Experiences of your baby pointing late… what was the outcome?

[sha160528]

Hi,

I’ve already posted about this around a month ago and just feel really anxious about it. My DD is 17 months and isn’t pointing yet and isn’t really showing signs of pointing.

She does say quite a few words, has taken her first steps this weekend and responds to her name when she’s not preoccupied. Recently she’s been learning to take steps so would ignore if she was preoccupied but if she’s just sat there for example eating in her high chair - she will respond.

Can anyone else share their experiences? Should I be really worried?

The HV and early years worker will come on Friday to speak about this in more detail but I just feel so anxious about it.

Thanks

Son is currently 8 turning 9. Was delayed in speaking, pointing and social skills. Didn’t point until he was 2 currently caught up in all areas and is neurotypical. Needed speech therapy till 7.

I would definitely raise this. It might be absolutely nothing, but the wheels are help are slow so good to get them in motion in case she does need more support.

My first DC was late to point. She learnt it, but I specifically taught her in a way I didn’t have to do with my subsequent DC, who picked up things like this very naturally.

She is autistic and now a fantastic 13 year old.

@TakeAMinutePleasedoes she get bullied? Do you think it will impact her outcomes in terms of making friends, doing a carer she loves etc?

I wouldn’t love her any less if she was autistic but I worry about things like the above^

How did you teach her to point if you don’t mind me asking?

Thanks

@Springadorable100%, that’s why the HV is bringing NY the EYW on Friday to shed some more light on this. I feel anxious about it though.

@Icequeen2I’m glad to hear that it worked out for your DC and he is now thriving. Is there anything you did to help with the pointing side of things apart from modelling?

She’s not had any issues around bullying.
She adores animals so will probably get a job connected with animal care.

I know how anxious you are. I had all the same fears and spiralling thoughts. I wish I hadn’t been so worried because it doesn’t change anything and it’s so easy to not enjoy the wonderful toddler years.

My autistic DC will have her struggles in life. My NT DC will have his struggles. They will be different but neither necessarily harder than the other.

I honestly can't remember when any more but one of my DC was relatively late to point... and he pointed with odd fingers (middle for instance).

He is a bit odd actually, though not in ways anyone can define. Now young adult. Working. Pleasant when he's not hangry (!)

@TakeAMinutePleaseThat’s great to hear. I’m glad your DD has had a pleasant experience despite being ND.

What was she like as a baby/toddler (her temperament?) I’ve spent the most of her early months worrying about different things but I feel as though early intervention is always better so I’d rather be over worried than ignore it and it cause issues later on for her

I agree with that. I don’t want anymore children so whether she’s NT or ND she’s the only child I’ll have

@lljkkI’ve never heard of that! That’s interesting! I’ll keep a look out in case she does point with odd fingers.

She does reach out and do like an open hand point if that makes sense? I guess you can call that more of a reach which shows she wants something or wants to be picked up. Not sure if it means anything

Haha he sounds like my husband!

My DS was late with some of these milestones. He’s autistic and completely awesome. If I could wave a magic wand and make him neurotypical I wouldn’t do it..

@FishfingerFlingerdoes he get bullied or have problems at school?

What prompted you to get a diagnosis?

Following this as your DD sounds similar to my 22 month old. He walked earlier than your DD but his speech is slower.

My DS didn’t ever point. He was diagnosed with autism and global development delay around 3(?) He is now 6 and is popular in school with loads of friends and is exceeding expectations in maths. He’s so so kind and loving and like pp said, if you gave me a wand to take his diagnosis away, I absolutely wouldn’t ❤️

I only remember my now teen DD pointing once to show joint attention, she had speech on a normal timescale it wasn't until DS didn't point/talk by 18 months that I realised it was so important and his peers at nursery seemed to be pointing all the time! anyway DS pointed at 2.5 and said his first words at 3.5 he had a s&l delay, it sounds like your DD is communicating and has words so that's fantastic, I was scared that DS would never communicate, there are many types of s&l disorders as well as delays but google always seems to suggest autism.

I have no concerns in regards to her speech - I think she’s within the normal range for that. @midlandsmummy123yep the internet defo points to autism for everything hence why I wanted to know what the potential outcomes could be

@ThorsMistressHow was the Global Development Delay diagnosed? Was your child late with a few milestones? If so, how late? Sorry for all the questions? When did he start talking?

Hi @sha160528 . May I ask how is your daughter doing? Any progress?