I care for an 18 month old that i think is Autistic

This is a tough one. Perhaps you could keep a list of the things that he does that you notice? There are developmental milestones that should be reached by certain ages, if he's not meeting them, maybe you could gently point that out to the parents.

Good luck.

Diagnose them at birth!

Don't say a word, if you want to keep your job. People always shoot (blame) the messenger. It won't end well for you. CARE for yourself above ALL others.

Symptoms i have noticed, Not walking at 18 months, which i know is sometimes normal.turns his head in wierd ways. Makes funny faces when he makes eye contact.is amazed at how his fingers work.One woed vocabulary.never smiles.

I have cared for a lot of babies his age, and kind of get a sence that something isn't right.

well if he is not autistic he is definitely retarded.

it's a tough call. i'm a nanny and i know parents who would both appreciate your concern or fire you for "omg how dare you my child is perfect". you could probably gauge best how she would react. as an early childhood education student, it sounds like this child should be assessed by a professional as soon as possible.

everybody's a doctor today thanks to web md

well she is a childcare provider noticing slowed development in a child, and is showing concern. not the worst thing.

I am certain that the child's mother is having her own nagging thoughts about her son, even if she has not acknowledged them yet. Many children are not diagnosed before the age of three or four, and treatment begins then. If you have any doubts about how she would handle your opinion, then don't give it in this situation. Just do the best you can for the little one.

Prolly from VAX STABS.

Needs to be detoxed Immediately and given super nutritious foods and vitamins to help repair brain and nerve damage. Only Spring or filtered water (no fluoride, chlorine..)

No Chemicalized anything!

True, she's only observant of the typical actions of a child his age. I would be more concerned, if the child does not try to interact with other children during playtime.

When I think back, I see now that all the signs were there with my son. My son didn't 'baby' talk. He started talking at the age of 2 in complete sentences.

You don't and you would be smart to never mention it. This will bite you in the ass before the words even leave your mouth. They wont want to see it and will immediately turn on you.

Not saying it's right but when it comes to personal matters like this it's better to avoid them. My old man once told his best friend that his fiance was cheating on him, 5 years later he caught her cheating and to this day my father and his friend still don't talk. This friendship was since they were kids and one moment of stupidity ruined their friendship forever.

Maybe it is you, that's why the little guy doesn't smile.
Something is wrong with you.

NOT possible!

I have been teaching him new things, Hopefully I can help him. I just really have a hard time not saying something. I want this little guy to get help, if I'm right. I have not search to extensivly on the symptoms as of yet. Thank- you everyone for your help.

OP, I would wait a little longer. If he's not doing what a typical 2 yr old is doing soon, then..."Speaking from your own experience..."

It still might piss them off.

Are there other children besides him?

I seriously doubt that you are more aware of the child mental health then the parents are. do you have children?

How would you know! If this is the first child for the parents, they will not know what typical behavior is!

Does the child avoid eye contact and have flat affect - very little expression, not easy to get them to laugh or smile like regular infants might? Is the child behind on any other benchmarks, such as motor skills, verbalizing? I'd mention toilet habits being behind but at 18 months that doesn't really apply.

At 18 months they get the 3rd round of shots...

This is exactly what happened to me with my first child - exactly - I had no clue, I just noticed as he became a toddler he was different from other kids, but he had a higher functioning form of autism that was a bit harder to define at that age back in those days. I'd see other people with normal little boys and was baffled at how they could get them to sit or make physical contact, etc. His father and I had to take turns in the parking lot when we went out to eat - one of us chased him around while the other got to eat - you could not confine him in any space without him just bouncing off the walls - and the worst were those little doctors exam rooms at the pediatrician - he is still like that to this day at almost 18 - cannot be confined in one place for too long unless you really occupy or distract him well. He was misdiagnosed with ADHD from ages 6 - 12, which only did more harm than good, poor kid. It is SUCH a relief when you get a correct diagnosis because you can help them SO much more, get proper support for the parents/family, get proper educational assistance for them, and more understanding and less criticism for their different behavior which is neurological, not just being "naughty"

Because I work with children of all ages,a parent myself and familiar with child care givers just like OP.

Have you noticed a sudden decline? Of course you should mention it to the parents if so.

or..

Mention you notice a possible developmental problem, and you just want to check with them for any special needs instructions if need be, or what their thoughts are on the issue.

Phrase it as genuine concern, and it shouldn't come off as insulting.

If they are insulted, you might ask them to find another care taker. It sounds like they are already hyper critical and search for evidence, not trusting a report.


Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys

[link to www.autismspeaks.org]

can I ask you a personal question OP?

WHY is your screen name lou la belle? who is lou la belle, what does it mean? do you know someone by that name?

Thread: I am an 18 month old that i thinks my babysitter is a babytard

Early intervention is the key.
I was a pre-school teacher for 13 years, the 2 and 3 year old group. We noticed problems, we would ease into the problem w/ the parents, not attack.
Most of them had a feeling. If the child would run all day...we would say , energetic little guy huh? and so on.
ease into an early intervention evaluation.
Are there any ways you can mention things in little ways ?
I admire your concern. Dont give up!!

But if OP is not a professional, not a great idea to pretend to know what you are saying.

Agreed. But there is a way of being gentle about this, and get her point across. Just thinking of the child, and what I know through my education.