spinning/corner eye looking/flapping/tiptoe walking - opinions on my DS please?

[GlitteryFluff]

Do they all point to ASD? As in probably it is ASD or that actually it could be nothing?

Ds spins in circles a lot, walks on tiptoes several times a day. Looks out the corner of his eyes a lot, sometimes whilst spinning sometimes not. Flaps, usually one arm only, similar to how he waves bye.

Basically wanted to get opinions on what you think about him?

Other info..

He's 19 months.

No words in context except nah for no.
But chatters lots, babbles nana, dada, baba but not in context.
No animal noises.

Doesn't point.
Clapped late about 15 months.
Waved late about 16 months.

Brings things to me ie book to read, bubbles to blow etc.

Eye contact ok generally, will look at me throughout the day fine. Sometimes he'll look at me with a grin almost as if to show me how amazing something is. Ie turned a page of a book and looks at it, then immediately looks at me with a smile and then goes back to book. But as I say this isn't constantly through day, just sometimes.

He understands me a lot, I feel. If I say turn the telly off, put this in the bin, put that back, give it to mummy he'll do it all. If I say where's your blanket/dummy he'll go get it. If i say we're going out he'll go to the front door.

But he can't communicate that well TO me. Because he can't point, doesn't do grabby hands if something is out of reach. So he'll just moan, whine or cry / throw a paddy. Sometimes he's like a baby again, crying and just going through the options, (Tired? Hungry? Nappy? Bored? Thirst? Etc).

Sometimes if he's hungry he'll go to his highchair and whinge around there. Sometimes if he's hungry he'll smack his lips together a few times (we used to do this whilst saying yum when he was younger), but again not often.

He initiates cuddles and kisses a lot.

He likes to play on his own but also if I start playing with something he comes over to see what I'm doing/play with it with me/pinch it.

What are your feelings on the above?

We went to a SALT drop in session in November (at this point no waving or clapping) where they said they didn't think autism as his eye contact was good and gave me a homework sheet to do with him re anticipation ie round and round the garden etc. They wanted to see him back in Feb if I felt necessary but they weren't concerned. They didn't see the spinning/flapping/eye corner/tiptoe walking though. I haven't been back yet, not because I'm not concerned but I just haven't had a chance as we've just moved and trying to get the place in order. I plan to go ASAP though.

HV had already referred us to a paed (before we went to drop in clinic) who we saw in December and he wanted us to go for 1 to 1 SALT sessions and sent us for blood tests and wanted to see is in 6 months to discuss any progress and blood results. (This should be June time- he said was important he saw us again before his 2nd birthday which is August. We got a letter with blood results that all appear normal). However he was a locum paed (?) who didn't know that in our area it's not until 5(!) that they can have 1 to 1 sessions so we're not able to go. (I phoned when the notes came back not mentioning it and the paed called and told me this).

So, I know I need to go back to the drop in clinic and then wait until we see the paed again but I just wondered what your feelings were on this?

Thank you

@Kina2018 he sounds exactly like my son. He would do it to the furniture, walls anything that some sort of line to follow. He would
Also tilt his head to the side.. it used to really scare me I know that sounds awful. It got so bad at one point he would do it outside to any wall or fence even if we were at the park. I too would call his name and he would look over and laugh and I usually did it cos it freaked me out a little. I think you should divert him if he does it too much as sometimes it’s quite dangerous they could bump into something and not notice.

@Unluckyinlove2 omg yes! Exactly what he does yesterday we were in our back yard and he was doing it along the fence and yes I try my best to tell him no dont do that or I start doing any activity to keep him from doing it sometimes I even give him alot of screen time because if is either on his tablet or watching tv he wont do it as much or wont do it since he’s really into whats he’s doing but yes is really scary and freak me out did you ever talk to his Dr about it what would they say? I dint mentioned it on 18 months check up they send him to do an EEG to rule out seizures thank god he came back normal but I feel like he’s doing it more now that hes avout to turn 2 :(

Just wanted to add that my son used to do the running with the side eye thing too, he's 5.5 now and hasn't done it in years, however he does have a language delay although hasn't been diagnosed with ASD either but you never know he could be in the future.

@pinkgin85 hi thank you for you response! Do you remember at what ages he stop doing it? Or what did you do to help him stop? Iam very concerned about mine as he’s doing more now even stares at walls everything

Please tell me more. My 2.5 year old is delayed in speech and other areas. One thing thts driving me insane is the walking close to walls and straight lines and sometimes the corner of his eyes when doing it. We are going to do ot and a 3 month project impact program to see if he needs other therapies...

Thanks for this. I'm hoping my 2.5 year old stops it sometime soon. Its driving me wild!

@Ritaisho88 Im in the same boat as you my 25 month still doing it and very delay as well we are taking him to get his eyes check to rule put any eye problems

Uff its so stressful. For Jacob, he did have esotropia, eye turn, so he had eye surgery for that last year. He still does have eye problems I can tell. But I just don't know if its that.

