Dr. Oh Eun-young Halts Filming for Urgent Autism Assessment on 'My Precious Child'
In a recent episode of Channel A's 'My Precious Child' (요즘 육아 - 금쪽같은 내 새끼), Dr. Oh Eun-young made the decision to pause filming to conduct an urgent on-site assessment for a child suspected of being on the autism spectrum. The episode aired on March 14, 2025, and featured the story of actor Lee Sang-in and his wife, who are struggling to raise their three sons.
The couple's eldest son, Geumjok, showcased impressive English skills but displayed signs of distraction and difficulty focusing on anything outside his interests. His behavior at school was concerning, as he often isolated himself, reading books in corners or engaging with unrelated materials during class.
During one class, Geumjok was even seen putting his hands inside his pants. Lee Sang-in expressed his worries after seeing the footage, stating, "Initially, I was told he was adapting well, but seeing the video made me realize that the long classes seem challenging for him and the teacher."
Dr. Oh explained, "At a young age, distinguishing certain behaviors can be difficult. However, as language skills develop, children typically try to communicate. In contrast, those on the autism spectrum often struggle with easy and comfortable interactions. Key symptoms include repetitive behaviors and speech, adherence to personal routines, and excessive fixation on specific interests."
She emphasized the need for a thorough observation of the child's overall development and social skills, stating, "This is not a medical facility, and while I cannot provide a diagnosis here, I am a specialist in this field, so I will personally assess him."
As Dr. Oh moved to meet Geumjok, the studio audience, including the couple, anxiously monitored the situation via live feed. When Dr. Oh attempted to communicate with Geumjok, he avoided eye contact and began to speak to himself, repeating phrases and highlighting his difficulties with interaction.
After the assessment, Dr. Oh concluded, "The positive aspect is that he expresses what he wants to say. The main challenge is the lack of reciprocal conversation. He responds minimally to prompts, but there is no thematic interaction. Therefore, I believe Geumjok falls on the autism spectrum."
The couple, who had previously denied the possibility of autism, were left speechless by Dr. Oh's diagnosis. The mother eventually broke down in tears, prompting Dr. Oh to reassure them, "Autism spectrum disorder is not due to a lack of love from parents or environmental issues; it stems from errors in the neural circuitry of the brain. It is no one's fault."
She added, "The key is to train social skills in any form and apply them to daily life. While challenges exist, progress can be made from this point forward. Maintaining stability in relationships with a small group of people is also important. For children who struggle with interaction, a structured daily routine is crucial, as familiarity and repetition provide comfort."
