My DS1 is 2.5 years old and I am very worried something is seriously wrong.
About a year ago he used to say a few words and was even able string a couple of sentences together so we were happy and thought he was learning developing just fine. But for the last 7 months or so since DS2 was born he has stopped talking completely apart from a couple of words, one of those words being NEMO but what is strange is that he can't even say the whole word now, only managing to say MO. He seems to understand most things we tell him although he doesn't always respond or react when we call his name.
With regards to his behaviour, he doesn't really play with other children an awful lot when put in a group situation and seems to prefer playing alone a lot of the time. He is pretty affectionate but doesn't always maintain eye contact when you talk to him. He goes to nursery 2 afternoons a week and in his recent review when I asked how he was getting on and interacting with other kids, his teacher said it was more the girls who were playing more together as they tend to be more advanced, so I wasn't too worried.
He does not want anything to do with his baby brother who is now 7 months. From day one he has always blanked him and he behaves like he isn't in the same room as him. I know its normal to be jealous of a new baby in the house especially as he had had me to himself for first 2 years but this just seems pretty extreme, I think i could understand more if he became aggressive towards him as you read about that happening a lot. At least that would make more sense but its like he can't accept he exists.
He has recently started biting and pinching myself and my husband. My husband seems to think its a sign of affection but Im not so convinced.
Up until recently I had been quite relaxed about him and just kept telling myself he is a normal child and that all kids develop at different times. But over the Xmas period, we have spent a lot of time with family including his cousins who all seemed to play well together apart from my son. A couple of people in the family have implied that its clear something is wrong and that he might be autistic. This has been very hard and have found myself crying a lot as its hard for any parent to hear this about their child and I guess its been a wake up call for me that maybe there is something seriously wrong.
Do you think it sounds like he could be autistic? Or could it just be a case that he is so angry that I have had another baby and its affected him so much that this is his way of dealing with it by regressing?? Or could it even be he has a hearing impairment which is affecting his development and forming relationships?
Please help, I just don't know what to do or think anymore. I feel so desperate as I love him so much and like any parent just want the best for him.