Sorry to jump on this thread, my son has just turned 3 years old and is doing the corner eye looking. We are seeking help from a private speech therapist whilst we wait for the NHS speech therapist as I want to help at the earliest point possible. He has a speech disorder, in the way he is learning language but since the 1st lockdown has come on amazingly. He asks off nursery for 6 months and only went back in Sept, one day a week. He isn't bothered by other children at all, he knows they are there, he just doesnt want to play with them. Having said that between lockdowns we visited a farm and park and he started to chase after some children to try and play. Ar nursery he isnt bothered about playing with them. I have concerns about his social and communication skills and have raised these with the speech therapist. She has said its too early to tell if it is anything more that a speech disorder, and basically he needs to put all the blocks into place speech wise to enable him to socialise and communicate effectively. The SENco at his nursery have watched him and want to discuss what she has seen. I obviously want to support him anyway I can and want to avoid him being labelled at such a young age.... I guess what I'm asking is should I wait to see if things continue to progress for him over a few months or should I try a week help now as I know the waits are long for assessments ect. I think it's been a crazy time for everyone but I feel they are maybe expecting too much considering we had little interactions with people and children for around 6 months and he has only attended around 8 sessions back at nursery, in a new room. Just need a bit of advice. I'm terrified for him if it turns out to be something... x

No need to be sorry! I've been waiting for another post on this thread! As I said before, my son is 2.5 and he does the side eye and walking close to things. He loves to run along straight lines. He's very happy plays great, but has trouble communicating. That being said, he has a lot of words just not using them to carry on conversations. He gets frustrated quickly because he can't tell us what he wants sometimes. I opted for early intervention. He is a part of this program called PROJEcCT IMPACT. They come twice a week to teach him play and social skills. He has had one app so far and did great. Its a 3 month program and that will tell us if he needs additional therapies. Its so very scary and frustrating for all of us. I just wish we knew it was a delay and he would catch up, rather than something wrong. And even the teacher said this whole COVID situation definitely has a play in whats going on and why so many kids are delayed in the social and speech areas. You are not alone. Just know that. Prayers for everyone on this thread❤🙏

I completely understand, it is incredibly frustrating. I feel I'm missing out on so much of his early years from constantly worrying. I dread assessments and checklists 😒 I just wish I could see ahead into the future and know everything is going to be ok.
How did you become involved in the programme. I'm trying as much as I can at home, turn taking and following the speech therapists advice and trying to celebrate the little moments.

Oh me and you both sister! I just wish we could enjoy everything without worrying about red flags and signs. That's what my day consists of. Its annoying. But I know it'll all be okay. We just have to take it one day at a time. I try to be thankful because I know it could be a lot worse. My boy is happy healthy and growing. Its all I could ask for. Anything else is a bonus. I don't know which state you are in but I believe this program is through state funding. I got started by calling the Regional Center of San diego as they have a lot of programs for kids with developmental delays and concerns.

Hi all!!
I just wanted to say that my son too looks through the corner of his eye, stares at lights, and recently has been walking and staring at walls as he runs or anything that has an edge to it, he will tilt his head to look at things from different angles.

He is 22 months and was diagnosed with ASD at 18 months because I kept pushing to take him to a specialist because I knew his odd behaviors were not normal.

He had started speech and occupational therapy since he was 16 months because he was delayed, obviously. After he was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, I got him to start ABA therapy by 20 months old. He goes to a center 20 hours a week. I have seen improvements but he still has many odd behaviors.

He has been babbling more and can repeat many words but he doesn’t use words in a conversational way. He understands a few things but not much. He has many sensory issues like with food, he can’t stand eating texture and everything must be mashed or puréed like baby food. He probably will be needing feeding therapy soon.

I’m honestly terrified for what his future looks like. No one can give me a prognosis of what it may be like as he is too little to know anything. I wish I knew what his functioning level will be or if he’ll be able to have a conversation and have friends someday. Many kids go on to be non verbal and be dependent of their parents for their entire life. I wish I knew for my son and that kills me.

I know deep down that everything will be okay, Even if he does end up on the severe end of the spectrum. I just want him to be happy more than anything! But I would also love to hear his voice someday!

If anyone on here has an ASD child and further down this autism journey I would love to hear how your child is doing today and all they’ve accomplished!!!

I have twins and there both doing it and is destroying me!

Hey ladies!

I hope you don’t mind me joining.. I wanted to give my input..

