20 month old ADHD/AUTISM?

[Rodanical93]

Hi all, been debating on whether or not to post...

My LO is waiting to see a specialist about her behaviour and a couple of other things. While I'm waiting I'd just like to know what your experiences are with adhd in a toddler?

She's never been a great sleeper (so bad the doctors wanted to prescribe some sort of sleeping treatment for her, which I refused as I didn't think what they was offering was suitable for a baby). Since she's been able to walk she's constantly active, she doesn't sit still for more then 3 minutes max, not interested in toys but loves to climb. Will climb anything settee, radiator, pram, gates, stairs, washer, chairs, tables etc you get the point... She's hasn't been in a cot since about 10/11 months old as she climbed up and over... She doesn't seem to have any fear, which has lead to some pretty nasty falls and bumps when I haven't reached her in time! She doesn't cry when she hurts herself but does sometimes put on a fake cry when in front of others. She repeats words alot (usually mom for a good 10mins if not longer at a time), she loves to spin around and shout. I don't think it's her diet as she only has soya milk & water to drink and we eat a very healthy diet. She does eat alot and drink alot. She eats the same size portion as her 5 year old cousin, although she isn't overweight in anyway. Think that could be because she is doing 100mph 24/7!

She has her usual tantrums stomping feet, spitting, screaming, banging her head on stuff, pulling her hair (or mine!) Smacking, kicking & nipping. I don't think there Unusal for an almost 2 year old though!

The things the doctors are concerned about are: her sleep (lack of), flat bridge of nose, wide spread toes & the whites of her eyes been blue. A doctor mentioned down syndrome but to me she doesn't seem to have many similarities to someone with DS.

Any advice from people who have been through something similar would be greatly appreciated!

Also I have bipolar disorder & sweets syndrome & her older half brother is getting tested for ADHD. :)

A few things you mention sound familiar...my now (almost) 7 year old wasn't a great sleeper - frequent, but very brief, night wakings and up for the day by 5am. This stopped at about 5 yrs old, though he is still an early riser.
He would bang his head off the floor if frustrated, he still very occasionally does this, usually when his 2 year old sister annoys him!
Very high energy, never sat still. When he started nursery they noted that he had quite poor concentration skills and one month after starting school, the Senco said he may have ADHD. Two years down the line and his focus has massively improved and he is nowhere near as fidgety as he used to be.
I think particularly as a close relative is being tested for ADHD, it's a possibility it may be the same thing. But then, she is still very young but you are doing the right thing by investigating, just in case she needs early intervention.