My toddler is currently awaiting tests for ASD after her previous nursery referred her along with our HV. Since moving, our new HV is in agreement that there are autistic characteristics present and was very helpful in arranging referrals etc but this has put timescales back again.
I am really struggling with ways to support her. With childcare being so hard to come by, I have had to take some time off work to care for her. If any parents have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them so I can better help my little one.
She is incredibly intelligent but is only using single words, no sentences. She babbles a lot, the same as when she was a baby. She repeats the same words over and over again. I find it very hard to know exactly what is wrong until it seems to late and she has a meltdown. After that, it takes at least half an hour most times to relax her again.
She has sensory issues with food and refuses most things. She throws things she doesn't like very frequently. She verbally and physically stims as well as does not understand dangers to herself such as moving vehicles. She throws herself to the floor and frequently hurts herself doing so but refuses comforting. She also has began hitting me and pulling my hair in her meltdowns.
- I cannot find her ANY childcare (due to lack of availability)
- I am currently out of work trying to care for her full time, this is my last month of proper pay - I don't get UC as my partner is a homeowner
- I have MH conditions myself and they have exacerbated these past few months
- I've tried play sessions, these often don't end up well for her and we end up going home shortly
Please does anyone have any advice on support available (ANY support) for not yet diagnosed ASD? Most I have found requires an official diagnosis
Thanks in advance :)
I'm not really looking for someone to tell me if she does or doesn't have autism so please be kind