Worried about my 8 month baby

[Baxt3r]

Hello, this is the first time I have posted. I am looking for some guidance/experience of other mums.

I have a 8 month old son and I am worried as he has never verbally responded to my voice. From 2 months I should expect cooing when I speak to him, however this has never happened (he dose laugh / smile). He doesn’t mimic facial expressions, but he does smile.

To give you more background on him:
He responds to his name
Smiles / laughs
Lifts his arms to be picked up
He does makes noise (ahh, urrr, but no da ba ka etc) but when he is on his own.

My HV has referred me to SALT and the child development unit.

I am worried sick and I don’t know why he wouldn’t be responding. I’m looking for insight if anyone has heard of this before, and if it could be linked to autism.

My husband is concerned also, but my worrying is unhealthy. Dose anyone have any recommendations on how to manage your own emotions in these situations.

Thank you in advance.

[Baxt3r]

If there is a more appropriate forum to post this please let me know xx

[OverTheRainbow88]

I’m no expect by any means but that all sounds totally (I hate to use the word but don’t know which other word to use) ‘normal’ to me for an 8 month old! My almost 4 year old barely said any words until he was almost 2, and now he chats away non stop to anyone who will or won’t listen. My youngest at the age of 16 months take about 4 diff noises/ sounds at the most!

I’ve barely met any babies that mimic facial expressions and I know lots of young kids!!!!!

I would relax and not worry, 8 months is very young!

[OverTheRainbow88]

Has he had his hearing tested?

[Baxt3r]

Thank you for responding 🙏.

Yes he is having a hearing test this week, however I am almost certain that he doesn’t have a hearing problem.

My biggest concern is that he has never made any noises when anyone has spoken to him. I am convinced he has autism. I know that it is impossible to diagnose at this age therefore it is a waiting game to see how he develops.

I am incredibly worried about this situation, and I can’t imagine feeling like this for the next few months. It’s effecting everyone in our house.

[OverTheRainbow88]

Does he make any noises at random times when not being spoken to? Does he make eye contact and point? Saying that I don’t think many babies point at 8 months!!

I guess like you said it’s very early to tell, even if he does have autism, autism is a spectrum, I’ve taught kids with such high Functioning autism I wouldn’t have even known they had it if I hadn’t read through the learning support info and seen their names! Also early intervention is super beneficial so sounds like you are on in.

I would try not to let this worry of yours ruin your time with him at this moment, you can’t relive their babyhood and it may be that you are worrying over nothing so total wasted worry!!

I know it’s a cliche but all children develop at different times and shouldn’t be compared. My first walked at 10 month independently but barely spoke, my friends son the same age walked at 17 months but was putting words together to make short sentences when mine wouldn’t only say car! Yet now at 4 they are caught up either each other! Although my son would still prefer to run around like a loon and hers will happily sit there doing a jigsaw!!

Basically I’m trying to say is please don’t let this worry of yours cause you all this stress, your won’t get this time back and would be a shame to think you enjoyed it less as worried over something .

[Baxt3r]

Yes he does make noises at random times, but not when he is spoken to. Is that a sign of autism? He makes good eye contact and responds to his name. No pointing yet, I will feel like I have won the lottery if he points!

It is true what you say about the worrying, but it is hard. I have to keep reminding myself that if he is autistic worrying about it will not change anything, it is out of my hands.

You mentioned early intervention, do you have any websites / material you could share with me?

Thank you again for taking the time to respond to me x.

[OverTheRainbow88]

They tend to say early intervention is by the age of 2! Usually these issues are picked up at the one year check and the 2 year check with your health visitor, dare I ask if yours is any good? Would it be worth giving them a call and talking over your worries? Hey may be able to sign post you to where to get better information from. I’ve mainly worked with children with autism who are at secondary school so don’t know loads about the process of being formally diagnosed’. My cousins son has autism and it was clear form about the age of 2, his speech was rather delayed and then regressed, he wouldn’t make any eye contact with people, when he gets stressed he rocks himself backwards and forwards.

[PaolaNeri]

Hi @Baxt3r

I really feel for you, it is bloody exhausting and I know it is all consuming.

You have listed good eye contact and responds to his name, which is extremely positive. Pointing is seen broadly seen by about 12 months, he may start over the next month or so.

Your concern and the reason for the referral is about sharing of sounds and facial expressions. Did the health visitor refer you for any other reasons? He is still within a range, before this would be considered a concern and I have to agree there isn't anything you are describing that is jumping out which I would think were possible very early signs.

Try not to obsessively google, this is horribly tempting I know. Autism is a very large spectrum, signs can be seen very early in some cases and not until later in others. You can drive yourself mad analysing every tiny thing they do or don't do.

You can practice saying sounds to him, encouraging him to share, pointing at yourself and saying "ma-ma-ma" and to dad with "da-da-da" etc. Sharing baby books with him and repeating the words, singing songs with actions etc.

How long have you been told the referral will be? Hopefully it will come soon and will give you some peace of mind.

[Baxt3r]

Thank you for your responses. I am feeling better about the situation. Admittedly I am up and down. The referral should be about a month. I spoke to a speech and language therapist and again like you guys she said eye contact and responding to name and positive.

Thank you for your reassurance xxx