Delay social communication 3.3yo

[dextermorgan00]

Hi I don't know how to post to my previous link but is anyone able to have a look and advise pls? It's about my son who is 3.3 years and has only single words and we recently found out he shows autistic traits and delay in social communication so would be lovely to hear from other mums who have been through the same and how is the child now

My son was non verbal at that age. He was diagnosed with autism at age 4. He now speaks in full sentences and attends mainstream school. He does need support for his learning and social interaction, but he has friends and is progressing academically although he is working a year and a half below his expected level for age.

How old was he when he started speaking? Also did he have his own gobbledegook language as my son does

No he had no words at all, didn't say Mum or Dad until after age 3. We did picture exchange communication with him and he had speech and language therapy. The talking developed from there. At first it was scripted using the PECS format. He did use phrases from children's TV programs in the correct context to express his needs and would say them to himself (like a form of echolocalia). In Reception year so age 4 onwards he began to be able to construct his own sentences without PECS card prompts, but sometimes needed to be given two choices to choose between to make requests (he still sometimes needs this but can make the initial request for a snack for example). He is now 7 and can express his feelings and needs quite clearly although sentence construction is slightly quirky and dialogue is often limited to his interests or needs unless prompted. He also is able to make jokes and express humour/play with words.

Sounds like he's doing well then