I am looking for some experiences as I am worried my eldest has speech delay/ development delay/possibly autism?
My eldest is 2.5 years old and there are a few things that concern me about his development....
He only said about 20 words at 2 years old, now 2.5 has made big improvements and can copy 80/90% of what we say, he knows numbers, colours, shapes, animals etc etc- however use of functional language to request is limited. Wouldn't ask for a snack for example, but would say open please, out please, ready set go, outside all relatively in the correct manner. He has probably upwards of 200 words minimum but doesn't answer questions yes/no either.
His speech has vastly improved in the last 6 months, he starts speech therapy this week... so I am hoping that will help.
Playing is where I have concerns, since finishing nursery for the summer he has started aimlessly walking around - wandering around like a circuit almost and putting objects in the circuit. Has always struggled a little with attention to play - however recently seems more noticeable. Doesn't alway play with toys typically- however will pretend talk on the phone, put teddy bear to bed, do jigsaws, build towers, go down the slide etc a little when at home. When we are out he has started to just wander round like he is assessing the area almost. He likes other children but not for or against playing with them, usually quite happy doing his own thing.
He eats relatively well - any curry, any pasta based dish, sausages (sometimes), chicken, lamb all fine, cheese, yoghurt, pork pie, bananas, apples. However can be fussy on trying something new.
He sleeps through the night 10/11 hours plus a nap in the day.
He has no other noticeable sensory issues - no sensitivity to noise, busy places, bright lights, doesn't tip toe walk. Not fussy on textures usually.
Had just started to scream when we say no... lasts a minute or two then moves on, sometimes a tantrum but nothing major.
He has good eye contact and talks in his own language still. Looks at you when he talks.
He doesn't stim - nothing we or nursery have noticed anyway.
He goes to nursery 2 mornings a week and he loves it.
His understanding isn't great I wouldn't say, does understand things like sit on the step, put shoes on, get in your chair, to the car, upstairs, bathtime, bedtime, dinnertime, hold mummy's hand for example but not go and get your shoes, can you find .... , can you get me....
And he doesn't always respond to his name (alone) but does usually if I say, can you come this way please etc etc.
In my head I am so worried about what life is going to look like for him, where do I focus my time in helping him?
How do I help him understand more things?
Are things going to get harder or easier for him? I guess thats a difficult question to ask.
I just want to help him as much as I can - he is such a happy little boy.