We have had concerns about the possibility of our grandson having autism since he was around 6 months old. He's now nearly 3. We have suggested the possibility to the parents a few times now & have been shut down completely, the subject has been ignored.
We want to maintain a relationship with everyone concerned but feel if we suggest anything else, we'll be cut off.
It's been a long time since we've had toddlers in the house & we don't want to be the 'know it all' & out of touch Grandparents. We simply don't know what to do.
It's like Mum & Dad are blind to his obvious differences. They think his behaviour is funny. I think a lot of it is laziness on Mum's part, he is basically left to his own devices at home.
Why a health visitor hasn't picked up on this is beyond us. Are they as good as they used to be with regular visits or appointments?
He babbled briefly as a baby but it stopped. He spins, toe walks, vocally stims, although he's still non verbal. Doesn't know his numbers, colours or animal noises. He doesn't play with his toys.
If he wants something, he'll lead you by hand to show you. He can't follow simple instructions & doesn't answer to his name. He could walk into a room full of people & he wouldn't acknowledge any of them.
He runs backwards & forwards, climbs and opens/closes doors/windows repeatedly. He has no sense of danger and will elope in a heartbeat. He doesn't sleep through the night & is still in nappies.
He's at home with Mum every day & they don't go out! He doesn't engage with anyone other than close family members & at best, we will get some eye contact with him.
He's the sweetest little lad & it breaks our hearts to see him like this when Mum & Dad could be taking steps to helping him.
What do we do without causing chaos in the family?