Questions about 23 month old

[HenrysHome]

Hi everyone, I posted this in behaviour and development but no responses so hope it's ok to post here too.

I have a gorgeous little boy who is 2 at the end of next month. He is my first so I'm not sure which of the following traits are typical toddler behaviours and which could need me to keep an eye on. He's my world and obviously a "label" wouldn't change anything, but I'd like to get him all the support he might need.

-he's an extremely fussy eater

• won't hold any 'wet' food like fruit
• hates messy play and having dirty hands or dirt on his clothes
• struggles with transitions such as house to car or car to pram
• if he's decided he's had enough at playgroup for example he will stand by the door and bang on it crying until we leave, even if we've only been there 5 mins
• never sits still, never walks only runs
• loves hearing you list things off eg all the things we can see
• very low sleep needs
• makes the same noise with his mouth all the time
• no words yet, makes his needs very know though and understands everything
• things need to be done in an order eg if we're waiting for the toaster to pop he won't do anything else in the meantime
• he'll point to different things and you have to name them over and over again
• he loves telling us about places he's fallen over or banged his head and he has a great memory for remembering where this has happened and telling you about it over and over
• certain animal noises always have to come in pairs when he makes them

He's such a happy little boy (barring the terrible twos which are in full swing) and loves playing with other children in the park etc, he's always interacting and playing with us and he has an infectious little laugh.

Would really appreciate any thoughts, thanks!

I think down to the sleep bit is normal. Below that less common, or could be autistic traits if that's what you're wondering. I'd talk to hv or GP, no need to panic but they can tell you about tests and things to determine as it takes a long time.

He may or may not be autistic, I'm sure he'll be a lovely boy either way. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply @Dogtooth , glad to hear most of it is normal for toddlers. I've had a little look at some asd information and I don't think it's that so much, but couldn't find anything that seems to 'fit' (not that I'm looking to label him at all), except maybe a speech and language delay.

Does he point to show you things, rather than for something he wants? Does he bring you things just for the enjoyment of sharing with you? Does he nod yes and shake head no? Does he do imaginative play? Does he reliably turn around if you enter a room with his back turned and say his name? Does he copy actions that you do eg. Hoovering?

If no to some of these might be worth following up with GP.

Autism was what sprang to mind but I'm not an expert! All kids have weird quirks, he might be just a curious little creature or he might have something that needs support - I'd ask just to get the ball rolling a bit.

He'll bring over his toys and things to show us, point out planes in the sky etc. He'll pour a cup of tea and pretend to drink it but not much else in the way of imaginative play. He's not reliable in responding to his name (I think that's just because he can't be bothered though?) he babbles a lot in his own language and makes animal noises and noises for pouring tea/ putting on suncream

Thanks @Dogtooth , he's definitely a curious little creature haha.

Have a look at the M-Chat and also the Ages and Stages questionnaires.

Are you getting input from SALT if he has no speech yet?

www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child

Ignore the rest of the website, I don't think it's looked upon well, but it's got the best online version of the M-Chat for filling in.

Thank you for the questionnaire that's really helpful, he got 7 which puts him at 'medium risk'. The HV will be doing his 27 month review early in regards to his speech and then will take it from there apparently. She didn't seem too concerned as his understanding is great and he attempts to communicate in his own way (gestures and noises)