ASD toddler with ‘’normal’ speech

[LavenderBlue95]

I don't know a lot about ASD so my apologises if I word something wrong. I don’t like to use the word normal but couldn’t think of the word to describe his speech.

I've read that delayed speech is a very common trait with toddlers/children who have ASD.

My son is 20 months old and showing some traits of ASD that has been picked up by myself and my sister (who's middle daughter has ASD).

Yet, I've been told that "his speech is fine so he can't be autistic". Which personally I think is a load of bollocks nonsense.

Can I ask if your child with ASD had age appropriate speech and was still diagnosed or is this going to be a hurdle for me getting my son referred?

Thanks for reading

My DS was advanced with his speech, he's just received his ASC dx and it was mentioned this is a marker for autism. So the opposite from what you have been told.

Who said this to you?

My health visitor 🙄I wouldn’t say that his is advanced but no definitely no concerns. Is ASC the same as ASD? Sorry, I’ve only just started to learn about correct terms

Have a look at the M-Chat test (you can Google it). It's a basic screening test designed for toddlers and it shows you the 'red flags' to look out for, for possible autism.
Some people prefer to use ASC which stands for Autistic Spectrum Condition rather than Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

In terms of speech development and autism, this can be a really subtle thing. Sometimes it takes a very specialist speech and language expert to be able to 'spot' the difference between how a neuro typical person uses language and someone on the spectrum.

It's also not just about what words they say but HOW they use language. For example, a child on the spectrum may have an incredibly advanced vocabulary, like my DS. However, he will talk 'at' you about his specialist subject and not really 'check in' to see if you're listening/interested!

Communication is about so much more than language. That's why people who don't speak the same language can sometimes still communicate.

How is your DS socially? Does he try to involve you in his world? Does he bring things to show you? Does he point? Lack of pointing can be a red flag for autism. Does he point at something and then check in to see if you've also seen what he's showing you?

In my experience, health visitors can be a very mixed bunch!

Does your DS go to nursery yet?

I would start keeping a note of any concerns you have so that you can give concrete examples if you do feel that you would like to peruse a diagnosis at some point.

Autism Spectrum "Condition" as opposed to "Disorder". Same thing but a slightly kinder way of saying it.

Hi how’s your son getting on now?

Sorry. I’ve only just seen your reply! He is currently in the process of being diagnosed with ASD. He is lovely, chatty and getting more confidence socially. He has just turned 4.