Advice please - is my 1 year old on autism spectrum

[Lovepeaceandcoffee]

Hi I have twin boys and can't help but compare their development. One of my boys smiles a lot, doesn't pay much attention when I speak to him, he screams for food and in sight of his bottle. He throws himself back in a curve shape when I try and change his nappy and he sleeps with his head curved backwards. He did babble but now just makes noises (is this babbling still?). He's just had his one-year development assessment and just about passed. I'm concerned he may be showing early signs of autism but aware these things he can grow out of as he's still so very young. Has anyone experienced the same or any advice you can provide please? I may just be overreacting but at the same time there's nothing like a mother's instinct. Thanks

I don't think you can be certain about autistic traits until before age 2-3. But there is an assessment you can do at 18 months called the CHAT score, which estimates risk of autism based on a child's behaviours.

Hi op, I know how you feel, I've had the same feelings about ds, who's now almost two. Gp and health advisor both advised too early at the moment to assess. So not much else we can do. I did the MCHAT and he came up medium risk, so will bring this up again at his two year check. It's tough but at the moment there isn't much that can be done. Just jot down your concerns though, it's good to keep a note of your concerns, can be shown to gp or health visitor. Good luck.

He throws himself back in a curve shape when I try and change his nappy and he sleeps with his head curved backwards
That's very typical sleeping pose. A doctor I knew used to call it the meningitis pose, but 2/3 of my dc had that as their favoured sleep position and both the children I nannied.

@Lovepeaceandcoffee How is you son doing now?

[quote ttrrii]@Lovepeaceandcoffee How is you son doing now?[/quote]
I think there's a lot of wrong information around autism. I could tell my son was autistic from
around 12 months. He was diagnosed privately at 15 months and then 2.5 months via nhs. If you're worried speak to your Gp about your concerns and ask for a referral to a community paediatrician. Autism isn't that scary and unfortunately society makes us scared. My son is doing really well and yes he has struggles but it's sad we get so worried. I was freaking out at 12 months because I was led to believe autism is a bad thing it's just a different way the brain works. My son is very bright and already writing the whole alphabet at 2 years old.

@Nicecupofcoco

Hi op, I know how you feel, I've had the same feelings about ds, who's now almost two. Gp and health advisor both advised too early at the moment to assess. So not much else we can do. I did the MCHAT and he came up medium risk, so will bring this up again at his two year check. It's tough but at the moment there isn't much that can be done. Just jot down your concerns though, it's good to keep a note of your concerns, can be shown to gp or health visitor. Good luck.

Always go with your guts. Again we are made to believe you can't diagnose before 3. That's not true. Health visitors are not educated on autism and like to keep this as their standard response. It's all around money and funding. What is most important is early intervention. Now I know my son is autistic our life is a lot easier as I can help him and understand it. Don't let professionals tell you this, you know your child best. I was told by the HV I could Go on a patenting course which is just so patronising. I decided to book a private assessment where I was told my son was autistic

Hiya. My concern about his behaviour have dissipated. He appears to be developing like a 3 year old. He’s at nursery and doing well. Very bright and intuitive. How about you ?