Autism?

[CountryDweller]

I would really like other peoples opinions on this one.
I've spoken to DS pre-school leader earlier about my concerns about him. She thinks hes just a very young 2 year old. He is almost 2.5. He only goes 1 session a week at the moment.
My concerns are lack of speech (says a few words but mostly baby type babble)
He will pull my clothes to take me where he wants me to be, and won't try to word what he wants.
Lack of eating (will only pick at food) weaned fine and ate everything as a baby but for the last year has no interest in food.
Everything and I mean everything goes in his mouth (pica?) not to eat but to chew, this includes things like dvds, books, toys clothes etc. Hes has all his teeth so not teething.
Has started to wake regulary in the night thinking its playtime, but goes to bed very well with set routine.
Shows no empathy (if I pretend to cry he takes no notice)
There is more but have to go fetch him, will be back later.
TIA

Could be. But you don't need our opinions - you need a professional.

Go to your GP and ask to be referred to a paed.

whats his play like? is it repetitive?
does he shoe affetion and have good eye contact?

i suggest you look at this and do a bit of research yourself, its a great website!

The fact that you're concerned about his development is a good enough reason to get him referred to a developmental paediatrician. It would do no harm to research symptoms of autism to see what you can identify in your DS but bear in mind that many autistic behaviours can be seen in other children for all sorts of reasons. Autism is diagnosed when lots of these symptoms are seen together as part of a bigger picture and they have a negative effect on the child's ability to function in an everyday environment.

No one symptom is a clincher so beware of jumping to conclusions. Making good eye contact does not mean he isn't autistic and not making it doesn't mean he is either.

Agree with alison. No words by two and a half needs following up, whatever the cause. Wld also ask for speech therapy and hearing test

Look up Mchat and score it and take result with you to gp. Will also help you go through the symptoms. Ask for portage, speech therapy and hearing test to be arranged. Look to see if you have any speech or portage drop ins at local childrens centres whilst you are waiting for referral.

you need to go to HV and get SALT referal asap, he clearly has speech difficulties, and also ask for a referal to a developmental paed, they are the ones who can help.
In the mean time keep a diary of your concerns.

Thank you for the replies.

We move to a different part of the country soon so will see the HV asap after the move. Then hopefully he can get help.

CountryDweller - did he clap, point or wave at around 12 - 18 months? My DS wa diagnosed with ASD at 2.10. He never did any of these three things until he was well over two when he started to point and still does not clap or wave. I used to worry about it and my sister would say 'oh for heavens sake stop fussing, my two never clapped or waved - some kids just don't want to clap and wave'
I have since found out that the absence of these is quite an indication of autism (though obviously this is a massive generalisation)
Def start a list of your concerns as this will from the basis of your opening conversation with any professional. They have all said to us 'so what are you concerns about DS?'

My DS was exactly the same, and I was alarmed at 16 months at the gulf between him and his peers (he was then officially diagnosed at 23ms), so I feel the nursery teacher is being a bit dismissive (although obviously she wants to make you feel better, and is not qualified to diagnose).

DS didn't show many signs of 'classic' autism but what made me realise ASD was a certainty was when I looked at the checklist on the NAS website and one of the markers was 'drags you to what he wants and throws your hand towards it, as if you were a tool'

To be diagnosed with ASD you need to show impairments (of significant degree or above) in three areas: social communication, interaction, and imagination.

At this age lack of speech in itself is not always an indicator of asd (though I would get it checked out anyway as it may be a speech delay). Other forms of communication are more/as important. As is play - you expect some imaginative/pretend play by now rather than repetitive.

Pointing, waving, clapping important as signs of communication. But don't get too hung up on this, can be misleading. My ds did all three pretty much within normal age limits (pointing was a little bit late), and has asd. The key thing is whether the pointing (the most important of these) is for your benefit to show you something - he looks at the thing, looks at you, back at the thing etc. This is just one area of reciprocal communication that is easier to identify at a young age, as at 2.5 other signs are harder to see.

Eye contact not too important either. My ds has great eye contact. And is sociable. But definitely autistic.

Hi Country Dweller
You are right to be concerned but it could be any number of things, not necessarily autism.
Of course it needs checking thoroughly though.
Did he reach his milestones at normal times?
Like sitting up, crawling, waving bye-bye pointing etc?
Does he have older siblings who do everything for him? This doesn't mean that there is or isn't 'something' going on but babies who have older siblings tend to be lazier if their siblings get what they want etc without them asking for it.

You know in your gut if there's something going on, I'm a firm beleiver in mothers instinct, but try not to read too much into everything before you get some professional help.
If you look for info ensure it's from a reliable source and not some crackpot website like wikepedia for example.
Best wishes and good luck with your move too!