Hi,
I'm almost positive I'm being silly here but would love some reassurance if possible. Ive always been a bit on high alert for ASD as my brother is autistic.
I've never really had any concerns about my 18m as he smiled very early and lots, loves eye contact, loves people (much more interested in people than toys generally), is very social and cuddly. I was just joking the other day that he never responds to his name and is a stubborn git and since then have gone down a rabbit hole of finding everything he does/doesn't do that could be red flags!
'Red Flags'
Only sometimes responds to name - absolutely will not is watching TV or engrossed in activity. Sometimes will at other times but might take 1 or two attempts. I always put down to being strong willed but am getting worried reading its a big red flag!
Sometimes walks on tip toes (as in a few secs, a few times a day). The rest of the day walks normally. He walked around 12m
He waves or flaps his arms when really excited about something - seeing his grandparents or if hey duggie is being put on. Only for a few seconds and out of enjoyment - not to calm himself down as I have seen described can be for ASD
Words - has some but not many for an 18m old. Maybe 5 at a time. He has said a lot more in the past (up to 20 maybe) but they seem to come and go. I have not been too worried about this as they seem to be started to come more and more and I know boys can be later.
Will wave but not always and not on command.
'Green Flags'
As I said - a very sociable and smiley boy and always has been. Loves cuddles, loves rough and tumble, loves playing silly games with you.
Loads of imaginative play. Loves his books and concentrates well. He understands A LOT more than he says - can follow lots of instructions like 'get me (specific book)', 'go put that in the washing machine', 'put your dummy in the cot'. I can ask him to point at a very large number of things in his books and he can show me (I would say more than a hundred). Loves singing and does the signs. Can point to body parts. Points lots - to ask for help or to draw attention. Is generally very interactive and communicative.
No evidence of repetitive play or obsessions. Not a fussy eater. No physical or motor skill issues.
So it seems as a general picture not to fit but those few niggles are niggling!! Has anyone had similar experiences with a 18m and they just grow out of it? I did ask the childminder and specifically mentioned response to name and slightly worried - she said she had no concerns but did mention the tip toe thing and said she would help practice name response. My parents (who noticed very obvious signs with my brother at just a few weeks old) haven't said anything. I'm a bit scared to mention for opening a can of worms but I know that's silly...
Thanks in advance