To be worried at this comment from my mum about DS

[changedname34]

DM has been providing childcare for my DS whilst me and DH wfh.

I picked him up today and she pulled me aside to ask he if I had any worries about his behaviour/development because she has noticed behaviours that she believes are associated with autism.

For background, he is 19 months old. He was a late walker (16 months old) and I have always had a feeling that something was amiss, however just thought he would grow out of the behaviours, some of which he has. However, he's very quiet, cannot say any words and does not seem to interact when we speak to him. He also does not respond to his name.

I'm really worried about him now. I have reached out to his HV and I'm awaiting for a home visit.

Should I be worried here? I'm a first time mum so really don't have anything to compare to. I would appreciate some advice

It does sound like autism to me, my son was the same and he was diagnosed with autism at 2.

See what the health visitor says and take it from there.

The first thing to consider would be hearing. Does he respond to a biscuit wrapper noise is a classic. But there are also different frequencies, does he react better to tapping a drum or a whistle noise for eg.

Honestly though, my son is lush and I wouldn’t be without him.

If you pointed to something would he look at what you pointed at?

Ask to be referred to speech and language.

@IceFrost Oh wow I'm so scared that it is autism, I'm worried I won't know how to deal with it all properly

@IceFrost No I really don't think he would. He doesn't understand anything that we are trying to say

Then after that separating out his behaviours, which ones are suggesting autism to you? Make a list for the HV of everything over a few days as it's easy to forget.

@D4rwin I don't believe that it is his hearing. E.g if he's in the kitchen and he hears his favourite TV programme come on in the front room he will immediately leave the room to go and watch it

Ok, I’m a nursery senco so support lots of children with additional needs inc autism. First of all, there can be many different reasons for some of the concerns you have raised here tonight. Autism is one of them but there are others too. The best thing to do is to speak to your HV and ask them to carry out an ADOS assessment. This will identify if there are concerns at his stage of development, then it will determine if you need to see other professionals such as paediatrician or speech therapists etc. Try not to worry in the meantime- easier said than done I know! Xx

They will refer you to get his hearing tested.

My son wouldn’t look at me when I said his name yet if Bing come on the tv in the front room he would run in to watch it.

If it is autism, you will be fine. I felt exactly the same when my son was younger but you just carry on like you are now.. you love him, he’s happy and safe and that’s what matters.

Google MChat.

And remember autism is a huge spectrum. My ds was obviously autism from a young age but wasn't diagnosed until later. He's still coming on now and is bright and fairly independent at 16.

Thanks everyone. I just feel really rubbish, like it's maybe something I've done wrong and it's my fault. Stupid, I know

You deal with life one day at a time parenting a special needs child-you realize how much you love your child and how much you will do to help them. None of us want to be in this exclusive club but you learn to live

@changedname34

Thanks everyone. I just feel really rubbish, like it's maybe something I've done wrong and it's my fault. Stupid, I know

It’s not your fault. It never will be and never was.

My niece didn't always respond, understood sometimes and not others, would watch TV and recognise theme tunes etc. It was a rare earring loss which fluctuates so it wasn't picked up until she was 4. I dont know about signs for autism but I'd recommend getting their hearing checked regardless. My niece has hearing aids and is in mainstream school but her hearing will always fluctuate so she has to work very hard just to keep up. It she takes it in her stride. Good luck.

Whatever it is, it will be fine

Sounds very similar to my son who recently turned three. He is in the process of being assessed for autism but the nursery Senco is sure he will be diagnosed.

It's a long hard process of that's the road you go down, but ultimately all it means is your child will be well supported if a diagnosis is made.

Please don’t jump to any conclusions at this stage, there is time for dealing with situations IF and WHEN they arise not for the ‘what ifs’ or ‘maybes’. If he gets a diagnosis of anything then professionals will support him and you and you will find your way through whatever journey you are on x

Hi @changedname34 please try not to worry, I know it's easier said than done though. I think the first thing you should do is speak to your health visitor and raise any concerns you have with her. Has your son had his two year check up yet? If he hasn't maybe it's something you can bring up then if it's happening soon.

My dd is autistic, diagnosed at 2.5. Looking back there were signs from birth. She did learn to talk around 4. She's at university now, she walked at 9 months though. It's possible but not inevitable is my thought to you and please don't worry

I am not an expert by any means but I do remember having similar concerns about my son around that age and once he turned 2 years old everything just kind of clicked and he started taking and communicating. Please don't panic. He may be a late developer but either way I would have him assessed just in case.

Sounds like he does have symptoms but don't worry, maybe he's not maybe he is is. Autism is talked about more nowadays so people are just noticing signs early thankfully, good for you getting advice, organise an assessment and good luck. My little one was diagnosed at 3 years old and we've been very lucky with an EHCP before school and had lots of help. It'll be OK either way, all autism traits are different x

[quote changedname34]@IceFrost Oh wow I'm so scared that it is autism, I'm worried I won't know how to deal with it all properly [/quote]
well you dealt with it up till now all that's needed is to take the advice and remember its just to help him not change him

My first child walked at 16 months and couldn’t say a word at 19 months. At 5, they are clearly not remotely on the autism spectrum.

If your son should be diagnosed with a SN, he won't suddenly turn into a different child: he will be exactly the same child you already know and love. The only difference will be you may be able to access some techniques that will help him.

It could be autism or it could be one of several other things. The best thing to do is try not to worry too much and wait to see your health visitor.

Have a hearing test. Is he has glue ear then he can’t hear much at all.
It’s easily remedied with grommets. You may have to push for this.