Autism worries

[aj1987]

Hello everyone,

recently I have been worrying about my DS and that he may have some autism like behaviour, so I wanted to post to ask if anyone has been in a similar position.

Our DS is almost 18 months, he makes animal noises and says babbles like baba nana dada gaga mama, but no other real language at the minute.

However, his eye contact is not bad (unless he is watching the teletubbies or twirlywoos it is then difficult to get his attention)! But I am assuming this is normal.

He has always been a great sleeper, since about 8 weeks old he is slept the night through (apart from the usual few nights were he has been unwell) but generally sleeps from 8-8.30 to about 7.30 am, and has a 1-2 hr nap in the afternoon.

Isaac is a pleasant child most of the time, but the big thing that is worrying me is that when he is excited he flaps his arms and his mouth is wide open, for example when his favourite tv show is on or when he is out in the car. I googled this (I sort of which I hadn't) and it seems to be an indicator of autism. Also he doesn't point much but when he wants something he will let you know, if he wants a drink of water, for example, he will bring his bottle over to me.

However, Isaac is also an affectionate toddler he likes to be picked up and when we say "mamas coming to get you" I chase him as he starts running and laughing then when I get to him I tickle him and he is laughing away, he also loves peek a boo and interacts not too badly with his niece, they chase each other!

When he was you younger he also liked spinning stuff like wheels and so on but he does not seem to do this as much now!

Sorry about the lengthy post, I have just been worrying a lot recently

Has anyone been or in a similar position

Many thanks

A

[TheHouseOnTheLane]

A lot of what you describe is perfectly normal for an 18 month old. That's why some people get paranoid....because some things are within the parameters of what's expected.

I suggest you do the MCHAT test.

www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis/screen-your-child

It's a respected quiz to see if your child could be autistic. THen the best thing to do is speak to your GP about your worries...don't bother with the Health Visitor. The GP can refer you to a behavioral pediatrician.

[Coffeemachine]

google M-chat. it is a screening (not diagnostic) tool for autism and see if it flags your DS as risk.

flapping is norm for toddlers and in itself does not mean anything. Not really pointing at 18 months can be an indicator. Eye contact and being affectionate don't rule out ASD (I have a child with severe ASD who has good eye contact and who is very affectionate; this is more common than people think).

M-chat and maybe a chat with HV or GP?
Would consider also a hearing if you are worried about his speech to rule out any hearing problems. that is usually the first step with ASD and/or SALT worries.

[TheHouseOnTheLane]

I've linked to it above Coffee I did find it useful.