Autism 14 month old

UniqueHedgehog · 2025-04-26T12:45:39+00:00

My little boy has just turned 14 months old shows lots of signs of autism but no one will listen to me I want the best for him and know he’s still young but feel stuck and unable to help him

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa · 26/04/2025 13:48

What signs is he showing and who have you talked to that isn’t listening?

readingismycardio · 26/04/2025 13:55

What are the signs that he is showing?

Original poster

UniqueHedgehog · 26/04/2025 13:56

He hand flaps a lot, eye contact can be good some days and limited on others
doesn’t respond to his name consistently no proper worlds, babbles but not to people as in to have a conversation. Lack of gestures will clap hands but doesn’t wave will point to some things that are close by but rarly. Doesn’t understand simple instructions. Tantrums a lot. I spoke to the health visitor several times who just says he’s too young.

OP posts:

MustBeThursday · 26/04/2025 13:57

In what way is he showing lots of signs of autism? Delays in speech/understanding, behaviour? At 14m it’s difficult to say one way or the other as “normal” development for babies and toddler varies so wildly. If you have concerns you can raise it with your HV to get it documented but advice would really be watching and waiting at this point.

letsnotIRL · 26/04/2025 14:12

UniqueHedgehog · 26/04/2025 13:56

He hand flaps a lot, eye contact can be good some days and limited on others
doesn’t respond to his name consistently no proper worlds, babbles but not to people as in to have a conversation. Lack of gestures will clap hands but doesn’t wave will point to some things that are close by but rarly. Doesn’t understand simple instructions. Tantrums a lot. I spoke to the health visitor several times who just says he’s too young.

All of this sounds completely normal for 14months old. My DS just turned 2 and he's only just started talking, he's been a babbler since he was tiny. And 14months seems a little young to worry about following instructions.

MustBeThursday · 26/04/2025 14:17

UniqueHedgehog · 26/04/2025 13:56

He hand flaps a lot, eye contact can be good some days and limited on others
doesn’t respond to his name consistently no proper worlds, babbles but not to people as in to have a conversation. Lack of gestures will clap hands but doesn’t wave will point to some things that are close by but rarly. Doesn’t understand simple instructions. Tantrums a lot. I spoke to the health visitor several times who just says he’s too young.

14m is too young to be worried about not following instructions. With regards to words some babies have first words before 12m but some later. If he’s babbling I don’t think it would be a concern yet. Tantrums are normal for toddlers. Pointing at things is a good start for gestures and part of early communication. DC1 was diagnosed autistic at 4 and didn’t point or understand pointing until she was in school. Kindly, what you have described sounds within the realms of “normal” for 14m. You know your child best, and absolutely you should advocate for their needs, but at 14m it’s not something that would be referred anywhere or investigated at this stage.

Calliopespa · 26/04/2025 14:17

UniqueHedgehog · 26/04/2025 13:56

He hand flaps a lot, eye contact can be good some days and limited on others
doesn’t respond to his name consistently no proper worlds, babbles but not to people as in to have a conversation. Lack of gestures will clap hands but doesn’t wave will point to some things that are close by but rarly. Doesn’t understand simple instructions. Tantrums a lot. I spoke to the health visitor several times who just says he’s too young.

I’m not an expert op but my understanding is that many signs of autism are things that are characteristic of very young children but would normally fade. I think that’s why they say it’s too young to tell. A bit like saying my tomato is a green tomato but people are saying it hasn’t yet had sun on it. A green tomato stays green regardless. A red tomato starts off green.

MerryPanda · 14/11/2025 10:21

Hey, I just wondered how your little one is doing now? I’m in a similar position with my 14 month old and I’m worried sick but hoping it’s just a delay.