Autism or just language delay

[yellowmummy82]

Hi I just wanted to get advice really so I hope someone responds, my little girl is nearly 3 she goes to preschool on a Monday afternoon
She has 2 much older siblings, she doesn't use any real words except mama and I think it sounds like her brothers names but she is very vocal she makes loads of noises/ sounds etc just not what we would say are words her favourite expression is bee bee be bee she is very social and copes well with new situations and people but she does do some stimming she has a lovely laugh but sometimes laughs at nothing she didn't socialise much with other kids her age due to lockdown
She is very happy preschool say she is a happy smiling child but they want someone to observe her for autism
What does everyone else think
Thank you

Girls moderate ASD symptoms can be very different to boys. They often are social, happy and smiling because they are more likely to to mimic acceptable behaviour. Just go with the flow in terms of the observations and referrals, support them - the earlier they can arrange a diagnosis / support the greater the long term benefits will be for your dd.

It is unusual for a child her age not to have more spoken words. Does she understand most of what is said to her? Does she attempt to use words or approximations of words to ask for things or to comment on things? For example what would she do/say if she wanted a snack, or what would she say if she saw something exciting/interesting? Does she try to draw your attention towards things eg. point at a dog across the road?
I would definitely go along with the assessment and see what they say.

You could try filling this in to see if it helps shed any light
www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child

Did she have a 2 year review with the HV?

Did you ask the pre-school to observe her or did they suggest that? While pre-school observations are useful, if there are concerns your daughter needs to be assessed by a paediatrician.

I would recommend you make an appointment with your HV/GP. There are long waits for the diagnosis process, so it is better to be proactive.

Hey I'm going through exactly the same with my 2 and a half year old boy. Has she has an hearing test? That's what I've been recommended first x

You'll need to have her hearing tested. Just because she responds to some sounds and says a few words doesn't mean she doesn't have a hearing problem - not all deaf people are profoundly deaf, there are levels of hearing loss.

Hi
Thanks for all your responses the easiest to answer is yes she's had her hearing done and she's fine and she has a good understanding of words like buggy car socks food juice etc
If she wants my attention she usually just goes and gets what she wants or she chats/says bee bee but she doesn't point she did start to point a bit but doesn't do it much she will try to grab something if she wants it

I suppose I'll see what preschool is looking for in regards to outside observation and go from there

Thank you

Sorry I meant if she wants something that she can’t access herself like food from a high cupboard or for you to turn a particular tv programme on

I would ask preschool or your gp to refer to your local speech therapy service if you've not already - they can give advice regarding the language delay and also look at her social communication skills to give you more information about the autism query

You can also self refer in many places