Could my 13 month old be autistic?

[Enigma999]

Hi. I am not looking for a diagnosis here just some opinions as have an appt with a paediatrician after Christmas. I am a worrier by nature and am very worried my now 13.5 month old could be autistic. He spoke his first word last week which was 'Mom' and has since used 'Ma' or 'Mam'. He knows I'm his mum and there is a very strong attachment between us and he has a lot of separation anxiety but looks at me in delight when I return to collect him. He also enjoys peek a boo and I can make him laugh easily by pulling funny faces or sounds. He does not walk or crawl instead getting by by rolling and moving backwards with his hands. He does not point and never looks at where I point to. He does not play with toys and has formed no attachment to any teddy bear despite the fact I put the same one beside him every night at bed. Please help a worried mum.

I'm a mum who didn't see autism at all in my baby/toddler, so I'm probably not much help to you on the question of whether he's autistic.

But he's speaking, he loves you, you love him, he shows it to you, he has a sense of humour. These are all brilliant, autistic or neurotypical.

All I can tell you is that autism is different but not worse. And I can say don't worry, not because I can tell you he's autistic or he's neurotypical, but don't worry because both of those are OK. (But at the same time, we all worry about everything all the time!)

Like Viewoffriday I had no clue my DD was autistic. She didn't point and was very late on physical milestones. But she is a very happy bright little girl and a joy to be with.

Totally agree to try not to worry. With the right support it really is different, not worse so either way the fact you are so tuned in to your DS means you are in the best possible position to build a lovely future together.

Thank you both for your replies. While I hope he is not autistic I do like the terms different but not worse. I know early intervention is key. He is an only child and if I'm honest has little social interaction compared to other babies his age so this may be a reason for a lot of things too.

Thanks Enigma! I don't think there's anything wrong with hoping they are not autistic. I have many autistic traits myself but I still wish that DD didn't have the anxiety that comes with autism. As you say, there are many other reasons children can develop differently - and we are all "neurodiverse" in some respects. So it's very possible that your child is not autistic, or has some autistic traits without being autistic, or that he will be autistic and very happy.

Hope you manage not to worry too much and enjoy your Christmas break together!