Could my 12 month old be showing signs of autism?

I would get in to see your doctor and if you are not comfortable with the answers, keep searching. We went through this with my son at around 18mths. My pediatrician referred me to a neurologist who told me that I had to wait till he was 3yrs. to see, yet wanted him back at 2.5yrs ??? Did not make sense to me (accept for the copay and visit) and I did not go back. Especially when all the "experts" are advocating to find it ASAP! I was not comfortable with the answers he gave me and went back to my pediatrician and he referred me to a pediatric developmentalist. None were on my insurance plan and they are VERY expensive! So back to the drawing board ... We ended up in speech/occupational therapy which after their evaluations, my son was even more behind then I noticed, and they could even see more than what I could see. They'll write you a report to keep for your records, detailing your child's development at that point and where they are off. They won't give you a diagnoses, but it is a start to healing, and again documents where your son is at developmentally. When my son turned 3yrs. he was evaluated by the school district as having mild to moderate autism and qualified for help through their early child intervention program. My "mommy instinct" was correct - so press on and research! We also got help through the Homeopathy Center of Houston and detoxed him - he now no longer qualifies for services, talks, makes jokes, snuggles, plays normally with others and might I add wants others to play with him. The difference is amazing - so know if your son is found to be autistic, there is HOPE! It's hard in many ways, but if you stick to it, your son and your family will be the better for it! Blessings, and I wish your son, your family and yourself the best!