Will I ever have a conversation with my son?

I wonder this too about my son. He didn't speak at all until he was 4 and hearing his voice now is still such a thrill - especially when he says 'mummy'. Most of the time he spends counting and naming shapes or reciting huge chunks of stories he has heard. I found learning about gestalt language processing very helpful, but I would love to have a conversation with him.

Sending you love.

On top of the comforting words and points PPs have said, I'd say that even if your future with your son doesn't look exactly how you'd imagined, you may well develop your own personal ways of communication with him, and even if you don't have back and forth verbal conversations, it doesn't mean that closeness, communication and bonding won't happen and evolve.

I'm autistic, and support autistic and learning disabled adults as my job. Communication is complex but people can and do surprise you. I've had verbal conversations with people I never thought would be able to communicate that way. Some people I've known have fluctuated over the years with their communication style and ability. My point essentially is that so much is possible, and there is nothing to say that you won't have meaningful communication and conversation with your son.

I extend so much empathy to you, though, because I hear you that you really yearn to just have a chat with him, and that is so understandable. I hope you can have lots of hope and excitement for your future bonding with your son. ❤

Sounds like he is a gestalt language processor. Yes, there is hope! 😊

My daughter is autistic (mainstream school with an ECHP for 1:1) speech and language took a while to come but now at 11 she does talk about her day, who she likes to sit with at school etc. She still talks "at me" often about her specialised interest (Harry Potter currently) sp she has not mastered the finer arts of conversation but her speech now she is in y6 is way beyond anything I could have hoped for in reception ...oh and she does say she loves me...also that I'm embarrassing but sure that last one is her age!

Don't give up hope. My son was the same. Delayed speech due to asd. I know every child is different so it's hard for me to promise you, but it probably won't be long before the conversations happen. My DS didn't speak properly until 5yo. He couldn't understand me either. I spent an hour a night with him reading and doing LeapPad etc and the speech came. He's 25 now, and although still has some asd behaviours, is very intelligent and funny! We are very close. You and your DS will be fine

I've no personal advice but I can really feel your sadness and totally understand. I hope you get your wish some day.