How to confirm ASD in a 10-month-old with albinism?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 10-month-old daughter has albinism and has been exhibiting behavior that I suspect may indicate ASD.

She does not consistently respond to her name.
She rocks back and forth when playing during the day.
She recently started hitting her head against objects, often at night.
She is not one to smile when smiled at, but will laugh hysterically when thrown in the air or during peekaboo and other games she enjoys.

However, she always smiles when mommy or daddy walks in the room, and notices and immediately cries when one of us leaves the room.

She makes eye contact and points with her index finger, and just yesterday started clapping. She started babbling around six months and continues to say words like mama, dada, and gogo. She is extremely curious and will follow a toy in the direction it falls, but gets bored with the same toy after a few days. She is walking a few steps already and sleeps very well.

I am concerned that she may have autism and scared that if she loses all the development, she will be made into regressive autism.

What are the chances that, with everything I have mentioned, there may be a risk of regressive autism?

Please help, I cannot stop thinking about this.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Some of the behaviors you mentioned, such as not consistently responding to her name, rocking back and forth, and hitting her head against objects, could be indicative of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is important to note that there is no known link between albinism and autism. However, both conditions can occur independently in the same individual.

Additionally, it is important to understand that not all children with ASD experience regression. Regression is not a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is recommended that you consult with your daughter's pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your concerns and explore any potential developmental delays.

Early intervention and therapy can be very effective in improving outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With the right support, your daughter can continue to make progress and achieve her full potential.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.