I have a 21 months old DS. He was meeting all his milestones until the last couple of months and I wondered if this is possible ASD? I have already spoken to the GP and got a referral which I imagine will take ages but at least I’m getting the ball rolling.
- Over the last week he has been using hand leading a lot even though he can point and say words (he knows around 60 and his vocab is growing). He usually hand leads me to where the kitchen is and points to the cupboards (where snacks are) or the fridge. When I say ‘tell me’ he looks very frustrated.
- He started slapping the back of his head when frustrated… he can slap DH and I too.
- He points to things like ‘birds’ and looks to where I’m pointing.
- Isn't social with children, only notices them when they are playing with a toy he wants in which case he will snatch it off them and likewise will throw a tantrum if a child tries to play with his toy.
- Plays with various toys but has short attention span so they will usually get discarded in minutes, doesn’t get focused on anything for too long.
- Loves music and can’t get enough of baby shark and does the dance moves.
- Can follow some one step instructions like ‘give me socks’.
- Started putting two words together like ‘three birds’ and ‘more blueberry’… has a growing vocab but I feel like he’s not picking up the useful words like ‘milk’ or ‘water’ even though I say it all the time.
- If he is doing a puzzle and it doesn’t work out he will throw a tantrum and start throwing everything everywhere, very little patience.
- Has a limited diet at home though more varied at nursery (apparently).
- Will only turn 2/10 times when he hears his name, very hard to get his attention. We had all sorts of different Nick names for him before which I then realised may have caused issues but he now definitely knows his name as when I point to a photo of him he will say his name properly.
- Has good eye contact once you have his attention.
- During the day occasionally toe walks when excited but it’ll be like a fleeting moment.
- He is very cuddly with me, whenever I catch his eye as he’s playing across the room he will run up and shout ‘mummy’ and give me a cuddle.
- Shakes head and says ‘no’ a lot, hasn’t mustered the word ‘yes’ yet - is that a delay for this age?
- In nursery throws tantrums for 15 mins at a time when he doesn’t get things his way - is that considered to be long?
I myself have ADHD so I wonder if any of his traits are that too? I’d love to hear about anyone else’s experience and if you’ve been in the same boat and any advice you can give me. This has sent my ADHD/ anxiety levels through the roof… I have major fear of the unknown so panic mode has kicked in.