This is going to be long, sorry. I would really like some guidance and, if any can be given, reassurance.
Ds is nearly 12 months old and I am as certain as I can be that he has autism. I know it is very early to tell, but there are too many red flags to be coincidental. These include:
He doesn't follow a gaze or point.
He doesn't point or reach out (unless it is to get something he actually thinks he can reach).
He doesn't wave, nod or any other gestures.
He started a little babbling in the last month but certainly nothing resembling words.
He has no stranger anxiety.
He makes some eye contact, but it is short lived (not when feeding for example).
He has always disliked being cuddled.
He vary rarely imitates (has occasionally clapped or banged table when we do).
He doesn't refer back to me- he can play on his own for 15 minutes or so without looking at me.
He only rarely answers his name.
He doesn't look at me when I go to get him from his cot.
He likes it when I hide things but would not play peekaboo.
On a positive note;
Physically he's fine- crawling, cruising etc
He smile as a lot at strangers, who always comment how happy he is.
He will sometimes interact.
He reaches to be picked up, but only when I am standing over him.
He's very interested in the world.
Basically I'm scared. I don't know what to do. The health visitor said to wait and see, by everything I read says early intervention is crucial. But we can't honestly afford all that. I don't even think the uk is up to a diagnosis at this age, let alone support.
It's going to be severe, isn't it? I don't know how we will cope with that, I honestly don't. And I'm pregnant with another, and although it was much wanted I'm now seriously considering talking to dh about an abortion, as this baby is likely to suffer too.
Can anyone help with where to go from here?
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Very anxious about autism signs in ds
54 replies
Wwwomble · 09/12/2016 20:06
OP posts:
PolterGoose ·
09/12/2016 21:31
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Message withdrawn at poster's request.
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