DD doesn’t respond when we call her.

[MJaneM13]

DD is 20 months. We call her name and it’s like she really doesn’t hear us at all. If we say a nursery rhyme or sing a song she will turn around straight away. If the tv goes on (which she loves) she will hear it right away. She doesn’t point. She does make eye contact with me, doesn’t hold it for very long but doesn’t make much eye contact with her Daddy.
She is always singing, starting to say words. Baby, quack, two. She has learned the actions to some nursery rhymes and will do them when we say the rhyme. If we sing one, she will sing it back in her own language but the tune is spot on.
My husband keeps saying there’s something wrong with her. I don’t think so until we call her & then it makes me wonder...........anyone else any experience with this?

If you think her hearing is fine, it's probably a good idea to do the m-chat test to see what her risk of having ASD is.

Not pointing by 20M is a little concerning, I agree with JiltedJohnsJulie to take the m-chat test.

Let us know how you get on too @MJaneM13

Hi, my daughter is exactly the same she's 22 months, doesn't respond to her name and her hearing test came back inconclusive. She has been referred to speech and language as well as a peadeatrician to check her development. I am extremely worried about ASD. Not really any help for you but just to let you know I'm in the same boat with my daughter.

Thanks for your responses ladies.
I had not even heard of the m-chat test. It came out as medium risk. Her 2 year check is not for a few months and with all that’s going on at the moment I don’t know if they will see her sooner.
My gut tells me she’s not ASD but maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part 😬
I keep trying to teach her to point. She sings a lot and I feel like when she’s singing she’s just not listening to me unless I’m singing too.
@Newmomma2705 please let me know how you get on.
Also, in the m-chat test it asks if your child climbs, does anyone why they ask this?
Is this a sign of ASD or not?

No idea in the climbing thing but if she’s medium risk, she really need assessing by a Paed. I’m not sure the GPS are doing referrals but I would definitely ring them tomorrow and ask fir an appointment.

They 2 year check they can do from 21 months so maybe wait till next month and ask them to do it early xx

@GMom autism and weak gross motor skills (ie. like being unable to climb) is not uncommon, so can be another red flag.

I would check for hearing first.
Ds had very poor hearing due to glue ear. However certain sounds he responded to straight away-sound of the bath running (he loved getting in with me, and however far away, or how quiet I was being, he'd come charging up the stairs double quick) and sound of the freezer being opened (he liked... frozen fish fingers - yuck!)
Say his name and he wouldn't hear.

Thanks for that AladdinMum, I didn’t know that.

That’s so reassuring! She hears me say nursery rhymes & sing songs & if I make a noise with a toy she’ll hear me.
God I hope it’s glue ear 🤞🏼
Thanks so much!

Update 5 years later?

Mommy was in denial. She was diagnosed privately in 2023. It got so bad I couldn’t ignore it any longer, it was the toughest few years of my life. I got stuck into researching and found some things that really helped. Homeopathy detox (made the most improvement) the Nemechek Protocol (also made huge improvements) she’s too much of a fussy eater to make dietary changes. I also discovered she really struggles with medicine of any kind so I’ve gone down the natural route there too and her reoccurring tonsillitis is gone. It’s been one hell of a journey but she’s doing amazing. She’s in mainstream school and thriving. She has a full time 1-1 who is the most wonderful young girl and is so good with her. She even has a best friend at school which is all I’ve ever wanted for her. Her speech isn’t where it should be for her age but it’s improving all the time.

Thank you for the reply! My little girl (16 months) is similar to your original post.

wont respond to name (awaiting hearing test, but hears baby gate opening, tv coming on etc)
limited gestures
limited eye contact
only babbles
she whacks toys together a lot
she’s very smiley and loves a cuddle

she doesn’t stim as far as I know
she eats really well (isn’t fussy) and has begun to feed herself using a spoon
she doesn’t like playing with her big brother much

id love any advice please x

so glad your little girl has a brilliant 1-1 and a good friend at school. That’s my biggest worry! X

Are you in the UK and have you spoken to your HV about your concerns @atay27?

Yes her social communication was an area of worry at her 12 month review and we have her 18 month (though she will only be 17 months) review at the end of the month. I’m on the waiting list for a hearing test too. X

It’s good that the HV is keeping an eye on things and has referred for a hearing test.

When she sees her at 17 months I woukd fill in both of these:

18 month Ages & Stages

and the 18 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages

Bear in mind with the first one though that when she sees the HV she will be at the very beginning of the age range. If you’re doing one now, she will in this age range.

That’s great, thank you. They did send these through the post which was great that they’re so on the ball. I’m just really worried xx

I can understand you being worried. Right now though it sounds as though the HV is keeping an eye on DD. Let us know how she scored when you’ve filled them in and we might be able to give you some pointers

So she scored 10 for communication and 15 for personal social.
Problem solving was just ok and gross/ fine motor great where they should be x

Was that on the 16 month Ages & Stages @atay27?

Yes it was x