Concerned Parents
If you are concerned about your child's communication, behaviour, or social development, it is important to act as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many doctors are not informed about autism. Trust your instinct. Please call the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre at 613-737-0871 ext 2293 to discuss your concerns with our Clinical Coordinator, Cecile Bisson.
Don't let your child retreat
12 to 18 months - toddlers
Having a toddler is so tiring that it's nice when your toddler happily plays on their own and you can have a moment to yourself.
However, at twelve to eighteen months of age, your toddler should be constantly interrupting you. They should be bringing toys to show you. They should be glancing at you when someone comes into the room or if there is a loud noise. They should be responding to their name and calling out for you with a simple 'mama' or 'dada'.
When you point at something, they should follow where you are pointing and they, too, should point when they want something such as a toy or food.
My personal experience was that this happened so gradually we didn't realize Alex was retreating.
Be aware if your toddler starts to respond less and less and start interrupting their play.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life: it is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.
Autism impacts the typical development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. They find it hard to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. (Autism Ontario)
The Vaccine Controversy
Many parents are worried that vaccines might be harming their children. One concern is that thimerosal (mercury) in the vaccine is causing autism. Thimerosal has been removed from many of the vaccines given in Canada.
Thimerosal-free influenza and hepatitis B vaccines have also become available in recent years in single dose preparations. You must request the thirmerosal-free vaccines prior to your doctor's visit. The new H1N1 vaccine is not thimerosal-free.
Children are receiving more vaccines today than ever before. Some pediatricians in the United States are recommending spacing out the vaccines and that no more than three vaccines be given at any one time. (Currently in Ontario, five vaccines are given at two months of age.)
If you are concerned, talk to your doctor about spacing out the vaccines for your child.
From the Public Health Agency of Canada:
Currently, in Canada, some multidose preparations of influenza or hepatitis B vaccines are the only thimerosal-containing products that might be offered to children as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Thimerosal-free influenza and hepatitis B vaccines have also become available in recent years. (Public Health Agency of Canada, December 2005)
For more information on vaccines go to the Public Health Agency of Canada www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/index-eng.php
