Possible Autism???? Advice needed.

[Drayton87]

Hi All,

grateful for any advice on whether these are signs of autism or what else it could be in my 18 month old child:

• limited eye contact
• Regression with crawling. Started at 12 months stopped and started again at 15 months.
• not walking yet.
• no cooing or babbling.
• limited speaking (handful of words, often repeated once said by an adult).
• asymmetrical crawling.
• limited pointing and very limited waving.
• not reacting to social interaction like peek a boo or incy wincy spider.

grateful for anyone’s personal experience with toddlers with similar to above and what it could be.

How is their receptive language? Can they understand what you say and follow simple instructions?

Have you been to see your HV? Or GP?

No can’t follow simple instructions.

HV app scheduled for October.

any thoughts advice?

It could be autism OP. Could also be global development delay. I would speak to someone as soon as you can, but don’t panic. Your baby will do these things in their own time, when they are ready. I’m the mum of a four year old autistic boy. He’s utterly fabulous and was just like that at 18 months.

At Vintagechristmas thanks for getting back to me.
when did you your son get diagnosed if you don’t mind me asking? How is doing now?

Any other advice from please?

It could be OP, but it could be other things too. Can you bring the health visitor appt forward or can you go straight to the GP and ask for a referral to a community Paediatrician? It's such a postcode lottery but to me it sounds enough to meet a threshold and have an initial review? It seems a long time to wait and worry. Best wishes to you x

It's hard for anyone to say at this age. The youngest they would even investigate is 2 and this would be if your daughter showed significant traits. The autism assessment looks across
Communication and play
Social interaction
Repetitive behaviours

Really at this stage, all you can do is read up on autism, so many good books and resources so you at least know what to look for. And if you still suspect autism at your 2 year HV check then be prepared to push really hard.

If it does seem like your child has additional needs also look up Portage - it's a play therapist who comes to house it can be really nice.

(My son was diagnosed at 2, we suspected from 18m but in retrospect there were also signs before 12m)

thanks all.

grateful for any other views or people’s experience?

Start working with your child asap, speech ,physical and occupational therapy. If it is autism, it will give him a huge advantage. If it is not, still the same.

How did your appointment go?

I don't have much wisdom to add. But I do think developmental milestones aren't as 'fixed' as people claim (and there's research to back that up). However as others have said early intervention and help, can be really helpful for you (as a parent)