I think my toddler is autistic

[Amy1997]

My daughter is 2.2 years old and she has had some hearing problems since she was younger. They think she may need grommets but her hearing has improved to a good level. She doesn't make good eye contact with strangers or other family members that's she's not seen for a few days. She also doesn't point but has very recently started following my point and putting her fingers on images in the books we read. She doesn't speak but has a lot of babbling. She can interact well with me but not other people. She doesn't do pretend play. I really think she might have autism. I have thought it for a while but I just don't feel like I'm been taken seriously. I was wondering if anyone else's toddlers have gone through this?

My older boy was like this and once he language took off at 3 all seems to fit into place. He's 4.5 now and has been such huge progress and loves it so pretend play. I'm no expert but I would look into extra language development support.

@dreamingofyellowandnavy thank you for replying. I hope my little girl starts coming on! I'd never change her for the world but I'd love to be able to help her and understand what is going on. X

I do think you have valid concerns. A child not distal pointing to request (something that they want but is out of reach) and more importantly to share interests (like a plane in the sky) by 18M would be concerning.

Her hearing difficulties will have had a massive impact on her language and communication. Try not to worry at this stage, see how she progresses now her hearings improved. She's only just turned 2 which is quite young for pretend play, so can't really be considered at this stage as a sign of ASC.

@Wherethereshope @AladdinMum thank you for your reply's.

I find it hard to try to stop worrying. But she is coming on and doing new and different things everyday. I do think there is something else alongside her hearing problems but hopefully we will get to the bottom of it soon.

She had her 2 year review today and they have referred her to speech and language and she has another appointment and if she scores low she will be referred to a paediatrician for more assessments. Hopefully we have got the ball rolling and she will start making progress.