Ds2 (2.4) assessment for autism - what to expect?

[50ShadesofXmas]

I'm incredibly new to all this (and very tearful today).

Ds2 is 2.4 and has no speech, just makes noises, will make a few sounds but not if prompted.

He also flaps his hands/arms when he gets excited.

He has very little in the way of eye contact and not for very long when he does.

Has no interest in potty training.

These are the things that have prompted the assessment, I took ds2 to the doctors today to check his hearing (to do with speech delay) and he has referred him as he thinks there is a "strong case". I fully accept this may be the case.

On the other hand, he is not repeatative in anything, has no problem with change, is very cuddly, feeds himself, has hit all his milestones.

I guess I'm asking what happens next?

Any advice (or hugs) appreciated.

Thank you, gp said referral was to paediatrics at our local hospital. Everything I've read, including a lot of threads on here, says their children were assessed older than 2.4, should I be worried for it to be done so early?

Dh says I need to be more positive, I'm trying but quite teary today.

Thanks for the hug :)

50 shades my dd2 was being assessed from the age of 2.6 and was diagnosed at 2 years 10 months so it can be done with younger children .

my ds was diagnosed at 2 years 11 months also.
autumnsmum- are you me?!

Lesley this is getting scary

Lesley a joke obviously ! 50 shades the earlier am assessment is done the better ! Early intervention can really help with speech

Thank you.

50Shades - Pls do not think of this as a bad thing. The start of assessment and the access to services & diagnosis is usually 12-18 months far.

I found this time the hardest. What made it bearable was "doing something". Whatever intervention you do at this stage will improve the chances of the final quality of your child's life.