Autism 2 years and now

[3babies22]

Can anyone with a child on the spectrum give me some insight on your child as a toddler and now?... feel so sad for my son. He is non verbal and has little understanding. Hes so lovely. Such an amazing boy but we know he is on the spectrum. I cant help but feel so sad for him. I worry he will never learn to speak and hes struggling at nursery (gets overwelmed) hes alot of sensory issues. Lots of running and active craving. Also hates teeth or hair brushing. Hates sudden noises and busy enviroments. I cant help but think is this something i have caused. His twin was ill at birth and maybe he didnt get enough 121 attention. Is there any support services to help his development?

Is there any support services to help his development?

Probably best to ask your HV, as things are different in different authorities.

Portage (home visiting teachers) can be superb, but if he is attending Nursery he wouldn't get home visiting in our LA.
Nursery can offer advice
SaLTs can offer advice (Speech and Language Therapists)
OTs (Occupational Therapists) can offer advice
Nursery might be able to access some specialists in your area.

One positive to come out of COVID in this respect is there is now a lot more available on-line and also in terms of parent help lines. Locally there is now webinars and trainings you can learn more, all available on the Local Offer.
What I don't know is how much of this happens in different authorities, hence it would be good to ask your HV...ask your dc's Nursery...ask at your nearest Children's Centre...... there is stuff out there, but not a National list.

That said, National Autism Society are great - you don't need to have a diagnosis in place.
Where we are KIDS run groups to support pre-schoolers with additional needs, and their families too.

If DS needs more support at nursery the nursery may be able to apply for early years inclusion funding. In some areas settings can apply from 2 but in others it is only from 3. They can also ask the Area SENCO for advice. You can also consider applying for an EHCNA.

In some areas you can self refer to SALT and OT - not all areas commission sensory OT but even if that’s the case it’s worth a referral for other areas of support.

@3babies22
HI , how's your son now ? X

He started a specialist school in september. He is still non verbal and was diagnosed with ASD 4 days after his third birthday. But he is thriving at school. His speech has started he can count numbers, name his colours alphabet etc. And does say mummy daddy and some other bits. We are working on expanding this but school has been amazing for him. But my gut feeling when he was young was always right... most important of all he is happy! X

Hello, thank you for reply. Really glad to hear he is thriving at Specialist school and that the speech is progressing. And yes definitely agree their happiness is paramount.