If it isnt autism, what else could it be?!

[tori96]

So. first post.
I am on a few autism f.b groups and ive spent about 6 months researching and trying to get an understanding of my daughters delays.Im pretty sure she has autism.She was referred at 18 months by the h.v and shes about half way through the process of assessments now (SALT, Paed,Early yrs special needs team).She is 26 months now.BUT, i just cant seem to find info on could it be anything else?!.

Right now she has no words
No receptive language
LOTS of flapping rocking spinning
No gestures at all..pointing,waving and so on
Hardly ever responds to name
Terrible at sleeping
Likes to sniff, like things and be squeezed
Makes "unusual" noises
No pretend play
Limited interaction with people though slowly improving

But is very happy, no meltdowns,and has just started to play with toys a little more, lead me by the hand, give me her juice cup, and loves songs and music, her eye contact has picked up a lot too.

I think im just so frustrated. It seems to me to be autism, but the early yrs team keep saying shes doing so well.Im not sure what that even means!.Could they just be encouraging me as shes made a few break throughs recently?

Sounds like many autistic traits.
I have an 8 yr old selectively mute autistic dd she has good eye contact and meltdowns are not regular if everything in her world is regulated.
Follow your instincts and keep on keeping on - no two asd kids present the same

From your description it is very likely that she will receive a autism diagnosis. Having meltdowns is not a criteria for a autism diagnosis and may or may not be present (or may come later on as they get older). One thing to remember is that toddlers with autism also learn and progress like all other children do but on different timelines and learning curves when compared to normally developing toddlers. She seems to have made great progress and she will keep on making progress :)

Thanks guys.I mean, im so sure it is autism and thats fine, we''ll just get on with supporting her the best way we can. I thought at times it could just be global development deal, which is what they have said so far, but then having traits such as the intense rocking/flapping and so just doesnt fit in with that.It's just the waiting isnt it?!

Yes I can remember feeling just like this. Sounds like autism to me! We had a working diagnosis of developmental delays first too. Like pp says above they do progress so it doesn't necessarily mean she isn't autistic. The waiting is excruciating isn't it