So, I've been reading that pointing/waving are pretty important developmental milestones and can be red flag for autism. My son does neither at 16 months.
He also doesn't say anything yet (there's a lot of babble coming from him but nothing that resembles a word, or even an attempt of a word. He says "babmm" a lot - no idea what that mean, if anything!). However, we live in sweden and his father is swedish so he has two language systems to work out.
He walked fairly early - 10 months - and now walks, runs and climbs everywhere. He seems a very active, physical little boy. He seems interested in other children. He turns round most of the time when you call his name (but sometimes doesn't). He likes to come for cuddles. He seems a pretty laid back type - doesn't have any real meltdowns, isn't really phased by changes in his routine.
However, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of purposeful communication from him. I tried the pointing at something and seeing if he followed the point this morning - nada. He doesn't really bring me anything to show me (although very occasionally seems to do so) and I can't detect anything in the way of pretend play yet. Is the pointing/waving something you have to teach them, or should it come automatically? We're not really a family of pointers/wavers although I do point at pictures in books when we read them (he very much likes books).
Should I be worried? I'm thinking about making an appointment with the hv on monday, but maybe I should wait until 18 months if he is still the same???? I am so worried. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.