18 month development delay

[RBSK1]

Hi all,

Just looking for some helpful advice and support really. My 18 month old is the happiest little girl you will ever meet, yet she still says no words, has never used gestures (pointing, clapping, waving etc). We are under the paediatrician and being referred for speech therapy but obviously we’re preparing for the future with her.
She has minimal understanding of instruction and it’s hard to just know how much she does understand. We are well prepared for the possibility of an autistic spectrum diagnosis, and I appreciate “all kids are different she’ll do it in her own time”. I’ve heard this every day since she was 4 months old (when my concerns started) so please save your thumbs from typing that one out.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and have some helpful advice re the ST process or the diagnosis process for toddlers?

TIA x

I know this is probably hard to hear but my son had zero communication until about 2 9 months when he started taking our hand. Then a few months later he started to move our hand to indicate preference for a picture book I made. He just wasn't ready before that. I don't think I could have done anymore. Your little one might be the same. But they will get there x

See if there is a twinkleboost class near you. They are sensory classes with a speech stratergy each week. They are suitable for her age.

Get some board books for her with simple pictures. 18 months is still very young, so book eating or page ripping is a normal.

@Kitkat151 there are posters saying getting some help has meant their Dc has been able to catch up. It really just depends on so many variables. There is so many differences.

Any updates @RBSK1 on your little one? I am currently in the same boat with my 18mo son. Under SALT, and paediatrician but keep telling me to wait and see. So wondered how your LO is getting on almost a year later. X

Hi @Wolf79

Yeah we received a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder back in November and are awaiting ASD assessments

We are still not talking but have began babbling intensely the last couple of days, she claps now, on command, but will seldom copy any other action. No waving or pointing either yet but communication levels have definitely improved

Hi @RBSK1 I'm going through the same with my little one so just wondered how you got on ? ❤️

Hi, we’re at the diagnosis stage for autism now for my eldest, my youngest is the same now too but they’re less convinced she may be autistic.
My best advice is to speak to your GP and get a peads referral, once you’re under the hospital the support increases tenfold x