Any advice please?

[wisden]

Apologies, this might be in the wrong section. Just after some advice for my DS (2.6yrs)
A bit of background, sorry of I go on a bit. He has been referred to SALT. Is only saying mam, no, help and has the most massive tantrums (he is DC3 so I have had my share of tantrums over the years but these feel different if that makes sense). As well as being referred to SALT the hv also made us an appointment for a hearing test. It was awful. He wouldn't allow anyone near him so we have 2 more appointments booked and if still the same they are talking about putting him under sedation to check him. FWIW I don't think there is a problem with his hearing, but feel I am at a stage where I want everything checked for.
Hv also booked us in with a paedatrician (sp?). Again a nightmare, he couldn't get close to DS. What is confusing me is he mentioned a few times about autism (whether it ran in our family, that there are specific nurseries for children with autism to go to) and has now referred DS to a 1.5 day observation at the hospital where he will have blood tests, be seen by a paed, a physio and also a speech therapist.
Has anyone been through this? My instinct is that there is something with DS, of course my instinct could be wrong and the tantrums could just be severe and a stage he is going through.
Don't know what I am asking really. Just feel crap, yet pleased that he is being checked.

Wisden, there are a lot of us on this board with DC who have an autism diagnosis (DX) so we do know the panic and upset you must be feeling at this stage. ((((hugs)))) It's a long old process to get an ASD DX, though and it's still early days for you and your DS. There are other disorders and other reasons why your DS may be behaving as he is.

But, just in case it may be autism, I would have a read up about ASD, maybe look at the NAS website here and see if anything looks familiar. The checklist for autism in toddlers, CHAT might be useful, but it is aimed at 18mth olds.

It is really good that you are in the system and your DS is still so young. I was still in happy denial that anything was 'wrong' with my DS's development at 2.6, but he, too, had mega tantrums, very few words, repetitive and unusual play etc. His hearing was fine, eg sweetie wrapper at 50 yards but ignored me calling his name from the same room! Luckily, he was pretty cooperative at the audiologist, despite an hour wait in the waiting room.

Have you seen the SALT yet? My DS's SALT worked with the paed in a clinic and was very knowledgeable about ASD, but too professional to suggest it to me on her own.

Anyway, I'm glad you've found our corner of MN, it's the single most useful resource I've found.

Wot Ellen said.

And welcome to MNSN. Ask as many questions as you want.