Signs of autism? 19 months

[jenny768]

Hi,

I'm wondering if these are signs of autism or not. I think so from what I've read, but partner disagrees. Also not sure where to go for support or help - do I contact health visitor? They haven't been overly helpful in the past.

• no words. Makes lots of noises and babbling but no definite words and won't imitate sounds I make

• rarely turns around to his name

• rarely follows simple instruction unless also with hand gestures

• will clap and sometimes point but won't wave

• bad sleeper, often up several times a night

• obsessed with opening and closing doors

Signs he doesn't have:

• has ok eye contact, will often look in the eye
• smiles when smiled at
• likes hugs and touch

Has anyone had a similar experience?

19 months is really young, sorry to ask the obvious but do you model all of these things? Chat to him a lot, play with him, point things out, say the names of things a lot? My oldest didn’t point until quite late, it was covid lockdown time and I realised she hadn’t learned as I hadn’t taught her. I assumed she would just pick it up but she didn’t. She was pointing within a couple of weeks of me making an effort to do it.

the first 2/3 points I’d say are potential indicators, the others can be also but they can be also usual toddler things. Eye contact and smiling or liking touch also doesn’t rule ASD out - it can really vary. If you have concerns I’d write all these things down with examples, and then speak to your HV or you could just go straight to GP and ask for a referral to a paediatrician. Waiting lists for assessments are long (can be 2 years) so my advice is to get the ball rolling even if it turns out your little one just has some delays / speech delay.

i also wonder if you’ve noticed anything sensory? Loud noises / difficulties with clothes / textures or food difficulties? It’s tricky when they’re very little unless it’s extremely obvious autism, because a lot of typical toddler behaviours may look like autism also. Good luck :)

@Naptrappedmummy yeah I try to model these things, especially names of things - but can try more so. He's also in nursery 4 days a week so around other kids

@Triceratopsandjellytots not noticed anything specific with sounds/textures. Sometimes doesn't like woolly jumpers but always put this down to being potentially itchy!

Nursery have suggested a hearing test as doesn't answer his name, but feel like this is a checklist first stop (I'm almost certain he doesn't have hearing issues) before looking at development issues.