Please help, 14 month old is so miserable

[JeansSausageSurprise]

My DNephew is 14 months and we are all pretty worried about him as he just doesn’t seem content, like ever.

He has regular meltdowns throughout the day over the smallest thing (screaming), cries for hours during the night although sometimes sleeps well. If SIL/we go anywhere he gets really upset and has to be taken home. He is better at home but still not content and obviously being cooped up isn’t great.

Has anybody else ever had a toddler like this and was it just a phase? Is there anything SIL can do? They are slightly worried about ASD as have another Dnephew diagnosed. He also doesn’t have any words yet so could it just be that he gets frustrated that he can’t communicate yet?

Would really love some thoughts, thank you 😫

It's difficult isn't it, especially as you're jut with him 24 hours so you're not seeing everything that's going on?

Has your SIL asked you for help? I can imagine it's very difficult for you as you are obviously going to worry about him too

Just wanted to add that if your SIL is worried, maybe you could suggest contacting her GV and asking them to do an Ages & Stages assessment.

Yeah my SIL has confided in me and DH (her brother) a lot as she is just convinced her other children weren't like this.

Obviously we aren't there all the time even though we live close and spent lots of time together, I just want to be able to offer some helpful advice!

I don't think it helps that his sleep is poor tbh. I will suggest the ages and stages, thank you @PritiPatelsMaker. Her HV isn't available for a while apparently.

She can do the ages and stages herself – the scoring sheet is at the back, and if he does score 'in the black' for any categories, some people find that helps get a HV or GP to take the concerns more seriously. I suppose it's (literally) black and white evidence that this needs looking into.

He is in the black for communication and personal social but isn't 14 months 30 days just yet

Isn't that the upper end? I'd still try and persuade her to print off the completed questionnaire abc book on to see her GP

Black was the lowest, unless it wasn't the right questionnaire. I will encourage her to do just that, thank you for replying!

It's just so strange because when he is having a good day he is the smiliest little soul but they seem to be becoming fewer and fewer