18 months, HV/Dr suspect ASD

[ElyElyOy]

My son is nearly 18 months old and is now being suspected of ASD due to a few “red flags”: no pointing, no kissing, doesn’t respond to name, loss of language skills learnt over the last few months, possible sensory issues.

He has been assessed by orthopaedics and has a few minor issues diagnosed, and we are currently waiting for a hearing test. We have started weekly speech, language and communication sessions too.

What’s next? Sorry if that’s a stupid question! Should I try and get him in nursery or preschool (but I don’t think they will take him until next September due to his age) to see if that improves his development.

I suspect maybe it’s more GDD than ASD, but it would be nice to feel like I can help him. I’ve made lists of the areas he is delayed in and I’m trying to help him with each one x

Anyone? Should have added we have completed the MCHAT online and it came back at 14.

Just bumping on the off chance someone might be able to help. I’m just feeling a bit lost :(

I think a lot of people will have been in the situation that no one took their concerns seriously until their children were 3 or 4 (or older in some areas :( ).

The support varies enormously from county to county. We had a brief ‘Early Bird’ course when our DS was undergoing initial investigations regarding ASD, 6 weeks of once weekly 2 hour sessions to get us as parents up to speed. My friend in a neighbouring county though had much, much more input offered, teaching techniques for speech therapy, family sessions involving extended family to ensure they understood and helped as much as possible developmentally etc.

It’s maybe best to speak to your HV, or see if she can put you in touch with another local mum who’s been through similar.

Sorry I’m not much help!

Yes definitely ask your health visitor what kind of support there is. You can also look on your local offer, which should list all the available services in your area.

For us seeing an OT has been the most important thing. It's usually quite a hard thing to get on the NHS but I would definitely check to see if you can get your ds referred. In the meantime 'the out of sync child' is a good place to start learning about sensory issues.

I wish that I had started using Makaton and visuals earlier. It might be worth checking to see if there are any local courses for learning more about communication tools.

Thank you very much :)

@3out I never thought about asking to be put in contact with other mums, that’s a great idea thank you :)

@livpotter thank you for the recommendation for the Out of Synch Child - that describes him quite well actually! I’m trying to use a few makaton signs that I have learnt and am encouraging my family to do them too: I’ve wanted to do a course in it for years actually so maybe this is a good motivator for me :)

I would look into portage - look here for your local area www.portage.org.uk and self refer, or your HV may be able to point you in the right direction. It is a home based therapy service for preschool children.

I would also look into DLA if you feel he needs more care throughout the day (and night if applicable) than other 18 month olds. It is quite hard to get at his age, but depends on his level of need.

Find out about inclusion support in your area wrt early years provision. Google Local Offer and your area and it should have an early years section. If you feel your child would need a 1-1 at preschool there is funding available from 2.5, but it is dependent on fairly strict criteria.

Definitely look into Makaton. The makaton website has lists of course available in your area, and quite a lot of free printable resources (as well as paid ones) There are also some good DVDs - Mr Tumble, Something Special and Singing Hands.

We have a special needs preschool called an opportunity centre here, which has a stay and play session. It is referral only, so ask your HV if there is something similar.

Does he have other physical or medical issues alongside the delays?

And good luck.

@hazeyjane thank you for all the great information: I thought a lot of that would be dependent on having a diagnosis so I will definitely look in to it. He has some joint hypermobility, low muscle tone, severe reflux and allergies and undiagnosed gastro issues. He was born very small and they noticed some unusual features (dimples where they shouldn’t be) so he had a microarray but that came back clear x