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AIBU?

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Original poster

...to think there's more to this re 17 mo with skills loss?

38 replies

Worriedcoronamum · 29/05/2020 12:12

Posted in behaviour yesterday and had some v kind support and put it from my mind. Woken up this morning feeling worried again, discussed with a dr friend who can't, ethically, advise me on my own children but advised to speak to GP which - amazingly - I managed to do this morning on the phone.

I am worried because our previously v babbly, smiley 17mo girl with 6 or 7 words has lost some, no longer responds to name, won't wave or say hi or bye and is making much less eye contact.

I know from here and friends about regressions like this being a red flag for asd but also know it's hard to judge and it could well be the impact of lockdown, loss of routine, missing nursery and fact that she's regrettably watching more TV - going to stop this as much as we possibly can.

GP was kind, said wait and see which I guess is best they can do now but also said can't diagnose asd before aged 5 which am sure is not right. I'm wondering if am being unreasonable worrying about a child changing during a time when it's difficult for everyone, and that it's anxiety making me question the GP's advice or whether I should trust my instincts and have pushed for a referral..

Feel so unsure of myself and like I'm letting her down. I don't imagine a referral opens any magic door to support or advice but it might help identify some things we could do to help her if she needs it.

Has anyone else seen changes like this during the lockdown?

OP posts:
ShouldWeChangeTheBulb · 29/05/2020 13:11

100% hearing needs to be checked. Even if a child is responsive to noises any level of hearings loss at any frequency can dramatically effect communication.
If it is regressive autism then you need intervention too. Even if they don’t diagnose before 5 in your area they can still offer speech and language therapy and should offer input from other professionals in the ASD team. Has your GP never heard of early intervention.

crosspelican · 29/05/2020 13:02

A friend of ours had a baby very like this, and everyone assumed autism and it wasn't until the poor lamb was 3 that it was discovered he was almost completely deaf. He had grommets put in and is a transformed child. His parents were distraught that he had been like this for so long.

Hearing loss could very well account for what you are describing.

Feetupteashot · 29/05/2020 13:02

Could also contact health visitor

TheSmallClangerWhistlesAgain · 29/05/2020 12:58

I second getting her hearing tested as soon as you can.

Original poster
Worriedcoronamum · 29/05/2020 12:38

Thank you - feel (unfortunately) more confident in instincts now! Will get back to GP next week unless see anything dramatically improve over weekend which is obviously unlikely...

OP posts:
helpwithpuppyplease · 29/05/2020 12:33

Sometimes children can have temporary regressions due to stress or huge change in routine. For instance my almost 4yo has wet himself a couple of times recently and had some tantrums when these 2 things had stopped for a year. I have absolutely no concerns however I know it's due to the huge change in his life at the moment, he's improving slightly again now.

I would be far more worried with what you describe though and it needs proper investigation. It's not true that children can't be diagnosed with ASD until age 5, I believe it's just harder to diagnose at a younger age.

Original poster
Worriedcoronamum · 29/05/2020 12:32

That's what I thought re diagnosis too.. going to see how she goes over weekend when we are both not working and can give her 100% attention and then call back if still worried. thanks for advice :)

OP posts:
BrigitsBigKnickers · 29/05/2020 12:30

Ask to have her hearing checked. Hearing loss in little ones can sometimes look a bit like like ASD- not saying it's not but get her hearing checked to rule it out.

The no diagnosis before for 5 is inaccurate. I know a little one who is 2 1/2 who has just been diagnosed.

DuckALaurent · 29/05/2020 12:26

True regression needs to be investigated.
Please go back to your GP.
Not trying to be scary, just know that it ‘sometimes’ can be something else (not ASD).

Original poster
Worriedcoronamum · 29/05/2020 12:25

I don't think this GP thought loss of some words from low starting point of not many to start with / not responding to name or waving any more counted as a regression. We could definitely film her, think that's a good idea.

OP posts:
IhearyoucallingMarianne · 29/05/2020 12:21

I would not be happy with that response tbh. Can you show videos? Imo a true regression should be medically investigated first and not "assumed" to be autism or lockdown or anything else.
There are some other things they should rule out first.

Original poster
Worriedcoronamum · 29/05/2020 12:21

I think we basically both need to put work to one side, do all we can to play with and talk with her and see what happens. Only spoke to GP this morning, she said to call back in few weeks if still worried so don't think can go back just yet - any idea what else might be up?

OP posts:
DelphiniumBlue · 29/05/2020 12:16

Go back to GP. There are other things it could be.