What if it is autism?

BunnyRuddington · 09/06/2021 17:38

Well if it is Autism he'll still be your beautiful boy and in the plus side, you have recognised that he might need assessing so he hopefully get a full assessment before starting education.

I don't think there is much more you can do now.

CrumbsThatsQuick · 09/06/2021 17:43

Firstly, I want to tell you not to worry. But I saw your posts before and I know you are worried.

So, say it is Autism

(I am not saying that IS the actual probability, far from it just playing things out)....

If it is Autism, in 3 years' time you will be kicking yourself for worrying now and not just enjoying being with your gorgeous child.

Also, for his age, if it is Autism, he already has lots of really solid early interaction skills (rolling the ball, smiling when you come in, loving the singing etc) which bodes very well for the future, in terms of where he might be on the spectrum.

You are doing everything you can at this stage and have sought professional advice.

Look up Intensive Interaction... instead of getting him to try to copy you, do the opposite, copy him, be with him, enjoy the things he enjoys. Also get Hanen's More than Words book, loads of amazing advice for parents of children with communication difficulties.

Also, don't expect too much from the HV, he is sooooooo young and has some skills, they will not be too worried at this stage, I imagine they will advise watch and wait.

DoucheCanoe · 09/06/2021 17:50

I saw your other post, in the nicest way I really think you need to step away from the internet and stop obsessing over this.

If it is Autism then he has Autism. There's literally nothing you can do right now other than wait until he's old enough to have your concerns dismissed/confirmed.

My son is Autistic and it's made no difference to how we parent him. Yes, there are times when things are harder than with my daughter but you just have to do your best and fight their corner when needed.

Sirzy · 09/06/2021 17:52

Step away from google.

No matter what diagnosis he may or may not get further down the line he is still the same child

Thatswatshesaid · 09/06/2021 17:59

@CrumbsThatsQuick

Firstly, I want to tell you not to worry. But I saw your posts before and I know you are worried.

So, say it is Autism

(I am not saying that IS the actual probability, far from it just playing things out)....

If it is Autism, in 3 years' time you will be kicking yourself for worrying now and not just enjoying being with your gorgeous child.

Also, for his age, if it is Autism, he already has lots of really solid early interaction skills (rolling the ball, smiling when you come in, loving the singing etc) which bodes very well for the future, in terms of where he might be on the spectrum.

You are doing everything you can at this stage and have sought professional advice.

Look up Intensive Interaction... instead of getting him to try to copy you, do the opposite, copy him, be with him, enjoy the things he enjoys. Also get Hanen's More than Words book, loads of amazing advice for parents of children with communication difficulties.

Also, don't expect too much from the HV, he is sooooooo young and has some skills, they will not be too worried at this stage, I imagine they will advise watch and wait.

I agree try intensive interaction and let him lead play. Comment and be interested in the things he is interested in rather than trying to get him to engage with you.

Tal45 · 09/06/2021 20:46

I think you're worrying prematurely as he is very, very little. I have one with asd and it was impossible to tell at that age. He's interested in his own stuff, that's fine, just enjoy him would be my advice and stop trying to make him do what you want, just play what he wants. If he has asd you won't do anything different at this age and he probably won't get any support or input so it would literally just be a label - and they generally would not want to diagnose at this early age anyway. I'd be surprised if you got a diagnosis before 3 and even then it would probably have to be obvious. Do you suffer with anxiety OP? I think you should get some help if so, it can't be fun to be worrying like this x

ttrrii · 08/10/2021 18:25

@SleepyMummaBear How is your son doing now? :)

Meg237 · 11/04/2022 14:54

Hi can I ask how your son is doing now?

Sillymummies123 · 11/04/2022 15:22

@SleepyMummaBear

Hello,

I posted earlier this week about concerns I have about my 15 month old displaying early signs of autism (specifically not talking, hard to engage/shows little interest in me joining play or sharing enjoyment, not pointing and has regressed in other skills such as sounds previously made and waving/clapping).

He does meet my gaze when I enter the room and I get the best, most excited smile and when he has been busy doing something and realises I'm there again but little engagement when I talk to him (although he loves things like row, row your boat and round and round the garden).

I've been in touch with my local health visitor who wants to pay a visit to see him, but that's 10 days away.

I'm continuing to get down on the floor with him and engage in play such as rolling a ball to and fro (which he participates in happily) and am trying my best to encourage him to mimic what I do, but he's just disinterested to the point I feel useless trying.

In the meantime, I'm finding myself googling and if I'm honest, I'm making myself sick with worry.

I'm actually not sure which part is upsetting me so. Perhaps it's that I'm a "doer" and at a loss at just what to do? Or just that I am concerned what the future has in store for my wonderful boy? But I just can't stop being on the brink of tears.

Is anyone able to lend any advice or comfort?

Was he born prematurely?

Sillymummies123 · 11/04/2022 15:26

God. Saw this was a resurrected thread so ignore me lol

dollyblack · 11/04/2022 15:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BringBackCoffeeCreams · 11/04/2022 15:43

If it's autism then he's still exactly the same little he boy he has always been. You love him and support him to live his best life as best you can.

My DH is autistic and didn't speak as a child. He's now one of Europe's leading nuclear scientists. My DD is autistic and struggled to get through school, coping with friendships and the workload. But she's now a fully qualified teacher herself and is doing very well for herself. So to put it another way, don't get too hooked on the doom and gloom that Google brings up.

Meg237 · 11/04/2022 16:43

That’s a really nice post I’m so glad I’ve read this today!!

LifeIsHardAlways · 11/04/2022 16:52

@BringBackCoffeeCreams

If it's autism then he's still exactly the same little he boy he has always been. You love him and support him to live his best life as best you can.

My DH is autistic and didn't speak as a child. He's now one of Europe's leading nuclear scientists. My DD is autistic and struggled to get through school, coping with friendships and the workload. But she's now a fully qualified teacher herself and is doing very well for herself. So to put it another way, don't get too hooked on the doom and gloom that Google brings up.

Do you mind me asking when he gained the ability to speak? My son is nearly six and still non verbal :( still live in hope he’ll start speaking.

BringBackCoffeeCreams · 11/04/2022 17:18

DH started speaking when he started getting 1-2-1 support when he started school. He still doesn't speak much, unless it's science and then he never shuts up.

What if it is autism?

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