We have been seeing a paediatrician each 6 months with my DD since just before she was 2, prompted by issues raised by our nanny (e.g. reluctance to point, wave, ask for help and more generally to use her language proactively, rather than to describe things/talk about stories: she's always been very into books/stories/songs more than toys).
To our eyes as first time parents with little experience of "normal" development our DD seemed to be progressing well. Happy at preschool, improving in physical confidence (though still behind her peers: she is hypermobile and was a very late walker), loves books, story and music CDs, puzzles, Duplo, cars, stickers, etc. Knows lots of words and to our eyes expresses herself well. Very loving/cuddly/funny with people she knows well.
However at our last appointment she was referred to a complex communication clinic and we were given a heavy steer that this is likely heading to an ASD diagnosis. I am still somewhat in shock (though our nanny I don't think was that surprised), but we have 6 months to wait for the clinic where any diagnosis would happen, during which time I will be on mat leave and want to help my DD in whatever way I can.
My understanding is their main concern language-wise is that she uses unusually adult speech, piecing together learnt phrases to say what she wants to say. So for example instead of just saying "yes" she will often say something like "I think that would be a good idea". She also still gets I and you mixed up sometimes ("do you want a biscuit?" rather than "I want a biscuit").
On the social side the concern is that she tends to stand on the edge of groups and watch rather than participate (she will sing nursery rhymes and do actions with me at home, but not in a group of other children, for example). And also that she avoids asking directly for help (will tend to say "I can't reach it" rather than "Mummy can you get it for me?").
She does do pretend play so I'm not sure where that aspect of the concern comes from. Hopefully this will become more clear when we get the paediatrician report.
Anyway, sorry for the essay, but I would really like to help my DD in whatever way I can while we wait for the formal assessment. We may be able to access some SLT while we wait so will work on that, but is there anything else I could be reading and working on with her in the mean time?
Thank you, LT
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.
SN children
Nearly 3yo DD with possible ASD: what do you wish you had done/known pre-diagnosis?
LightTripper · 15/03/2017 23:29
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