Early signs of autism?

[Arose13]

My DS is 13 months old, and I’m trying my hardest not to worry, but my appointment with my health visitor has left me looking into everything.

DS has always been behind on his milestones. He is not walking yet but I’m not too concerned about that as he is starting to stand up unaided. Mine and my HV’s main concern are his communication. Although he babbles, he does not have any words yet. He cannot wave, clap or point and does not follow my finger when I’m pointing.
He is very hard to play with as all he wants to do is either chase a ball around or tips up his cars and spins the wheels. If I try to show him how to do something he gets frustrated and starts crying.
He is miserable quite a lot and I usually have to leave baby groups early as he becomes inconsolable.
On the other side of this, his eye contact is absolutely fine, he responds to his name, puts his arms out to be picked up and is very affectionate. He laughs and smiles in response to peak-a-boo and funny faces.
I know it’s far too early to know if he is showing signs of autism, but I’m just wondering if anybody has been in a similar position or can give some advice?

I forgot to add, he’s also obsessed with trying to balance his toys, for example he will spend ages trying to balance a toy ring so it’s standing upright. He also has to have something in his hand at all times, even when crawling of standing.

Hi arose. I also only became aware of possibility of autism when my HV rang me to do a follow up after the 12 month appointment when my DD was 15 months. My DD was referred to SALT and the paediatric team for assessment. My DD is now 18 months and I just got an appointment for SALT which is 3 weeks away now. At 12 months my DD had no words just babble. Didn’t point or wave or follow my point. Liked to spin everything! Didn’t pass me objects rarely responded to her name. Fiddles with bibs in her hands for long spells, made eye contact sometimes. Plays with the same things, didn’t like to play/share with me or others. These are just a few things. She just started walking a month ago but sadly nothing has changed with the other things. I have kept saying that lockdowns etc may have just made her a slow developer but the lack of communication is so clear to me now. I try to read to her and talk to her but there is absolutely no attention or mimicking etc. I am still trying to hold on to hope that she will suddenly change all these behaviours and speak etc and maybe she will! Waiting lists here are so long it may be after Christmas before she sees the assessment team, she will be 2 then. Did you do the MChat questionnaire? If you google it you will find it and it is helpful. You baby is still young as is mine and we can only wait for assessment. Our babies have been born in strange times and my baby has definitely not had the social contact of my older child. I have started her in daycare to see if this helps. Try not to worry just yet. I totally know how you feel and hope this has helped .