6 month old no interaction whatsoever

[FunFearlessAlex]

I always thought my baby was a bit different but couldn't quite put a finger on it. He used to coo a lot and had great eye contact around 3 months and then went mute for over a month. But he used to smile back at me etc so I wasn't too concerned. He's now vocalising again but completely stopped smiling and looking at us. He doesn't look when we talk to him. He's never laughed. He only turns to us when we say "That's not my dinosaur" (his favourite book) or "Baby Shark". Other than that there's zero engagement. Other people have now started commenting on that as well.
The HV made me complete ASQ forms. He's in black for communication on both 4 and 6 months ASQ but HVs said they can't refer him anywhere as he's so young.

All these signs point to autism. I didn't know they could manifest that early and it makes me worried it's going to be pretty severe. My mental health is tanking and I don't know what to do next. He's moaning all the time and scratching and pinching, and nothing I do makes him happy. I keep on trying to interact with him but it's getting harder and harder.

Is there anyone here who's gone through similar with their LOs? Do you have any advice? I'm at my wit's end :(

I’m sorry that the HV said there was nothing she can do. This is not correct. I would contact her again today and ask for a referral to Portage.

Also ask her if there are any groups for LOs wirh speech delay or SN in your area.

I understand that it’s not what you planned for your DS but at this stage it’s not conclusive that he has ASD but you can explore ways to support him if he does have. For example teaching him Makaton might be useful?

Has the HV at least referred him for a hearing test as Glue Ear can present in a very similar way to ASD?

Have a look at the SN section on MN too. There are usually some very supportive and understanding MNers in there

I’m in the same boat with my 9m old (black communication) other areas all grey!
HV also said to me r.e. The black in comms that they cannot do anything at the moment as LO is too young! so I am also at a loss. I have had concerns r.e. LO’s development since early -
like 2-3m as LO has always been “different” shall we say, and very delayed with all milestones and missing some completely. I.e. LO has never blown raspberries (unsure if it’s a legitimate milestone but I am sure it is). Was a v late roller etc. Eye contact has always been a major concern too but has improved (albeit still not where I’d like it to be)

so I sympathise with you; I really do. Let me know if you do contact the HV about portage (as I may suggest this too - wasn’t aware it was an option)

I would definitely ask about Portage @WorriedMama2025. Your HV really should not be adopting the “wait and see approach” either.

If your LO is scoring black in communication the very least I would expect is a referral for a hearing test. My late talker’s communication improved once they got glasses so I think I would be asking for a sight test too.

I also think that your HV might be confusing some of the guidelines. Usually referrals to SaLT are made until baby is older and there will usually be a local age where referrals are accepted onto the ASD Pathway but with those scores, if it was my LO I’d be wanting a referral to a Paediatrician, not onto the ASD Pathway but to rule out conditions like GDD.

Has the HV said when she will see you again?

Sorry @WorriedMama2025also wanted to ask of your LO goes to Nursery and if you’ve spoken to your GP yet and asked for a referral to a Paediatrician?

Has the HV also asked you to fill in the 12 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages and if so, how did they score on that?

@SleafordSods

not in nursery, was planning to put them in at 12m old. Do you think that’ll help? Haven’t spoken to GP yet, maybe I should!

eyes tested all ok: hearing test not suggested by anyone but I believe hearing all ok as jumps at loud noises and looks when you’re speaking / making sounds etc. The HV said she would “refer back to her manager with the overall scores”.. he has already been referred to a paediatrician actually (had a letter but said 18-24m wait 🫣). Will mention portage when they come back to me off the back of HV’s visit. Thank you x

@WorriedMama2025if he’s scoring black for communication I think it sounds inevitable that he will need SaLT at some point and they will want him to preferably have had a hearing test to rule out Glue Ear or low hearing before they see him.

I’m glad that you’ve already had a referral to a Paediatrician though. I was only asking about Nursery as sometimes the Nursery can help you get a referral to a Paediatrician.

I think if it were me i would email the HV and ask her what the result is from her discussion about your DS with her Manager.

I would also ask in the email for a referral for a hearing test and to Portage.

Asking her if there is a SN Nursery or playgroup in your area and if there is a group for babies and DC with speech delay, these can sometimes be run by the local SaLT service.

Asking her via email will make things easier to refer back to for you and will hopefully prompt her to get back to you.