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Original poster

Is my DS on the spectrum or is this normal for a toddler?

13 replies

ForeverFat24 · 01/03/2024 20:41

I've got a 21 month old DS, he is very lively, full of energy and a very happy little boy most of the time. However, no matter how much time I spend with him, reading, playing, talking, he doesn't seem to pick anything up. He only speaks two words, mummy and daddy and even then they arent full words. The rest of the time.is.screamimg and shouting, sounds, growling etc. he won't wave, he wont point, he has only just started clapping. He doesn't like to sing songs, he doesn't like to be around people, playgroup for example he will have a meltdown and put his hands over his ears and cry. Sometimes if I call him he will ignore me or not acknowledge me. Though I know he can hear me. He doesn't like certain textures either and can make him upset. For example he doesn't like to b barefoot on the grass etc. Soft play is a no go, he hates the different colours and toys. He is so happy to just play by himself. He is also very boisterous and aggressive sometimes especially with me, he hits kicks me, he also hurts himself on purpose for example banging.his head on the wall. He's very clingy and literally hangs off me every second of the day, I can't leave the room without him getting upset or following me. I'm starting to worry something is wrong, I did approach my HV and she said wait until he is 2 and a half and if he hasnt progressed then we can look into it. I feel terrible like it's my fault he's not talking or recognizing animals, words, sounds etc. I have friends who have children similar ages and they are son advanced compared to DS. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice? My DH was told he has mild autistic traits and his nephew also is diagnosed autistic so I'm thinking its in th family and have convinced myself that my DS is autistic. But I don't know if I'm overthinking. I don't care if he is obvs it's just I would like to know so I know how to make.his life easier of he is struggling to learn things. Any advice is so welcome. Tia

OP posts:
Schoolrefusa · 01/03/2024 20:59

You sound like you're doing brilliantly and I find it hard to know from what you've said, our DS is the same age and doesn't speak a great deal either but the not recognising things you've taught him is something I'd keep an eye on and keep mentioning all this to GP if continue concerned.
honestly abilities vary widely between DC and also a child who doesn't speak at 21 months can within months be more chatty as it can suddenly improve so it's quite hard to know but I think your Ds is lucky to have such an attentive and concerned mum and I hope it all goes well.

CadyEastman · 01/03/2024 21:48

I think I would call the HV again and say that you are struggling.

I'd ask for a hearing test snd and a referral to SLT.

I'd fill in the 22 month Ages & Stages and the 24 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages and ask your HV to score both. If he needs a referral to a Paediatrician for assessment I'd ask her to do the referral straightaway as waiting lists are long.

Original poster
ForeverFat24 · 01/03/2024 21:49

CadyEastman · 01/03/2024 21:48

I think I would call the HV again and say that you are struggling.

I'd ask for a hearing test snd and a referral to SLT.

I'd fill in the 22 month Ages & Stages and the 24 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages and ask your HV to score both. If he needs a referral to a Paediatrician for assessment I'd ask her to do the referral straightaway as waiting lists are long.

Yes I've filled in the online one you can view and he is not scoring hardly any points. I also did the 18 month one and he is not scoring highly on this either 😞

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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1 year olds 2 year olds Behaviour & development Families
Original poster
ForeverFat24 · 01/03/2024 21:50

But he is very intelligent.. it seems it's his attention span is lacking. He won't focus on anything for more than 30 seconds before he gets distracted. But he is very bright.

OP posts:
CadyEastman · 01/03/2024 21:55

Yes I've filled in the online one you can view and he is not scoring hardly any points. I also did the 18 month one and he is not scoring highly on this either

Was it the Ages & Stage assessment that I linked to that you filled in?

willowthecat · 01/03/2024 21:56

Some of the issues you mention could need further assessment . You could look at

www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child

I found it good for clarifying the aspects of development that are important There is so much more going on than speech ! You may find it doesn't apply as time goes on but good to know what to look at anyway

Original poster
ForeverFat24 · 01/03/2024 22:05

CadyEastman · 01/03/2024 21:55

Yes I've filled in the online one you can view and he is not scoring hardly any points. I also did the 18 month one and he is not scoring highly on this either

Was it the Ages & Stage assessment that I linked to that you filled in?

Yes it was. It seems he is a rarely/never on most questions

OP posts:
BobbysSox · 01/03/2024 22:08

You are right to have some concerns and you should definitely raise them with your health visitor or GP.
Some of the issues you've described could be indicators of ASD but this is impossible to tell without detailed observations and assessments by a professional.
Waiting lists for assessment by paediatricians & SLTs can be over a year where I live so it's vital you get in the system as soon as you can.

CadyEastman · 01/03/2024 22:09

Ok so I'd fill in the Socisl & Emotional one too and call the HV on Monday and ask her to look at both.

Sounds like he could do with some support and if she refers him now, he may get an assessment before starting school of yours very lucky.

BobbysSox · 01/03/2024 22:10

Also mention your family history - they tend to take things a bit more seriously I've found.

Honeybeebuzz · 02/03/2024 00:04

CadyEastman · 01/03/2024 21:48

I think I would call the HV again and say that you are struggling.

I'd ask for a hearing test snd and a referral to SLT.

I'd fill in the 22 month Ages & Stages and the 24 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages and ask your HV to score both. If he needs a referral to a Paediatrician for assessment I'd ask her to do the referral straightaway as waiting lists are long.

Sorry to hop on this post but do you have the ages and stages form for a 12 month old you could post please

CadyEastman · 02/03/2024 15:50

BobbysSox · 01/03/2024 22:10

Also mention your family history - they tend to take things a bit more seriously I've found.

That's a really good point. Definitely mention the family history Flowers

CadyEastman · 02/03/2024 15:52

Of course @Honeybeebuzz

12 month Ages & Stages

& the 12 month Social & Emotional Ages & Stages.

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