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Late Talker or maybe ASD?

37 replies

Timepasses · 29/05/2012 14:28

My ds is 2.3 and has a speech delay, we are currently seeing a speech therapist and are due to see a portage worker in the next few weeks.
He only has a few words although he babbles non stop and seems to be really trying to talk. He understands some basic instructions; if I ask him to go upstairs he will go stand by the stairs and will sit on his chair but won't pass his shoes if I ask him to.
I am worried about a few other things though
He is a very fussy eater and gags when he touches "slimy" new foods.
He flicks his fingers when excited
He doesnt point or wave but will clap his hands and tries to communicate.
He is very affectionate with kisses but rarely cuddles.
He loves playing with cars; he lines them up but also ?plays? with them.
He has good eye contact and responds to his name, although not every time.
I work full time and he is looked after by DM and DMIL who are great with him. He goes to playgroup 3 times a week but plays on his own rather than with other children.
His hearing test was fine.
He is a very happy well behaved boy.
I suspect he may have ASD and don?t know what to do next.
Sorry for the long post but I am desperately worried, any advice would be greatly received.

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zzzzz · 07/06/2012 09:05

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Timepasses · 07/06/2012 09:42

yes, he can follow the line of point but i wouldnt say it happens everytime and he can extend his first finger. He is great at shared attention ( i think that is what its called).

Ds is only 2.3, last timeI went to see my GP he said DS is too young to be diagnosed.
We dont have an ipad but I have an iphone and he likes looking through the pictures. Do you know if there is an app that would help?

I apppreciate you taking the time to help.

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zzzzz · 07/06/2012 10:17

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zzzzz · 07/06/2012 10:19

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zzzzz · 07/06/2012 12:35

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Timepasses · 07/06/2012 12:40

Thanks. Got to nip out now do will respond later. Grin

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Timepasses · 07/06/2012 17:20

zzzzz- thanks I will take a look at some apps.
We have our next SALT at the end of the month and are waiting for a start date for portage.

At the moment I seem to relate all his behaviours to ASD rather than just being a two year old.

Things we are working on are singing nursery rhymes, eye contact ( this has improved enormously) repeating words back, turn taking. Soethings are going well, others not so much.

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Chelseagirl72 · 08/06/2012 10:25

Hi Timepasses. I had to make a pact with myself not to google 'asd' any more as I was sending myself mad! Everything my DS did or didn't do I would relate to asd. It is so hard - especially when you see other kids of the same age doing things that your's isn't. Kids do develop at such different rates though. It's hard to know what to worry about.

It sounds like your DS is a bit similar to mine (would follow a point but not make one, eye contact a bit hit and miss etc). One of the things his consultant said to me which I took huge comfort from was that he was obviously teachable. Many kids with ASD can be taught to do things that other kids seem to just know how to do eg pointing, turn taking etc.

It also sounds like you are doing fantastic work with your DS - he couldn't be getting better help or support.

Timepasses · 08/06/2012 10:45

Thanks Chelseagirl your comments have made my day. Grin

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Timepasses · 08/06/2012 18:40

Just seen gp. He is referring ds to a paediatrician. Scary Sad

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Chelseagirl72 · 08/06/2012 20:15

Timepasses: please don't be scared. It's a good thing - whatever the outcome. Although I totally understand that it may not feel like that now.

Just to warn you, we waited 8 months from our referral to our first appointment with a comm ped.
At our first appointment she took a history and didn't really interact with DS at all.
Our next appointment was six months later - this didn't go very well as we couldn't get DS into the room (but that's another story!). We're due back in another six months and then we'll go on another waiting list (which I've been told is currently six months long) for his formal assessment.

The process may be quicker where you live. I know your son is a similar age to mine (under 3) and I suspect with young children the professionals sometimes adopt a 'wait and see' policy - especially as it sounds like your son is making good progress.

I still have 'good days and bad days' about the fact that ds is being assessed for asd. I can still kid myself that maybe he'll 'catch up' even though I know in my heart that he is 'different' from other kids. But I tell myself that a formal dx will be the best thing for him as we'll be able to start fighting for support/help for us both.

Of course, it may well be that your ds will not have asd. I know I've said it before but you really are doing the very best for him by being brave enough to be even looking at a possible early dx. You are a great mum.

Timepasses · 08/06/2012 20:36

Chelseagirl: thanks for your kind words. Been upset since we come home from gp. I have been told to expect a long wait but at least we are on the list.
I can't wait for the good days to out way the bad.
feeling very sorry for myself today Sad

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