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I have been to a handlful of docs and therapist in my attempt to find out why Noah doesnt like to eat. It has been mentioned atleast 3 times by 3 different professionals (one OT and two docs) that often times children with autism have eating problems. I was even asked during one of my appts last week, if I think Noah might have autism. My mouth hit the floor, and my husband piped up and playfully scolded the doc for even mentioning such a thing to a mother who already worries too much. I dont understand why this topic has been brought up on several occassions, and by people who have only been around Noah for a couple of minutes. He is a typical baby in my opinion. He’s very good natured, rarely cries, loves to smile and laugh and loves to be held. He responds to his name, and pays attention to his surrounding environment. His only issue is lack of interest in eating. So why are these people planting seeds in my head that autism is always a possibility when babies have eating problems? As if I need something else to worry about!!
Oh good grief!
I’ve never heard of an eating problem and autism connection. I agree with Lynn, it’s usually verbal skills and a lack of socialization. That is so absurd! Sometimes I think when doctors don’t know (as is frequently the case when babies won’t eat) they throw things out there that “could be”. He probably just doesn’t know what else to offer and doesn’t want to say that he doesn’t know what’s wrong. I think it’s hard for a doctor to admit that. debit342006-2-20 11:54:47I think it is totally unprofessional for a doctor to say that (“do you think he could be autistic?”), especially about a 10 month old. And run away from any non-MD (such as an OT,PT, or speech therapist) who suggests something like that to you. They are absolutely NOT in a position to make a diagnosis like that, despite the “I’ve worked with a lot of kids” routine. If anyone – MD, therapist, teacher, whomever – is concerned about something, they should refer you to the PROPER professionals for help, not scare the you-know-what out of you. Noah sounds like a typical, happy, well-bonded baby with a small appetite! Ggrrh
!Lisa, I hate to say that I’ve had the same thing asked of me regarding Hailey. In addition, I’ve also been asked if I think that she might be developmentally delayed (that one from the psychiatrist) and same from an early intervention worker. I assumed that they were bringing this up because there’s a higher occurence of feeding problems especially oral-motor issues and oral defensiveness in children with developmental disabilities- but the important thing to remember is that there are also many normal children who also have these problems. I too find that I am now stressed out by these comments, but I have really tried to ignore them. In Noah’s case, he sounds like a typical little one, so I would try not to worry. It really makes me so mad when they start throwing all of these comments out there without any basis for them, and they forget that we are people with emotions, and with enough things to worry about already!
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