Autism 17mo?

[Zgre00]

Topic of autism~

Hi lovely people! I’m just looking for some advice from possible parents who have also gone through this.

I’m concerned my 17mo has autism. I know she’s still so young and I’ve been told my colleagues and family members that they can’t diagnose at this age and I’m just being paranoid as I’m a FTM but I can’t shift this gut feeling.

She doesn’t talk, only slightly babbles and even then it’s not mama or dada just noise but she does scream a lot (happy screaming not sad or scared screaming) she was always a little delayed in milestones like rolling but I put that down to her being a big baby and gravity making it harder. Her gross motor skills she was always ahead. She walks but now has started trying to walk on her tiptoes. She’s obsessed with carrying toys in both hands, but doesn’t play pretend or engage with other kids at play group. She flaps her arms a lot, doesn’t point to things she wants or gives me toys when I ask her to play. She walks to and back all the time and constantly knocks/slaps on the walls whenever she walks past.

She’s very affectionate and gives eye contact and smiles but there are signs of autism and I’m just concerned if I called the HV or go to the GP they’ll basically laugh me out the door.

My question is has anyone’s little ones been similar and gone on to have a diagnosis? Or am I just being a paranoid FTM? I don’t care if she has autism, it’s her world we’re just living in it I’m just concerned that if she has that I’m not providing the right care for her.

She’s such a happy kid and I just want the absolute best for her.

Thank you 🙏

As you know it's far to early to be thinking autism. Even if there is an issue it doesnt mean autism necessarily. Children can have speech delays, sensory processing issues and it not be autism. She may well be a little behind but catch up with a bit extra time. It's a waiting game at this age. How is her receptive language? Does she respond to her name/simple instructions etc. Does she gesture at all, clap etc.

The problem is that at this age some things could be signs - or they might just be her age. You don't need to give her different care though if she is autistic, just love her, have fun with her, talk to her and play with her. There's nothing wrong with speaking to your HV if you're worried but I wouldn't go to your GP yet.

She sometimes responds to her name but she’s normally too preoccupied in whatever toy she’s playing with at the time. She does clap, will stop what she’s doing if I say no. It’s just so difficult at this time because she was behind with other milestones but then started walking at 14mo and mastered it in a day where as rolling took her a few months as she just wasn’t interested.

There's no harm in speaking with your health visitor if you're worried. At this stage I'd personally only be concerned if she wasn't understanding you/following simple instructions.