Early signs of autism?

[meg1209]

Hi everyone,

My DS is nearly 15 months old and there are a few behaviours he is displaying that when looked into (googled - I know I really shouldn't) are indicators for the first signs of autism in young children. Now I just want to say, I'm not worried my child has autism, I just want to make sure he gets the most help he can if he needs it. I would just love to hear other people's experiences with theses 'signs' and if they are something I need to mention or something that I shouldn't worry about just yet.

So his main 'behaviours' are:

Not responding to his name
Limited eye contact but not always
Only says 'dada' 'ya ya' 'na na' no real or directed words
Doesn't copy me
Doesn't point yet

Any advice is really helpful, TIA

The problem with autism and toddlers is that many of the traits are identical. What you're describing sounds completely normal for a 15 month old. They change so fast at this age, just watch and wait. Focus on what he can do, not what he can't - I'm that list will get very long, very quickly.

Hi there,
I just wanted to say I really know how you feel. I’m also concerned about my 14mth old who has the same signs.
I saw a speech therapist who said it is slightly concerning that he doesn’t answer to his name up close (turns at a distance/if surprised/walking away from me).

She also explained that at his age they should be regularly checking in with you during play for example by looking at the toy, and then looking at you.
So not just basic eye contact, but looking to you as a way of communication.

It would also be typical of the age group to bring you toys to “share” or involve you in their play somehow. (All from her).

My son does point, but she explained it’s also vital that not only they point, but that they then look at you to check you have seen their request.

I’d suggest you get a hearing test like I’ve been told to do..
Babble wise apparently again the typical expectation is more than repetitive babble (which is the same sound over and over). So they should be combining the different sounds to sound like they are chatting almost.

Does your boy understand things that you say? Like “where’s the ball” etc?
The Speechie also did say to me that at this age it’s still just considered a communication delay, as it’s too early to tell.

Have you considered a hearing test OP?
My son had all the behaviours that yours did at that age and he has ASD amongst other things.
They usually advice a hearing test first to rule that out. It’s never too young to start investigating and the earlier support is in place the better. You sound really on the ball which is brilliant. Happy for you to message me if you’d like any advice. My son is 4 now.

@K8bella

Hi there, I just wanted to say I really know how you feel. I’m also concerned about my 14mth old who has the same signs. I saw a speech therapist who said it is slightly concerning that he doesn’t answer to his name up close (turns at a distance/if surprised/walking away from me).

She also explained that at his age they should be regularly checking in with you during play for example by looking at the toy, and then looking at you.
So not just basic eye contact, but looking to you as a way of communication.

It would also be typical of the age group to bring you toys to “share” or involve you in their play somehow. (All from her).

My son does point, but she explained it’s also vital that not only they point, but that they then look at you to check you have seen their request.

I’d suggest you get a hearing test like I’ve been told to do..
Babble wise apparently again the typical expectation is more than repetitive babble (which is the same sound over and over). So they should be combining the different sounds to sound like they are chatting almost.

Does your boy understand things that you say? Like “where’s the ball” etc?
The Speechie also did say to me that at this age it’s still just considered a communication delay, as it’s too early to tell.

Thanks so much for getting back to me and advising me on your experience!

My DS doesn't answer his name ever, he also doesn't react me to going out for a few hours then coming back into the house. He literally doesn't care or notice at all. Or respond to my voice.

He babbles a lot and he does play games with me.

I wouldn't say he looks at me at all whilst he is playing and he will only hand me something if he wants me to do something with it.

Did you pay privately for a speech assessment?

@RussianSpy101 I haven't really got any concerns around his hearing but we are waiting for an appointment to rule it out anyway!

My main concerns are around his communication. He doesn't have any sensory issues etc.

How did you find getting the diagnosis? How is it now they are 4? X

My son has severe autism but at 15 months he babbled , responded to his name ,pointed to things and shared his interest in toys with me. The only thing that stood out to anybody was he never was bothered about being separated from us and would go or stay with anyone.

My DD has just been diagnosed this month at 2 years old (she's 3 in 3 weeks)
I started recognising the signs when she was 14 months old.
She had no language
Didn't respond to her name or any commands
Didn't gesture: wave, point or follow others gestures.
Lots of stimming, spinning around, flapping hands, covering her ears, shaking her head.
Seemingly lived in her own world, no connection with us or anything in the 'real world'
Not playing 'appropriately'
Not hitting her developmental milestones.

We've been very fortunate to get diagnosis this early, however lots of this is to do with the fact that she's had a paediatric consultant since birth due to other medical things. She also was genetically tested at 4 weeks old and has genetic anomalies that lend themselves to autism, development delay and learning disabilities. Therefore they were already keeping a close eye on her, so we weren't brushed off when I called her consultant to discuss my concerns.
Keep note of all your concerns, anything new pops up write it down and have clear concise lists of the things that are picking at your brain. There's no harm in taking these to your gp, or health visitor but be prepared for pushback at this age.

It's really hard at such a young age as many of the traits and quirks can also just be that of a normal infant/toddler. Keep monitoring, and if over time you still feel the same way, push for intervention and don't back down.

What I will say is try and not worry. All children develop differently, and even if it does turn out that he will get an asd diagnosis, it isn't the end of the world. It doesn't change who your child is

also there will be multiple things they'll want to tick off before even considering going down the asd pathway. So start with that stuff.
Hearing test, asking for referrals to speech & language then take it from there.

Yeah I paid privately for Speech.
So expensive but I guess I couldn’t wait..
I do find he gives me eye contact when I enter his room and he greets me with a grin.
Or when I come home he gives me eye contact and big grin, but doesn’t cry when I leave.

I feel like he knows when I tell him off as often he will sook or pause what he’s doing.. but it does really throw me the lack of eye contact whilst playing to involve me.

I will say, he regularly seeks me out and wants a cuddle or my attention. So it’s so hard to know.
I have good days and bad days.. It’s hard in the limbo phase.

If he’s handing you something to ask for help with it or wanting you to do something with it to help him, that’s communication.