Autism?

[Nic0809]

My daughter who is now 2 years 5 months, has always had little quirks and food aversions since she was tiny. I had the health visitor come round last year when she was about 18/19 months to talk about her eating and speech, she informed me after the questionnaire to wait until she turns 2 to contact them again for a more in-depth questionnaire as she was to young for “diagnosis” and could just be normal childhood problems but they got worse. I’m her person no one else can really understand her and she’s just stuck to my hip constantly.She doesn’t do imaginary play, she has words that she doesn’t use, always crossing her fingers, minimal eye contact, she barley eats. The only things she eats are toast and sandwiches only with jam or peanut butter. And pasta some times pizza, She eats a few fruits and peas. She doesn’t know how to self sooth at all, her meltdowns are awful can last anywhere from half an hour to 2 hours, she makes self physically sick. The same with food if she doesn’t like it she will gag and throw up, medicine it’s awful experience for both of us she will just projectile vomit. The clumsiest child I know too.
They health visitor come round again last week and has referred her to the paediatrician, speech and language and for an autism assessment.
I’m not really sure why I’m posting it I feel like I need reassurance maybe? How long does it take for the first appointment? It’s all new to me

Sadly it can take a long time to be seen, in my trust, SLT referrals aren't too bad, usually about 4 months, but community paeds is about 18-24 months. If she's clumsy, speak to the SLT about whether she needs an OT assessment, and talk about the medicine thing too, as often there are liquid alternatives that are easier to blend into whatever drink she tolerates.
In the meantime, you can look at your Trust's website as they often have lots of useful resources and videos, and the BBC's Tiny Happy People is a great resource.

Try not to worry, you identified a pattern and this is just going to give you some more support.

It can take a while from the referral, but once on the pathway you should be seen by SLT and OT. We were offered a really helpful set of sessions in a group setting, almost like a playgroup. You can also talk to them about things like EHCP once she is old enough for nursery, access to DLA if you need / want it, access to SEN support in your borough - we had sing and sign sessions especially for autistic (or suspected autistic) children for example.

Thank you for replies, given me some relief.
as for the medicine I’ve tried everything, she only drinks milk and some juices in a tomme tippie bottle and instantly notices the difference. To add the health visitor said she’s pushing to have her diagnosed before she starts nursery in September to be able to her help and support. It’s just completely scrammed my brain.

Toy don't always need a diagnosis to get support, it is worth speaking to someone in the Local Educational Authority to ask for support, as they can advise if a child needs a specialist unit etc, it's based on need so it doesn't have to be defined by a diagnosis, in fact, she's still quite young for a diagnosis.

I'd recommend looking into something called intensive interaction. It's a really fantastic approach which sounds like it would be perfect for your little one. You could also seek help from portage.

I have a DD who was diagnosed just before she was 3 privately. She began with SALT and I asked for a paediatrician referral, this was a year ago now and we still haven't heard so be prepared for a long wait. Could you look into going private? She is now 3.5 and thriving, we have been given extra funding for nursery, she has weekly private speech therapy in nursery and the ball is rolling with her EHCP ready for when she starts school next September. We have always worked very closely with the nursery SENCO and speech therapist before and after diagnosis who have been incredible. With NHS SALT, make sure you always keep her in the system because it matters when it comes to EHCP. They will probably give you a block of therapy then discharge and say refer back in X months- refer back immediately is the advice our private SALT gave me. We are currently on our second block.

With regards to medicine, get some suppositories! They are expensive but my DD also refuses medicine, I just pop a suppository in when doing a nappy change or when she is sleeping and she doesn't notice at all.

Good afternoon mums
I am here to pleade for help because I am really struggling.
My daughter who is 4.5 years old has been diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder on several side just before she turned 2.
At home she constantly opens kitchen cupboards,wardrobes fridge,basically everything. I have child locks which I got from Amazon (cupboards, doors). I have changed so many of them and spent so much money(I wouldn't mind if it helped).
Once she opens the cupboards everything is on the floor,in her mouth I mean the list goes on. I have to move my furniture (sofa) next to the kitchen door so she can't get in.
I have back pain from moving it 100 times a day 😪

I just can't take this no more. I looking for any advice please. What cupboards 🔐 what doors 🔐 should I use? I want to keep my daughter safe as she could drink any liquid etc.. same as the house-keep it clean and safe for my both kids.

It's madness I just finished deep cleaning everywhere and Olive oil on the kitchen floor,wardrobe opened all clothes on the floor. I mean it never ends. I am so exhausted 😩 😪 Please help 🙏

Thank you Jenny 💕

Hi all, im looking for some help/advice in relation to my daughter or any similar situations that will give me some hope. She has recently been diagnosed with autism which we suspected for a long time, and food has always been a big issue. Her diet is extremely limited, however 18 days ago she decided to stop eating completely and I'm beside myself. She is non verbal so cannot tell me whats going on, if she herself even knows. I've been passes back and forward from chikd health and GP and after a struggle and all of my energy, got her an appointment at the hospital. They have taken bloods and swabs however got the impression they think its all to do with her diagnosis. Im reaching out as I feel like I'm almost at breaking point and wondered if anyone else has been in the same position that can offer some hope to a desperate mum. Thank you

I wish I could help, my DC are Autistic and one has a very limited diet but they're not non verbal which adds a whole other layer of complexity I have no experience with.

All I can think of is probably useless stuff, I'm sure you've offered her all safe foods she normally eats. Changed brands at all? One of mine is super sensitive to taste differences. Tried really bland food like plain crackers? I'd suggest offering food somewhere different to normal or providing distractions, like watching her favourite show on the TV and eating on a mat on the floor of the loungeroom. One of mine would only eat standing up and rocking for a long time. It could be a change in one of the foods she's comfortable eating or she's really overwhelmed right now, that can reduce the foods that feel comfortable. How old is she?

Im sorry you're both going through and I hope someone who can help stumbles across your post. But you'll probably get more answers if you start your own thread. If you go to the top and click on the little arrow above follow topic on the right hand side you'll see an option for start a new thread and you can copy and paste this into a new thread and hopefully get some more replies.

Thank you for your reply, im new to this but will try make my own thread and best wishes to you

My son has Autism and is 5 years old. Anyone recommend anything that can help my child’s speech and language improve?

He loves books and we have been reading to him since he was 12 months old. He hordes books and we can’t take him to the library as he will want all the books. It’s a good thing he likes books and his speech has improved a lot in the last few years. It’s just holding him back at school now as the other children speak fluently and understand everything. We have a speech and language therapist but as you know they give you instructions on what to do with your child and you have to just do these things with your child yourself. Our son is an only child and he doesn’t have many friends his age outside of school. None really. So he only interacts with adults.

any advice or help would be appreciated.

ps. Amazing book channel on YouTube @ shallwereadabook

The channel has helped him improve his speech and language. It’s also great when you’re tired and don’t have the energy to read!😊

If it has been evident since she was 18 months it’s highly likely that your daughter has got autism that will significantly affect her ability to interact with the world. Don’t wait for a diagnosis, just assume she has it and join groups, speak to other parents, read up etc on ways to manage her behaviour and understand her better.

Hi @Nic0809 how is she now? Did you receive a diagnosis?