2 year old autism

[user1497782510]

My son is 27 months he is displaying a number of autistic traits (no receptive or expensive language, doesn't always respond to name, no pretend play preferring sensory play) and has been referred for assessment. He is however very loving and seems social. My main concern is that he doesn't appear to understand any verbal language and doesn't speak (except mama which he says when he wants something).
I am really worried and have not stopped thinking about and crying since we realised the possible diagnosis.
What I am looking for is hope! Does anyone have any children with similar symptoms / prognosis at this age who went on to understand and speak? Did they remain in mainstream schools? How do they present now? Thanks

Expressive**

He is due to get one next month but I don't believe it is his hearing. He does respond to noises

My son is was very similar, he'll be 3 next month, so I'm not much further down the line to you.... he has started to understand more verbal language in the last few months... simple things like 'let's get in the car' 'sit down' 'back in bed' 'kiss' 'stop' but still a long way to go. Verbally he is progressing slowly thanks to PECS. He is now starting to say 'I want....' usually the iPad and repeats sounds. I often wish I had a crystal ball but I know I'm scared of what I might see...

I think the unknown future it the worry. We don't know how they will progress in the future.
Are you accessing any additional supprt for your son?

Yes, it's taken a while to build up and we're paying through the nose at the moment but he has speech therapy twice a week, ABA twice a week and we are looking to increase this. It's all more complicated because we live in france so we speak English at home but his therapy is in french, poor lad, I feel so guilty about that but we have made a life here.... I just have to believe in him

I have looked into ABA (very expensive) but think we are still going to go for it. He is my baby and I will do anything to make his life easier.
I would really like some hope at this point - something to make me think his future will be good

DS says mama but like op it's just when he wants something.... he doesn't call out mama when he sees me iyswim.

Thanks for your reply zzzzz. What is HE?

Thanks
Why did SS not work for secondary?

I could have written your first lost OP. My son is 28 months and identical to yours from what you've said. We have him at a private speech therapist once a fortnight, and are awaiting our first appt with NHS SALT but due to waiting lists it probably won't be till August. All I want is a glimpse into the future but just need to do what we can just now

Hi hilbil21 - have you been referred to pediatrician?

Our GP referred him to Paed who said she wasn't concerned about autism, she was quite dismissive of my concerns. She referred him for a hearing test and to the NHS speech and language. Once we start that and they are seeing him on a regular basis I think they may start to see where my concerns about autism are coming from. Our private speech therapist certainly agrees with me that he does have some red flags for autism

We have an appointment with pead end of September. My concern is that they will do this too as you can't access a great deal of support until diagnosis. I know I'm going to have a fight on my hands (probably for the rest of his life) 💔

DD was similar at 27 months. very little (next to no) receptive language. but it is not all doom.

She is 10 and has a dx of autism and learning difficulties and is way behind (in a resourced unit but we are looking at SS for secondary). She is talking (more like a 4 year old but hey - she does talk). Academic progress is slow too but steady. she is happy, healthy, sporty.

Agree with zzzzz, even if you get a diagnosis, you won't get much support. We have support at school but nothing else - you need to do the lions share at home.

I would apply for DLA (based on care needs, not diagnosis) - we really depend on it to fund therapy and respite as there is nothing out there otherwise.

Even if the paed had agreed with my concerns all she would have been doing (according to her at least) is what she did anyway. Referral to SALT and hearing tested. Even if he was diagnosed I'm not sure what else could be done at this stage?

Thanks - didn't realise you could apply for DLA before diagnosis

I know in my area there is a autism outreach team who provide support and training (early bird which is supposed to be good) but you cannot access this resource until you have a diagnosis

check the Cerebra guide to DLA.

DLA is all about care needs. you need to show he needs significantly more help/care/support than his peers.

DX can help in reality with DLA applications but though.