Son possibly Autistic?

[Holly221288]

Hi everyone,

Thanks in advance for reading this. I just could do with some advice.

My son is 2 and a half. Over the past year I have been becoming concerned about some of his behaviours. He is suffering from speech and language delay and can only say about 30 words (although most of them only I can understand). He doesn’t link words together. He can copy words but then will not repeat them in context.

In addition to this, he is very repetitive with certain things. Plays with the same toys regularly, lines them up etc. And becomes possessive over certain things at nursery. When anyone asks him what he has done at the weekend, last week etc he will always reply his version of outside and soft play. He bangs his head repeatedly on his car seat and cot fairly regularly. And also plays with his hands a lot (although this seems to be dying down now).

He is quite obsessive with me and will regularly tap me when sitting next to him. I can’t leave him with anyone (other than nursery) as he gets really distressed. He also won’t walk anywhere and if I try to make him he literally clings on to me and screams. I can’t take him in a supermarket anymore as this seems to really distress him especially if anyone holds the trolley (the same applies to his pushchair).

But all that considered, he is actually sociable at nursery apparently. They have told me he will hold hands/play with other children. And he has no problem making eye contact. When we are out, he will only stare at other children and I am yet to see him playing with anyone other than his brother or sister outside of nursery.

Nursery are therefore pretty certain that he is just suffering speech and language delay. However I feel like there may be more to it.

I just wondered if anyone could give me any insight/tell me I’m just being a worrier and just his personality quirks etc. Thanks again

I would take the list above to your GP and ask to be referred to a development paediatrician. There's enough there to warrant an assessment I'd say.

Has he been referred to a speech and language therapist already?

Nurseries are often not very good at spotting ASD / have a very outdated view of how it presents (schools as well I'm afraid).

Oh - also has he had his hearing checked? Always worth getting that checked too as it can mean a communication delay if he can't hear properly.

Thank you so much for replying.

He has had his hearing checked and that’s all ok. He hasn’t been accepted for speech therapy as he can say 10 words and has begun to socialise. I will make an appointment with GP next week. Thank you again

I agree with marshmallow, push for an appointment with a pediatrician. We were fobbed off for ages by Speech and Language/GP/health visitors because he had good eye contact and liked being around people. But finally saw the community pediatrician and she diagnosed him ASD. It opened the door to help at school. If it turns out he's not then nothing is wasted and your mind will be at rest x

Thank you very much for replying and putting my mind at rest a little. I will book a GP appt xx