My DS is 20 months and our first child. I have had concerns about his development for around 4 months and have spoke to both the HV and GP who have said they will not look into anything until he is 2.
He started nursery a couple of months ago (nursery are wonderful and he is very happy there) and yesterday I was spoken to on pick up as they too have some concerns although they have given him time to settle in before speaking to me.
Concerns are:
- Delayed speech - he has approximately 10 words which he does use correctly to label things e.g ball
- Sensory seeking behaviours - particularly with textures
- Repetitive ‘play’ - a lot of his play is moving/ throwing things onto the floor e.g off a shelf or table. He does have a few toys he plays ‘properly’ with which are mainly cause and effect toys
- Hand flapping - we see this when he is excited at home but nursery have said he does it there for sensory seeking too. He also bounces on the spot when excited.
- He does not point except for very occasionally and to very specific things e.g a star on his changing mat - he does however follow your point most of the time
- He has not waved ever but will give high fives and shake hands and can clap
- His eye contact is ‘okay’ at home but more fleeting at nursery
- His receptive language isn’t great and he doesn’t really understand any instructions however he does understand actions so for example he wouldn’t fetch you his shoes if asked but gives you his feet when he sees them as he understands where they go
- Quite a strong fascination with hands (both his own and other peoples)
He is a very good eater and sleeper and always has been. He’s also very affectionate and will put his arms up for cuddles and will give kisses if asked for them. He does actions for some songs and will respond to his name about 60% of the time but a lot of this depends on what he’s doing and if he wants to. He does have quite a good awareness of danger e.g will manoeuvre himself carefully down the stairs and hold on and definitely understands ‘no’ although he doesn’t always like being told it!
I appreciate he’s still quite little and that some of these things may change but I’ve had a feeling for a while that there may be something a bit different about him which of course does not change our view of him as the most perfect boy in the world.
I was just hoping people with children who presented similarly at his age but are older now could tell me how their child went on to develop and any suggestions based on experience for supporting him. Thanks!