Anyone have experience with atypical autism in toddlers

[Riannie]

My 2.5 year old ds is not diagnosed with anything, but I am beginning to suspect he is a bit autistic. He seems very bright, and his talking is coming along. He seems to have met all of his mile stones, and makes eye contact. He will wave hello, and talk to strangers. So, why am I worried?
*He has way more tantrums than seems normal, and he can't control them.
*He will melt down because you walk into a shop and don't leave
*If you go into a restaurant and they food is not right there he will scream until he gets the food, and after sometimes
*He still doesn't self settle to sleep, he needs someone close by until he is asleep
*He repeats phrases multiple times
*He quotes the same bits of TV shows over and over
*He will not settle to hear a story, even when others are listening
*He doesn't always respond to his name, although he knows his name. He stares blankly as though he didn't hear you.
*He loves to sing but will not sing with others in a group.
*He hits and will laugh if you say oww. If you don't respond he keeps hitting until you respond.
*He doesn't seem to understand no or why you say no
*He has no fear and will climb 15 feet in the air on the big climbing frame
*He is constantly trying to run out into the road without looking for cars, sometimes even when cars are right in front of him, despite being told not to multiple times a day
*He runs constantly and is always over active
*He wants to go to the same places all the time, and wants to do the same things on those places. He gets upset and cries and screams when I tell him we do not need to go to a shop. 'No DS, we don't need a haircut today.'

I am going to talk to the GP about my concerns, but I just want to know if anyone else has experienced anything like this, or if I am paranoid.

[dragonmummy17]

Most of this sounds like most toddlers I know. But if you are worried speak to your GP or HV... you should have a review with your HV soon??

[Nogodsnomasters]

My ds is about to turn 5 and is diagnosed asd since 1yr ago, he was referred age 3 by his nursery. He was exactly the same as you describe your son. However "tantrums" and echolalia are considered normal until age 3 so most likely no one will consider investigating this for another 6 months or more for you. What I'd do is keep a list of your worries and age you notice them etc and then when he starts nursery next year if you still have the same concerns at that point, give it about a month and then ask for a meeting with his nursery teacher and ask her directly if they have noticed any red flags for asd and bring your list with you. Most gp's and services take a teacher referral more serious than a self referral by mum who has no back up!

[MMUUMMY]

Yes my son is exactly as you describe.
He is 2 years and 11 months old now and was referred in May. -still awaiting official diagnosis but paid a private SALT twice per week and the change in negative behaviour is remarkable.

[MMUUMMY]

Meant to say I reported my concerns to HV at 27 months and was told to wait and watch...

Contacted her again a few months later after his behaviour was so bad (harming other children and meltdowns) and he was referred after she went to observe him at a council owned crèche.

[ArtieFufkinPolymerRecords]

Why do you think atypical, rather than just autism. He can't be a bit autistic; he either is or he isn't.

[Lovepeaceandcoffee]

Mmuumy - what is SALT- what does it stand for please?

[filka]

"what is SALT- what does it stand for please?"

I wondered this too - I found Speech And Language Therapy

[Cookay]

There is an autistic profile or trait know as PDA. Pathalogical demand avoidance. Look it up on PDA society website. It s not widely accepted or may be classed as demand avoidance. Your child sounds like this. Parenting strategies are the opposite of more boundaries and discipline. The person needs to feel in control and given choices. Its anxiety driven so things NTs can easily cope with can be anxiety inducing. Think panic attack rather than tantrum. I saw tv prog about this and had light bulb moment about my brother who is now 57. Never diagnosed or given help but matched exactly. I use PDA strategies which really help. There are facebook groups too which help. Good luck.