17 months little boy- autism worries

[Passion01]

Hello everyone
My 17 month old little boy is showing signs of autism...we are waiting on GP visit to register our concerns with them. If I could get any advice on this or if anyone has experienced this and some how it all turned out ok it would be great to know. Ive got this dreadful anxiety in the pit of my stomach over it. His nursery minder had brought up that he is doing alot of hand flapping and shouting at the same time. We have obviously had suspicions ourselves but to hear from and outside source can be very hard.

Things we are worried about-
*hand flapping
*not responding to name
*not pointing
*not walking yet, he crawls and can bring himself up on the sofa
*no words (previously had a few but doesnt seem to say then anymore)

Things he does do:
*he seems to have good shared enjoyment when we play games with him
*decent eye contact and smiling response
*gives us kisses
*plays with toys

Im aware I need to speak to a medical professional about all this but any advice or experience in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I found it was the uncertainty at this age that was difficult - was she going to 'grow out of' some of these things or not? Because some NT children hand flap as toddlers, and plenty of them shout! Equally, plenty of autistic toddlers have shared enjoyment (albeit generally on their terms).

See if you have a Specialist Health Visitor in your area. Ours was really, really good. She signposted us to a service which was like a playgroup for children who were awaiting assessment, where the children could get additional input from specialists and the parents could be offered advice tailored to their child's needs. She also did a toddler screening questionnaire (the M-Chat, you can get it online) and made the referral for us.

Good luck.

Speak to your health visitor about your concerns and they can refer to the appropriate professional ,paediatrician, Portage ,SALT etc.

Hi, OP -

I can see why you are concerned. Please do take medical advice. FWIW, loads of people do worry unnecessarily.

A close friend was frantic about one of her DC who flapped hands for a few years. Another walked on tiptoe for about a year. Both grew out of it.

My DB had speech regression after a house move and didn’t say much until he was well over 3 yo. He quickly made up for it, got a PhD from an Ivy League university and developed a very successful career including public speaking. He was also a late walker, well over 12 mos.

Like your DS he always interacted well, loved to play with us, was smiley and we could always make him laugh.

I don’t want to offer false assurances because I am no expert but these signs sound good to me. Very best wishes.

Yes I think its the 'not knowing' and the waiting game that is killing me, its taken away from me being able to enjoy him as I feel like im constantly looking for signs of autism...yes I will try to get in touch with the health visitor aswell. Thanks for your reply!

Get his hearing checked OP

At that age we were pretty certain our son had autism (diagnosed age 3) because he had no joint attention. You are doing the right thing in seeing your GP because if your son requires support with anything, the earlier the better.

@poetryandwine thankyou for this. I think abit of hope is what I need as im so far down the rabbit hole of this...appreciated x

@poetryandwine thankyou for this. I think abit of hope is what I need as im so far down the rabbit hole of this...appreciated x

Our health visitor was good as well.

Thankyou for everyone who has responded so far, its really appreciated x

My son is 3 and a half now, was referred for his first ASD assessment when he had just turned 1 and was seen shortly before his third birthday. His development compared to his peers is slower, walking happened late, he is minimally speaking and has sensory issues. But he's also funny, curious, active, outgoing, smiley, kind, playful and so many lovely things. Your child might have autism, but it doesn't have to be a black cloud over your family, you just adjust as best you can and parent differently to accommodate them.

Hi Op

I see some of the traits you listed in my DS with Asd and some in my younger ds without asd.

A medical professional would need to assess it altogether.

With my DS (with asd), I also flagged it around the same age and think the early intervention really was key to his progress. He is 12 now and his progress has been amazing to see.

With my other ds (without asd), I also flagged my worries at that age and although it turned out he is NT, my concerns were taken seriously.

Good luck, you're doing the right thing in bringing it to the attention of medical professionals early on.

Pleasure, OP.

I an sure my own mum would understand what you are going through. I was young enough not to worry, and just to enjoy my baby brother.

Maybe he needed someone like that. I hope you can relax a bit (perhaps after organising a medical appointment) because I think enjoying your DS more will be good for both of you. Forgive me, I know it is a big ask.
Come back here for support.🩷

He is still your son. One day at a time.
Get him assessed and ask about support and strategies which will help. He is only little.
Ask yourself, "so what if he is eventually diagosed with asd? Is it the worst thing in the world? No. I will find out info and support and love him as he is. I know that my anxiety will not help him so I will seek help for that"

@Bumble2016 This is absolutely true...I think you always go to the worse scenario in your head and the worst outcime instead of what you describe your son as which is absolutely lovely. Thankyou