Can an 18 month old show ASD traits?

[sevenoh]

Hi all,

I don't know if I'm being overly worried but I've always thought my DS was on the spectrum and more traits are starting to show plus people are now asking if he's autistic (my mums being investigated for autism and my DHs brother had Aspergers so not sure if it's passed on genetically) but I started making a list and was wondering if anyone with an ASD child can sort of relate (I know all children are different) and if I need to speak to anyone about it or if I need to wait until he's older:

He doesn't respond to his name at all, he never has.

He doesn't listen to us, no matter what and usually just laughs if he's being told off.

He can't walk - we have an appointment in december regarding this but he just won't walk however he is a big boy and has always been a bit late with his milestones.

He very rarely gives you a cuddle and even rarer to get a kiss - he doesn't really like his personal space being invaded.

He'll happily just play by himself, spins wheels on cars etc

He doesn't react to pain especially temp pain - for example we went swimming and my husband put him in the swimming shower and felt it and it was okay but he didn't know it was temperamental and DS was playing in it and I felt it and it was scolding hot and he didn't even bother or flinch and DH didn't notice as DS didn't react so assumed it was still lukewarm - DH felt terrible about it and we always double, triple check now. DS also hasn't ever cried about teething - he just doesn't react, he also bangs his head against the wall repeatedly.

DS flaps his hands and shakes his head randomly.

DS laughs if he sees any other child crying - not sure if that's normal but I've seen other children cry when they see someone else crying.

He never points anything out or gestures and if you say oh please pass mummy that, he won't or if you say where's the cat he just ignores you completely.

He'll watch the same thing over and over again on the telly - he throws massive tantrums if he can't.

I can't think of anymore of the top of my head but the reason I'm asking is a couple of people have asked me if he's autistic and I don't really know so just wanted to ask people who know a bit more about the subject than I do - I did message my health visitor but she hasn't responded so was just wondering what I do next if anything at all

Thank you

I'm sure it's possible OP for an 18 month old to show traits of autism but I don't think anyone is going to say yes or no to your question, it's really something you'd have to see a medical professional about..
Has he had his developmental checks? Were any concerns expressed there?

I'm not qualified to advise you, but this is exactly how my DGS was at this age. He had a formal diagnosis of autism at two which was very helpful as DD was able to get DSA for him and have his education planned.

You should contact your Health Visitor. I hope this isn't the case for your DS, but needs to be flagged up.

They can show traits from six months old. I started minding a little boy who was 18 months old and it was my autistic adult DD who asked me if he was autistic first. I started to pick up that he wasn't doing what NT children do. It took until he was in Nursery at 2 for him to come under investigation and by three he had a diagnosis. If you aren't getting any joy from your HV make an appointment with your GP. What clinic is he going to in December?

I would say take him to GP and start the ball rolling now.
Autism is a massive spectrum, but a lot of what you describe is typical of autistic children.

It sounds more like a global developmental delay that any specific autistic behaviours.

Sounds like there’s something going on, I would speak to HV or GP asap to get the ball rolling.

Only talking from my own experience with my DS aged now 12. He has Aspergers and showed signs aged 2 (rocking, arm flapping, obsessions) I just knew he has ASD but it took the next 8 years to confirm a diagnosis as no medical professional would listen to me and he masked so well. So yes I would say it is possible but if you seek medical opinion at this age you may just get what I had which was “oh he will grow out of it, don’t worry!” Can I just add that my DS bitterly resents his diagnosis and wishes we hadn’t sought a diagnosis so just make sure if you do seek a medical opinion it is the right road you want to go down. All the best

Yes, asd can show at this age and often a professional can recognise it. However, some well known traits of asd can also be normal in the development of very young children, for example echolalia in a child learning to speak. I called my Hv when ds was 21 months and from then the ball was rolling toward his diagnosis. When DD was 10 months old at an appointment with asd specialist paediatrician for DS, the doctor told me to keep an eye on the baby for her eye contact was not good for a 10 month old. Dd got her asd diagnosis when she turned 4. Definitely call HV with any concerns, the earlier you get on to it, the earlier you child receives support.

Yes it's definitely possible to be showing signs at 18 months. The MChat Test is from 15 months and will give you an indication of his risk for ASD.

I'd also have a look at this progress checker from the SLT Charity ICan.

If you do both, you'll have a good indication of his risks and the ICan Charity will tell you if it sounds as though he'll need some extra support.

The SN Section on Mn is usually very good too OP, if you need any support

Tell me you haven't got an autistic child without telling me you haven't got an autistic child. 🙄

Sounds very autistic to me. (2 autistic children and I'm diagnosed too.)

Ask the health visitor administer the MCHAT (modified checklist for autism in toddlers). This can be administered at 18 months (& if you child does not point or respond to their name they will be picked up by this screen). This should bring your son to the attention of the local child development services and allow early support if needed. The HV may want want to wait 1 - w months to readminister the CHAT which is reasonable - but I wouldn’t want to wait any longer.

ah I see someone else has mentioned the CHAT. It should be recognised as being an important screen.

Good luck OP and don’t worry about pushing - I felt so bad seeking help for my son at that age as everyone made me feel like I was imaging things.

I have ASD and work with children with autism and GDD. I hold related qualifications.

The HV may want want to wait 1 - w months to readminister the CHAT which is reasonable - but I wouldn’t want to wait any longer.

Totally agree with this. The HV's response, in fact most HCPs, will be "wait and see".

If she does say this, get her to commit to a follow up appointment in a months time. They can be notorious for putting you off for a long time.

I am an early years teacher and senco at my school-I absolutely would say that those behaviours are typical of some children with ASD.

Have you spoken to your health visitor? They will be your first port of call and refer you to a paediatrician and likely speech therapist also.

My own son was around 18 months when I suspected something wasn't quite "right" in terms of his speech and at 22 months my health visitor referred us to SALT. He passed his two year check with flying colours (except for his speech) but the health visitor continued to check in and referred us to the paediatrician. He's 6.5 and got his diagnosis last Sept. He's at mainstream and is thriving! The support he gets is fantastic!

Trust your instincts op.

I'm sorry I didn't realise MN had one, I can asked for it to be moved!

Appreciate all the replies so far, thank you.

He's seeing a paediatrician in December for his walking, not sure if I can discuss it with them too.

Sorry sevenoh, wasn't telling you off for being in the wrong section, just thought I'd mention the section in case you wanted some further support, or just a nosey

Another marker can be using your hand/Daddy's hand as a tool. So if he wants the door opened, he takes you by the hand and places your hand on the door handle. That kind of thing, It can be quite subtle because who doesn't like having their hand held by their child.

Please don't be fobbed off by the HV, the mCHAT is a very useful starting point.