My son is 28 months and does the following things:

• spins in circles and looks from the corner of his eye
• doesn’t have any speech only babbles but it is repetitive. Has started singing tunes, loves singing twinkle twinkle little star (tuu tu tuuuu tu)
• barely any communication, doesn’t understand go get your shoes etc
• MAJOR eating issues. His diet is limited only eats dry cornflakes, rich tea biscuits, milk, juice
• hand flaps when extremely excited
• plays with the same few toys everyday, although does like to try new toys once he discovers them from the bottom of his toy box
• balance is a bit off, for example can easily be knocked over by another child. If we place him down from picking him up, have to sort of make sure he’s got his balance before letting go
• going on the rides in parks is a hit and miss, sometimes shows interest. Other times can barely have an expression
• sometimes will have obvious ASD signs and everything will trigger him (hand flapping etc) but sometimes you can barely tell

On the other hand:

• brilliant sleeper, has slept through the night since he was 6 weeks
• really affectionate and friendly. Will give cuddles and sloppy licks to show his affection
• he is extremely easy to parent, barely ever has any tantrums or meltdowns
• extremely good eye contact now, will assess our faces for ages although this wasn’t always the case
• really creative, loves drawing, painting, pressing the keys on the laptop, flicking through books and staring at the pictures
• has become better at imitating, for example will watch me open the door with keys. He will then take my keys from the table and go to the door and stick the keys in the keyhole and will play with the handle to try open and close
• will bring me his juice bottle to open or favourite toys to share
• generally a very sweet boy who is a pleasure to be around
• I put him in nursery at 18 months to improve his social skills and has a wonderful relation with teachers, has learnt how to use a spoon and improved other motor skills
• obsessed with the alphabet, will watch it for ages on tv

I knew from 6 months he wasn’t NT. I waited and watched and eventually around 1 years old when he barely had any interest in the world around him, I raised my concerns to my GP.

It’s been a long road, his case has been mishandled, referrals getting lost and delayed. But now everything is on track again and I have not given up! He is my child and I will give him the best chance at life no matter what the outcome is.

For now he is on the NHS waiting list for SALT and early intervention and paed assessment. But I have booked a private SALT to get things moving before NHS comes back to us as you can imagine it will be a while because of COVID, lockdowns and stuff.

Anyways I am 95% sure he is on the spectrum. I cried myself to sleep in the early months and used to wonder what his future will look like. Have even accepted he could be non verbal? Unless my private SALT can work her magic and get him to start talking words..

Sorry for the long post 😂. I wanted to give my 2 cents and show a different perspective. Just because he isn’t NT does not mean we will not have a happy life. Life is beautiful in its own way. I worried myself sick to death about ASD, spent hours on forums on mumsnet, it was ruining my mental health actually. But now thank god I am in a better place and can see the light. He is a wonder happy little boy and just because he is different from everyone doesn’t meant I will love him any less?

Me and partner are trying for another baby so that he has a friend in the future even if he does struggle to make friends.

I will try to give an update soon x

Hello,

im hoping someone on this thread is still active, my little boy 24 months does the eye thing along walls, anything with lines too. Our days out are me directing him from walls, fences etc

apart from that however he has no other red flags. Can anyone give an updated on their little ones. I’m unsure of what steps to take
thank you to anyone who can help me

If there are no other red flags then as pee my experience there is nothing to worry as it is just a quirk which the kids grow out of all by themselves.

Wow… I forgot I ever was on these threads😂 I’m so happy to see it pop up though and to read through my posts about how stressed I was about my son and all of the signs, red flags, possible dx as a first time mom. Let me just tell you now, if I knew where we’d be today, I wouldn’t have wasted so much time worrying. My son went from being non communicative to nonstop talking after a couple years of ABA therapy (and speech in preschool). He is the light of my life and has grown so much. When I posted about his running along the fences and doing the side eye thing, it was around the time he had found his toddler energy and was all over the place. Of course as they get older they mellow down just a bit and they find other things interesting. I know it’s hard now mama, and oh so very stressful but it WILL get better. I’m not saying your son is on the spectrum, because it could very well be just a quirk, but if he is, it definitely isn’t the worst news. God, my boy is so amazing I can’t stress it enough how special all of the little things he does and says that most kids don’t, they mean so much to me and I smile so big when he does them. Hand flapping one of them. He is just so happy and obsessed with the simplest things like elevators😂 and it makes you see the world sp much differently and just beautiful. I hope you can rest in knowing it will all be okay and your son is amazing either way. This is a rough patch I bet, because I’ve been there but it won’t always be like this…hoping you find my post helpful!!

And about what steps to take… I got my son evaluated as soon as I saw signs because as a former teacher I’m going to tell you EARLY INTERVENTION IS EVERYTHING!! it doesn’t hurt to get them evaluated and will only open so many doors for him if he needs any extra help in any areas. He could be under stimulated or overstimulated and you can learn tools to help him regulate…I say contact your local regional center or even have pediatrician set up an evaluation. Just let them know your concerns❤️

Hi how is your son doing now ? Just interested to know if he remained doing well

thank God he is doing amazing and making lots of progress in kindergarten! He learns new things everyday and is ahead in most stuff academically in his class! Also his social skills continue to improve everyday!!!

@GlitteryFluff

Hi,

My son does some of the things you described in your post. I understand your child was later diagnosed with asd. What level was he diagnosed under? Is your little one high functioning? Please let me know. Thanks

Hi any updates please ?

Hi how’s your son now ? ☺️