree that this child may warrant an evaluation...speaking as a
mother of a child with mild autism...and it does bear mentioning that it
might just be the child's personality, as Winnie said.
Most of the first signs I noticed something was amiss where related to
breastfeeding. He had trouble learning to nurse, coordinating swallow, suck
and breathe. He didn't nurse for comfort, only for hunger. Didn't cry much
unless he was hungry. Also he hated me throwing a blanket over us while we
nursed. (Didn't like the feeling of the blanket on his face, many autism
spectrum kids have sensory sensitivities). He also was a slow
gainer...although he is still a very slim child at six. He also was very
much a self scheduler...didnt' take much time for him to settle into a
feeding routine that he didnt' like varied. We nursed till 15 months...at
that time my job hours changed, and I was at work for the only two feedings
he had left. I couldn't interest him in feeding at other times, and weaning
happened. (Since then, I've gone the IBCLC route, and I think if I knew then
what I know now, we might have nursed longer)
I've often thought that since many autistic kids have early difficulties
breastfeeding, that Lactation folks may be among the first to suspect an
autism disorder. Autism isn't usually diagnosed until the age of 2-3, when
the child's speech doesn't develop normally, but the earlier the intervention
the better the outcome for the child.
June Eastman, IBCLC
PS. Does anyone know how I can change the name that appears behind my email
on LACNET posts? I"ve had a name change,and my former name is still there.
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