Worried about son

[Rosebel]

I suppose I'm more asking if I'm overeating rather than being unreasonable.
I'm incredibly worried about DS. He's just turned 3 and has speech delay. The other day I was reading some of his old observations from nursery and one mentioned he says key words like mum, dad, dedad (grandad) bye bye but he doesn't say these words anymore. Nor does he point. I asked him today what he wanted for snack, gave him three options, showed him the three options and he cried. At nursery he won't indicate what cereal he wants but always used to.
He seems to have lost some speech but I'm more worried he's loosing understanding. He does do some things (like taking his plate to the kitchen or pulling out the plug in the bath) when asked but I don't know if he understands what I'm asking or does it from routine
He's on the waiting list for a hearing test and SALT but I know there is a long waiting list.
If I think he's getting worse should 8 try to get in touch with paediatric doctor or will it not make any difference?
DH claims not to see an issue but it took me months to convince him DS needed additional support so I think he's burying his head in the sand. My parents are not in good health so can't really discuss it with them. I am going to try and talk to Senco tomorrow but she's not been in the room with him recently so not sure she'll be able to help.
I'm just so worried. I think since starting in preschool he's regressed (quite a bit) which is a shame as he was doing really well in toddlers. He cries more in preschool (and at home) if people raise their voice or another child is crying. I work in preschool so I know it can get busy and loud. I'm moving to toddlers in September though and I worry he'll get worse or "lost" in such a busy environment.
So am I overreacting about the change in speech? Is he maybe just regressing because he's changed room? Should I phone paediatrics?

I’d get this checked and speak to SenCo about your concerns.

the regression is a sign something might be going on.

the sensitivity to noise and light is potentially a sign of autism, but needs to be checked by a specialist.

Don’t worry…it could be nothing, but if it is, then you’ll be able to get him the support he needs before he starts school.

Thanks. Autism was my first thought as DD2 has autism. She is high functioning but the way her autism presents is totally different to DS. I know it's a huge spectrum but I worry so much.
Obviously I'm biased but he is such a sweet little boy but in a lot of ways quite babyish for his age.

Ask for an assessment.

Remember whatever the outcome he is the best.

He sounds like my son at that age, he was diagnosed autistic at 2. It seems like you have the necessary referrals going through, your health visitor can refer you to paediatrics. Another thing to consider is whether an OT referral would be beneficial to help manage the sensory side of things, as well as any other developmental delays e.g fine or gross motor.

The biggest thing you can do at the moment, is advocate for what he needs regardless of any kind diagnosis or not. If you feel moving up isn't going to work, tell them. My son ended up staying in the 2 year old room at nursery until he was 4 for similar reasons - more staff, quieter calmer room, peers at a more appropriate communication level.

Also remember things like DLA, EHCPs etc. Don't require any kind of diagnosis, they're all needs based.