I’ve been watching my 15 month old niece for a while now and I suspect she’s autistic. She’s missing certain milestones, like for example she’s not really babbling or saying simple words like I remember both mine doing at that age. She doesn’t point nor try and engage. She shows very minimal eye contact, she’s very much in her own little world and happy to explore by herself, she doesn’t mind being left in a room alone for periods. She doesn’t respond to her name at all, although her hearing seems fine as she’s wary of certain sounds and responds to music. She becomes engrossed in flashing lights, spinning wheels and almost zones out for a few seconds. She also does this rocking motion on all fours when she’s tired. She’s such a happy baby generally, definitely a sensory seeker, loves tactile fabrics, licks walls, mirrors, marble fire places, stair gates etc. I know a lot of these are within range for typical baby/ toddler behaviour but together it does seem to point towards autism.
Dn is SIL’s first child but bro’s second, I’ve raised my concerns sensitively with bro and he agrees that they need to approach GP at some point but he doesn’t want to worry SIL who is currently oblivious. SIL asked me a few times if certain things were within “normal” range but I’ve hesitated saying anything as I’d rather it came from a professional.
Any words of advice from anyone who’s gone through the similar? Is it too early to tell or is this just a delay in reaching milestones?