developmental concerns

I am new to this board. I have 15 month old twins born at 32 weeks. I am concerned about one of my boys, he does not always respond to his name and he is not pointing at objects like his brother. He also does not wave bye-bye and I know he can clap (he has done it before) he just does not do it as much as his brother. With all the autism "talk" out there I have been driving myself crazy! I am taking him to the dr. on Monday. Any input?

Thanks!

 

My girls are also 15 month and born at 32 weeks exactly. They don't point to objects. they will occasionaly wave and clap. They dont talk yet but will babble alittle bit. they just started walking. My Pedi feels they are progressing fine - You need to look at what a 12 or 13 month old is doing and not a fullterm baby at 15 months.

Try not to worry - it is good you got an appointment.

 

Here is what a pedi expects by the 15 month check up, development wise:

Development:

•The vocabulary for a 15-month-old is usually three to six words that parents can understand and an entire language that they cannot!
•Will be able to point to one or more body parts.
•Understands simple commands ("bring me the ball").
•Walking has improved and will begin to crawl up stairs.
•Can feed himself or herself with the use of his or her fingers.
•Drinks only from a cup, but still may need help in holding it.
•Recognizes himself or herself in a mirror.
•Indicates what they want by pulling, pointing, grunting and other methods of communicating
•Finds an object placed out of sight
•Points to one or two body parts
•Scribbles spontaneously

Here is a link to the whole overview of the 15 month check up: HERE

 

It never hurts to ask the doctor, but at 15 months (and especially since your boys were born early), it's probably OK. It's so hard not to compare them, but one of my DDs is way behind the other in most things, and yet both are within the normal range. And it's also easy to panic about autism, but most things that we panic about are completely normal -- it's the combination of several things that might indicate a problem.

My twins seemed pretty slow to do both the things you mention (point at things and respond to their names). But those are just two things in a whole bunch of developmental milestones. As it turns out, one of them is now talking up a storm (at 20 months), but she still rarely points at things and responds to her name!

 

If you're really concerned, you can call your county Early Intervention and have them evaluated. Preemies usually qualify for services.
Both of my boys get services now and EI is a wonderful program.

 

Here is the link to find EI services in your area. It's free, they come to your house and evaluate your child/children. You don't need a doctor's referral or recommendation. No harm talking to your doctor, but also no harm having your child evaluated. If nothing else, it'll put your mind at ease. Win/win as far as I'm concerned!