Advice please!

[randomuser101]

I have an 18 month old toddler who only says two words, doesn't do any gestures at all and doesn't understand anything I say or doesn't respond to any "demands" such as "can you pick this up" or "no you can't do that" as example and also they don't respond to their name. The list can go on but another few things to add is that they stare into spec, doesn't play with toys or others and screams 24/7

( when they were younger they could say 6 words and gesture such as point, clap hands and wave but now doesn't do any of that)

Should I make an appointment at the gp or am I being paranoid? I've did a lot of research online but I'm getting nowhere with it as one site says one thing and another says it's normal kind of thing and I just have no clue on what to do or where to begin, thanks in advance x

Yes, you have very valid concerns and seeing your gp would be very advisable. A child loosing skills, not gesturing and with poor receptive language at 18M is concerning.

How long ago did your LO stop doing these things? A short period of regression isn't uncommon when developing new skills but prolonged regression is worrying. Contacting your HV or GP about your concerns would be the place to start. You can find multiple resources online like the MCHAT or the relevant ASQ for your LO's age, these are the tools HV's will use to initially assess your LO so you could familiarise yourself with them.

Thank you both for your replies,
I have contacted my GP who's referred me to my Heath visitor so waiting an appointment with her coming through.

My LO stopped their verbal and gesture skills around 12 and half months so it has been around 6 months since they have been doing anything that they were doing so at has been a while - I've tried everything I could do at home like sensory toys I talk to them all the time using words that should be understandable, reading books and other things but she just isn't interested in anything.

Thank you for the online resources I'll definitely look into them :)