Hi,
Ds is almost 12 months (my 4th baby) and has been referred to paeds for not meeting developmental milestones. Since he was a few weeks old I've had a gut feeling that he was different from my other children, but dismissed it after my husband disagreed.
As he got older it was gross motor skills that had alarm bells ringing initially; he can sit but cant crawl, pull to stand, sit from laying down and until 2 weeks ago could not roll. He can weight bear if held but does not attempt to step. I took him to see a physio and she has given me some exercises for his low muscle tone and referred him to a developmental consultant.
Now, describing the following is where I feel in my stomach that all is not right. He doesn't not babble. He does make some noises but they are rather monotone and don't vary. He certainly doesn't attempt to talk and its as though his vocalising is for his own amusement rather than to communicate. He is very, very placid. I always brushed it off as him being an 'easy baby' but looking back I think he has been too easy. He does not try to communicate with me by pointing, waving or imitation. He is smiley with familiar people but is deadpan to those unfamiliar to him and it is very difficult to make him laugh. However he has good eye contact and enjoys spending time with me.
I am not convinced either way if he understands me. If I ask him simple instructions (where's Daddy) he just smiles and has never once looked for someone when asked. I just don't know if he is fully aware of what is going on around him.
He can be very vacant at times and has a quirky habit of looking at things with his head tilted and he rolls his eyes upwards quite frequently too. He rocks back and forth quite frequently too. Don't know if this is something to worry about or if he does it for enjoyment (he smiles when he does it).
He enjoys playing with toys but only certain ones. He has different techniques for each toy and never seems to forget them.
Gosh, written down this seems an awful lot and is overwhelming. What I am basically asking is for some opinions/comparisons and what to expect when the consultant sees him in January if anyone has experience of this.
Sorry for the waffling.
Cheers.