Concerned for autism

[firsttimemum8]

My baby boy is 10 and a half months and am a bt concern regarding his social skills development
He was early with all the motor skills crawled at six months and he is alreqdy taking a few steps but he says no papa or mama just babbles . He doesnt immitate movements and does not clap or wave goodbye
When he is playing with something he does not respond or make eye contact he seems very drawn to what he is doing
He makes eye contact when u do something silly or when he is not busy doing something interesting to him
He responds to his name but again not when he is really into something
He is also very active doesnt sit or cuddle and he is a rubish sleeper
Am i right to be concerned ? Will these things be asked at the one year check ?

[BeeMyBaby]

I think he is just a normal baby, and it's far to early to think any of these things are meaningful at this stage. If he were 3 then perhaps but at 10 months it's perfectly normal that he hasn't reached those milestones yet. I wouldn't worry at all at this stage and I would just enjoy your DS.

[firsttimemum8]

I know i should having anxiery doesnt help
It also worries me that everyone comments on how active and hyper he is and that he goes to everyone

[firsttimemum8]

I forgot to mention that he is also very irritable when he doesnt get what he wants immediately he heatea his carseat and his pram

[BeeMyBaby]

Again it all sounds normal, my 3dc all hated their pram and pushchair at this age- they didn't like the car seat till they faced forward and they didn't like the peak before they got hit by the lazy bug and realised they couldn't be bothered walking and would prefer to be pushed. Babies this age have huge tantrums as it's hard to communicate due to having no words, that's why they say terrible 2s actually starts about now and just continues until they can properly communicate when they are over 2. Other people always like to comment and make conversation but unless it's a health professional, I would think it's best ignored.

[April45]

It's far to early to think about autism. Sounds like he's developing fine. Try not to compare him to other children

[beccii161016]

It sounds very normal and it is much to early to be thinking about autism. There's a reason they don't entertain looking into it until 2. They all develop at different rates and your little one sounds like he's developing just fine.

[firsttimemum8]

Am just so worried because after completing the assesment send to us by the health visitor he seems to be "failing" the communication and social parts of the asq se 2
And it does say that is early sitns ! Its so difficult not to worry most of the nct babies do these things althought they are all girls if that makes a difference

[Mamabear4180]

It's not too early to think about autism. There's nothing actually wrong with being aware of autism and the signs of-even from babyhood. My 2 year old failed her 9 month check for communication too, then a 17 month check and then at a 24 month check she failed on 3 areas. She has a speech therapy appointment this Friday age 26 months. Her 3 year old sister is autistic and I missed all the signs as I didn't know them the first time round.

Nobody can tell you anything at this stage though OP but I kept a diary of my daughter's behaviours and a timeline of her speech development. This may help you later as it can be hard to think back when building a full picture. I also took little video's so I could check her development as she grows.

Sometimes babies progress at different rates and it may be nothing to worry about but there is nothing at all wrong with being vigilant, especially since early support is so crucial with autism.

[Goldmandra]

It's not too early to think about autism.

I agree.

If your child is ever assessed for ASD, they will ask you for a developmental history from early pregnancy. What happens at this age is relevant. Make sure you keep good records of the things that are concerning you now.

Also, ask your HV to arrange a hearing check just to be on the safe side.

Autism is a collection of traits which, individually, may not be of great concern but each contributes to a bigger picture which is what is important when it comes to diagnosis and, of course, the impact on a child's life.

[FullOfJellyBeans]

Like others it's too early to worry. Babies often concentrate on one element of development for a while before moving on to others. He's ahead with his motor skills so it's natural he won't also be talking yet (and 10-11 months is way too early to worry about lack of words). It's great he is babbling. How is his receptive language? Can he understand "daddy's home", "where is mummy?", "touch your tummy"?. Does he communicate at all? Like for example lifting his arms up to be carried or pointing.

Like you at 10-12 months I was paranoid about language development. By 18 months my eldest was chatting away in full sentences.

That said it's fine to be aware of different areas of development and keep an eye on them. By all means keep a record and bring it up with the HV just don't let it become an all consuming worry that stops you enjoying your son. Things change so quickly and in a few months you might well have moved on to worrying about something completely different.

[anxiousmotherof1]

We speak to him in 3 different languages . He undestands some things for example when i say "up" in my language to do his teeth he looks up and opens his mouth .he undestands 2 words as well but for example i cannot get him to give me his toy and in now way does he help getting dress i have to chase him to dress him up as he doesnt sit still . I had the appoitment with the hv on wednesday .
He "failed" the problem solving and the social personal one .
The hv was not at all concern as he is just in the begining of the age range and told me she will check up with us again jn 3 months .
@FullOfJellyBeans he babbles all the time . You are right this worry consumes me so much i am not enjoying him enough

[BIgBagofJelly]

The fact that he's being exposed to three languages will have a bit affect too. I used to live in an area where most children were brought up bilingual and they usually were later to start talking but caught up very quickly once they got going.

[Mamabear4180]

Like others it's too early to worry. Babies often concentrate on one element of development for a while before moving on to others.

ha that's what I thought about my almost 4 year old when she was delayed in speech. She walked early and did all other baby things fine. It was real shocker when the hv referred her to speech therapy at 27 months. She was diagnosed with autism less than a year later.

People are right to reassure you that development is varied and 10 months is far too young to know anything but autism is stigmatised and the minute you speak out about a concern for autism people are quick to tell you not to worry. I had so much of that. I also had 'well she seems so bright/passive/affectionate, it must be mild' nope! She's pretty profoundly disabled now just 18 months after the first referral. It's progressive, it becomes more obvious as they grow and develop. As I don't believe there's anything wrong with having autism I don't need to advise you not to worry. Being aware of a babies development is a positive and caring thing.

@FullOfJellyBeans he babbles all the time . You are right this worry consumes me so much i am not enjoying him enough

However if you are consumed by worry then it's less positive! There's a difference between being aware and being over anxious. Take care OP.

[anxiousmotherof1]

Just wanted to update this .
My ds has changes dramatically in the last month (12 t 13 months ) he clapped waved and pointed all in a week . He brings me toys to paly with him and books to read to him ao am no longer concerned !

[HeyJupiter]

That’s a lovely update! My son is about to turn 12 months and I could relate to a lot of your worries at 10 months as our sons sounded identical. I’m glad you’re feeling more reassured.

Can I ask how his name response is? My DS won’t respond if he’s busy with something but otherwise will turn to look at me. He is busy and active a lot of the time though. He also doesn’t wave or clap but does point and babbles a lot (no words) He also shows and gives me things. Still a terrible sleeper :)

I worry a lot still.

[anxiousmotherof1]

He responds most of the time but when he is busy not souch like you

Oh dont mention sleep he is still terrible am a walking zombie !

He litterally just started doing all of these things in the last 2 weeks . He also started nursery in the last two weeks so iam sure that had am effect on him .

Hope your worries go away soon !!

[ttrrii]

@firsttimemum8 How is your son doing now?