What was your neurodivergent daughter like at 2/2.5 years?

[user2466]

Hi,

Just wanted peoples experiences are of neurodivergence during the toddler stages.

For context, my DD is 2.5 years old, her dad is being assessed for ADHD and autism, and my sister and nephew both have autism and ADHD too.

Nursery did some screening for speech and language today and DD scored low for her age and low for the age below. We got talking and I mentioned the family history and nursery said although they can’t make a diagnosis (she’s too young for one anyway) she does see some early neurodivergence traits but can’t say for sure if it is that.

I know many people believe you shouldn’t ‘label’ toddlers but I think sometimes you can just tell (without using it as a label).

What traits did your DD show during the toddler stage that made you think ND?

Echolalia, rigid language, not really much communication. Could talk but not really putting together conversational sentences. Also didn’t understand how to say ‘yes’! She was diagnosed as autistic aged nearly 6 after an ADOS assessment. She’s 7 now and doing great! Loves school, is beginning to form some meaningful friendships, communicates well with us and is overall very happy. She comes across as ‘quirky’

@amazinggrace321 please can you expand on the echolalia? DD can speak, she can also say a few sentences but comprehension isn’t always great. Following instructions can be hit and miss too, it’s more the regulation side that I notice with her. She struggles with transitions, sensory seeks with hair, is very attached to her Po soft toy, doesn’t want to be without it even during the day, puts things in her mouth, climbs furniture (again not sure how much of this is normal toddler behaviour and how much points towards early ND)

Bump

Echolalia is repeating words back, sometimes immediately afterwards or later. I have to say all our suspicions were related to speech, language and communication. She didn’t have any sensory needs, as far as we were aware (although doesn’t like hand dryers ). She’s always slept well and eaten well, and generally been very easy. Each child is very different! I would say though that if you have a gut that she is a bit different from other children and then it is worth exploring

My DD was very clingy, wouldn't sleep unless literally touching me or DH. Didn't seem to like pre-school groups, especially if they involved singing, even when I was with her. Was very headstrong and liked to be in charge (though that might've started more age 3-4).

Daughter’s a teen now. But there were no signs when she was a toddler.