Dn and his development

[babyfreenight1]

I'm not sure if this is something to worry about.

I am currently studying about child development and psychology and wanted to look deeper at my dn to apply the development. However, I have noticed a few things, I feel a little concerned about him now.

I want to add I'm no expert but I'm just curious if others would keep an eye on it.

18 month old boy
-started walking at 14 months
-only says dada but rarely

• doesn't wave bye or nod his head to say no
• doesn't respond to his name
• doesn't come to you for cuddles or sit on your knee

-seems oblivious when you try to engage him in a different activity as if he's so focused on what he's doing.

• doesn't really cry or talk much.
• sleeps well
• took a fear to a light in my living room and ducks every time he walks under it or try's to avoid the middle of the room.
• loves to spin toys

What do you think?
I will not mention it to the parents as it's so early so want to see how he grows. How would you even discuss this with someone as they seem oblivious also.

Why is sleeping well and spinning toys an issue?

I'd get his hearing checked.

I'm just saying he sleeps well but he loves to spin his toys. Even if the toy isn't supposed to spin he will still try.

Toy spinning comes up alongside Autism that's why.

^^ because a lot of children with sn don't sleep and spinning toys is repetition . ( Autistic trait)

By the way what course are you doing ?

Social work and we are learning psychology and child development milestones etc.

I’m guessing you don’t have children OP?

I have a 3 year old

Based on my DC, he certainly sounds like a later developer.

Op please dont try and diagnose your nephew

I think I was concerned before because when I child was no aged she loved engaging with me when I sang nursery rhymes or played with toys with her. she pointed to things etc but my dn doesn't did that I've never seen him point so far

Walking at 14m is also very normal.
As can be the not listening because they are so intent on one thing.

I mean obviously I don't know you/your DN but do you think you might have a touch of that thing medical students get when suddenly they think they have every illness they've studied?

Although I do think the idea of getting his hearing checked is a good one just in case.

Interesting , are you retraining? . It's something I find very interesting . I have a son who has sn ( not autism )

If he’s not responding to his name I’d say the first step would be a hearing test. Quite how you would go about suggesting that when it’s not your child though I don’t know.

I only started the psychology stuff since January but I was concerned a little before but more so that I'm looking into it.

I've tried to challenge my views by actively being with him on his level but I find the behaviour he displays so opposite to the way my daughter was. Besides behaviour like that would only become more apparent at this age.

no I'm not retraining it's my first time. But I don't think you need to be a specialist to spot the behaviours otherwise why would a parent or teacher or nursery teacher spot symptoms

If you want a really good resource to look at the range of normal development for a DC i'd recommend downloading the EYFS statuatory framework (if its still called that I only have the 2012 version). Shows really clearly how wide the range is of what DC tend to do at certain ages.

It's lovely that you are so concerned about your nephew's development, but it really isn't any of your business you know.

He sounds fine. Spinning can be a sign of add, but not at that age, it's normal development then.

It’s been a while since I had a 18m toddler - but I think some of the things you list fall within ‘normal’. I would caution against trying to diagnose anything yourself but if you are concerned why not just mention it? How about ‘DN doesn’t seem to hear me when I say his name, do you think he needs his hearing checked?’ I’m guessing he’ll still have HV checks so any developmental issues should be picked up by them.

I think your concerns are valid , yes there is a broad spectrum but with my son I just knew . Girls and boys can be very different as can one baby to the next but I can see why you feel there may be an issue .
I would just take a back seat and leave them be , after all you can't change the outcome even if you do say anything but will there will no doubt be some fallout from it .

You could be describing my now very bright 2yr old at that age.
Al children develop at diffrent rates, im sure if there is a problem then his mother will pick up on this.
Im quite sure your speculation will just worry DN parents, please dont diagnose/label him, just leave him be!

Thanks I'll look at the framework for future reference although think it's from 2 onwards but will be useful

I definitely won't mention it. But in future if it continues his mum isn't someone who would notice because she turns to me for advice on a lot of things and she is so unsure. She struggles with mental health problems and the elderly mum often takes care of the child. Dad works long shifts so isn't home much.

Your concerns are valid but there is really nothing to be gained by telling his parents anything unless they raise it themselves. They may be aware but not want to discuss or even voice concerns. 18 months is young so he may yet catch up. If he doesn't his patents will then seek help. In any case s child is v unlikely to be disgnosed as autistic before age of 3 as most peadiatricians would tske the watch and wait approach.

Have you asked the parents or just observed him?
My dd wouldn't perform at check ups but health visitor would ask 'can she do x y z' and i knew she could.

My dd loved singing nursery songs together some days other days she would rather not so maybe he is engaging with his parents? Also 14 months is very young.

I think you are right not to speak to parents as too early and too inexperienced, I don't think there is anything else you can do apart from support them if they do have any concerns as he grows.