2.5 year old all of a sudden become reserved

[beenaa]

Hi there, I'm a bit worried about my 2.5 year old he just seems to have all of a sudden become reserved and just very different. He used to be an outgoing confident boy who loved nothing more than attention if he hurt himself for example but now if I even go out of sight or the thought of me leaving him he just has severe meltdowns. Nursery is just a complete disaster now since schools opened again after lockdown closures, he breaks down that much I have to collect him ( that's if he even goes). He seen his nursery teacher out of context the other day and had the biggest meltdown I've ever seen in a child! If he hurts himself now he runs and hides somewhere and says no no no if I try to give him a cuddle. He also doesn't talk we get the odd word like no, mam, dad, he says animal noises for referring to different animals. Everyone says it's a phase but I don't know if I've got a motherly instinct and I should be worried he just seems to be struggling and is miserable? Xx

Did he talk before he became reserved @beenaa?

@BunnyRuddington no he has some serious delay in his speech for example digger is dihiii and tractor is gahaaar we know what he means but nobody else does! He says cheese clearly, he has said ham and juice before but I feel like he says words and then goes oops I didn't mean to say that and won't repeat it.

It's like a severe lack of confidence and he's scared of looking silly if that makes sense!

Poor little lamb. I think that once his speech improves it might help him out socially. Have a look at this progress checker from ICan. It should tell you if he's ok or could do with seeing SLT.

Have you spoken to the Nursery Manager or his key worker about your concerns as well?

@BunnyRuddington sorry I should have mentioned he's on the waiting list for SALT but Covid .... I do think his lack of speech is probably excelling the meltdowns now you say it poor thing can't tell me why! I think lockdown has made him a bit of a recluse

If you are on the waiting list, I'd call and see where you are on the list, say that you are willing to accept appointments at short notice as well. Would seeing a private SLT be an option in the meantime?

If you've not already done it I'd get him a hearing test too, you can self refer in most areas. SLT will want him to have had a hearing test.

Also, could you try using some Makaton signs with him? Start with some simple ones like Mum, Dad, More, Milk and Up. Signing really helped to cut down on tantrums with my two.

And just to possibly rule it out, I'd do the m-chat test.

My 2 year old ( just turned 2) has weirdly started to run away from me when he hurts himself too . He use to come to me for comfort but now he does the complete opposite.

Ah should have posted this on a new thread sorry, as this is an update on diagnoses!!