Does a child with autism not respond to his name when called?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am concerned with a neighbor of mine who has a 4-year-old kid who I suspect has autism. A concerned neighbor I am, I searched through the internet and looked for the symptoms of autism. There, I found similarities such as delayed speech development (more of just babbling), not responding when a name is being called despite having normal hearing, avoiding eye contact, and so on. At first, I thought the kid had a hearing impairment, but I was wrong. I have asked the parents about the kid, and I can see that they also want answers. They said they tried to go to a doctor but did not find any solution. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You have mentioned that the parents are also looking for an answer and have visited a doctor, but that has not been helpful. Have they seen a psychologist? If not, suggest they go to one. You have been concerned and have mentioned delayed speech, not responding when called, and avoiding eye contact.

However, I am afraid this information is not enough to tell if the child falls in the category of autistic spectrum disorder. I need more information about his social interactions, communication, behaviors, and if he might have any sensory issues.

When you say despite having normal hearing, are you saying that he is otherwise able to hear and respond?

Kindly revert with many details.

Kind regards.