Getting Nathan's Attention

Video Summary

Nathan's mother attempts to engage him in a round of "itsy bitsy spider," a social game that incorporates eye contact, imitation, gesture and social interaction. Though most typical developing children enjoy, initiate and prolong this sort of game, Nathan can only participate in a passive manner. His mother must sing the song, guide his hands, ask for his eye contact and pull him back to play again. Without her guidance Nathan simply walks away from the social interaction. Both Nathan's inability to participate and his disinterest in this interaction may be warning signs for autism.