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diagnosing autism/adhd in toddlers

10 replies

jellybaby01 · 26/06/2021 22:20

I'm not so much worried that my little boy could have autism/ADHD, I'm more worried about not being taken seriously.
A little brief: He's 2 years 8 months, he's non-verbal (although said mum for first time the other day, yes I cried lol), thrill/sensory seeker, licks everything/ puts things in the mouth still, sensory issues with some textures and food, he has 'Andy's coming' tantrums I like to call them as they are unpredictable, he can be very aggressive at times, hates other children in his space at mum and baby groups and soft play if another child plays with 'his' toys or wants to share, he will hit them pull their hair push them etc, he can parallel play children sometimes but will only really connect if they will play chase with him. Socially except the aggression nursery backs me on that. At nursery he can only join in group activities if he has a 1:1 with a adult else he becomes very overwhelmed. Used to walk on tip toes all the time, and turn things upside down however now he is growing out of that. Behaviour can be unpredictable. Responds to his name half of the time. If he's not in a highchair then he won't eat meals. Bed times are a nightmare even with a set routine we've had for months, he can't settle. When his routine changes he gets upset - example: he has limited diet and nursery are helping me with this, normally he has soft cheese sandwiches, I sent him with chicken paste, he sat there and cried and refused to eat anything rest of the day.

I am more then aware, a lot of this can purely be down to the fact he can not communicate his needs, however I personally feel there is a little more to it then that. I just feel that I'm not taking seriously, speech and language have been useless in both sessions. She also said nothing could be wrong as he can keep eye contact most of the time, and shares her toys. I said that's unfair judgement to make in a 30 minute session (we've had two different SALTs).

How can I be taken seriously? I know he's young, I do 1:1 with children who was late diagnosed and find it hard in school, most because their parents weren't taken seriously at 2/3, and I fear this will happen to my son. Any advice is welcome, thankyou!

OP posts:
Lougle · 26/06/2021 22:31

It's really hard when you can see signs but they're dismissed by other people. The ADOS and 3Di interview are really detailed and pick up tiny things. For example, DD2 (11 at the time) used the word 'ambushed' 3 times during a picture story book reading, which the SALT said was slightly unusual.

The best thing you can do is keep a diary - the NHS waiting lists are really long and when you do get to assessment, they will ask you about these early times, so it's good to have specific examples.

jellybaby01 · 26/06/2021 23:02

Thankyou I will definitely keep a diary!

OP posts:
Pinot4evs · 27/06/2021 21:06

Based on what you’ve said I don’t think you’ll be dismissed, sounds very likely he has ASD. You need to contact GP and HV to get him assessed.

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jellybaby01 · 28/06/2021 22:12

@Pinot4evs awaiting community paediatrics appointment. I'm just worried that because of his age, we won't be taken seriously!
A lot of people say to record if, but I can't record unpredictable behaviour, and it would look so weird if I did it at mums group with other kids 🤣🤦🏼‍♂️

OP posts:
Starlightstarbright1 · 28/06/2021 22:17

Write it down at the end of the day.

My friends Ds was diagnosed at that age for asd.. it was first meeting ( teams call ) ..

Campzilla · 28/06/2021 22:20

@jellybaby01
I’m not sure for the procedure in your area but it can be common that a developmental assessment by a paediatrician is the first step for an autism assessment for under 5s.

You’ve given a very good description of your son’s difficulties so I hope you are listened to.
I know you said he is non verbal - does he compensate for this by using sounds / gesture etc?

IncyWincy21 · 28/06/2021 22:33

Hey op.

Are your GP or HV involved?

My LO is 2.6 and we've been referred to peads, along with SALT.

I have a lot of support from my HV which involves weekly phone calls and monthly meetings with my LO. You haven't mentioned your HV so not sure if your contact with them?

Please don't be worried about being took seriously, you will. Early intervention is best and tbh it couldn't be done any earlier than the age they are at now.

Feel free to PMThanks

jellybaby01 · 29/06/2021 00:17

@Campzilla babble sounds like a baby! But will point to what he wants, we have had referral to community paediatricians

OP posts:
jellybaby01 · 29/06/2021 00:18

@IncyWincy21 backlog for the community paediatrics down where I am, his health visitor is involved, she made the referral. Speech and language and then the preschool complex needs team have been useless though :(

OP posts:
c307 · 15/02/2024 18:01

Any update on this? My son sounds similar with anger & frustration

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