Symptoms of autism?

[polkadot22]

My son, who is just 3. Is showing some of the signs of autism. Mainly his speech delay. He hardly said anything up until a month ago but maybe now has 10-15 words. He understands a lot of things, but not everything. He only started waving, pointing and using other gestures around 6 months ago but now uses them a lot. Although speech delayed, he has always babbled a lot.

He is very affectionate and cuddly and is always giggling and smiling. He usually responds and smiles to anyone who talks to him. He reaches out to be picked up and is the most cuddliest child ever.

He is obsessed with pushing buttons, arcade games, opening and shutting things, playing with taps etc. To the point he screams and screams if I don't let him do it. If there is a room full of toys - he would rather press the buttons on something. Because of this I avoid going to birthday parties, toddler groups etc. Although, he does go to nursery 3 mornings a week and loves it.

When he is engrossed in something, it's hard to take him away from it. Like a certain ride at the park. He screams like I'm hurting him.

He doesn't play with children, but he loves playing alongside them and is getting better at sharing. He has never attempted to harm - hit, bite or kick another child (his nursery says that although he is delayed he, he doesn't not need one to one as he is great with children and often tries to help smaller younger children)

He is sometimes hard to calm down if he wants his own way or doesn't want to do something - like when he didn't want the dentist to look in his mouth or sit in the trolley at the supermarket.

He hates having his haircut - he screams and screams like he's in pain.

He sometimes makes very good eye contact, but at other times not at all. Sometimes he responds to his name and other times he doesn't.

He doesn't take part in imaginery play.

He can be very active, doesn't sit still for long when we are out (he does at home!), often he sees no danger in things and in all honesty is a bit wild.

Any other children like this? Speech therapy where I live is limited and has only seen them 3 times. He is awaiting an appointment with a specialist.

you have a described a typical 3 year old
have nursery said anything?
did they do a 2 yr check, was anything picked up at this?

I second that. you have described a typical three year old. The speech delay isn't a major factor is autism IMHO. Statistically 25% of all children have speech delay. You may just be in that 25%.

Have a look at the m-chat test and think back to how he was at 18 mths. Keep in mind it screens for those at risk of autism and doesn't tell you whether someone has autism. There are a few things you mention that sound a bit like autism or some other sensory processing issue. The delay in pointing, the difficulty in moving him on from things he likes, the hair thing and imaginary play. I'm not saying its ASD or that these things couldn't all exist in nt toddler just the constellation of things would make me request a referral to Pead from gp. Hvs as hugely variable so unless you have a good impression of yours skip that. It took until my dd was 4 to get assessment for ASD and diagnosis, she is significantly disabled but we've been waiting for this since she was 9 months. It helps to have diag for services and school. So if you are wondering get on with it. If he doesn't hae ASD someone will tell you soon enough.

And BTW don't put too much weight on lay persons comments. My dd has severe low functioning autism and the number of people at playgroups, friends and family who told me she seems fine stuns me now. Clearly she wasn't fine

I think there are a few red flags in your posts.

I have a child with asd (and one without) and I know how difficult it cab be for people to listen, and all tbe comnents that my child seems fine (when she clearly was not).Polter and firsttimer already gave good advice.

I would make a list of concerns, take it to GP and ask for a referral to a developmental paed.

I would also ask for a hearing test to rule out any underlying hearing issue.

have you been referred to Salt already? if not self-refer or get the GP to refer.

don't let anybody fob you off.good luck.

ps: maybe pop over to the SN board. we are a friendly bunch.

I am with polter and firstimer if you are worried you should seek advice.

Language delay can be associated with Asd although both can be a condition on their own.

The thing that jumped out to me in your OP was the pressing buttons and opening and shutting things, his play sounds quite repetetive which can be a red flag for Asd.

I would write a list of your concerns and go to your GP and request a referral to a developmental paediatrician.

Good luck

Sorry cross posted with choc

My school keep telling me my 9 year old is perfectly fine and just abit shy. I keep asking for a proper assessment but get no where. Out doctor tells us the school need to refer but as our boy is not disruptive we can’t seem to force the issue. Are there any alternative options for us to get an assessment? I know you can pay for dyslexia etc but what about autism?

@Blanca123123 I know of a speech therapist team who have set up a private diagnosis clinic for autism. They work in the NHS diagnosing autism and do this on the side. If you Google you may find similar in your part of the country. Think you would want to be careful to check their credentials.

Any private child psychologist can asses and diagnose autism through the use of ADOS, CARS or similar - a full assessment can normally be set up in a few weeks.

I know this is a very very old thread I am just looking on this for my nephew. Did your child get a diagnosis and how are they doing now? This sounds very much like my nephew x