Could my 20mo DS have autism or am I being paranoid?

[AngeloMysterioso]

For quite a while now (since around his 1st birthday) I’ve been thinking that my son is showing early signs of autism. For example, he-

-never points with his finger at anything, for any reason- if he wants something he’ll just reach his whole arm/hand towards it

-flaps his arms when he’s excited about something. Used to rock backwards and forwards on his bottom when sitting too but not so much since he started walking

-isn’t saying any words at all yet, he says mummy but he’s more making the sound than saying the word or talking to me. Otherwise it’s a lot of babbling, goo goo ga ga type stuff

-often doesn’t respond when I say his name

-doesn’t look when I point to things, just looks at me

-is obsessed with spinning the wheels on his ride-on batmobile/brick trolley/push-along walker. Will flip them over and just sit there spinning the wheels. Or he’ll sit and push them backwards and forwards. Loves to sit and push his pram backwards and forwards too

-loves to push his trains backwards and forwards on the coffee table or window sill

-also loves to just sit and watch the washing machine when that’s on

-Loves to open and shut drawers or take things out and put them back in

-used to rock backwards and forwards and slam the back of his head into the high chair seat back, although he doesn’t do that so much anymore

-has never waved or clapped his hands

-will spin around on the spot til he falls over

I did the online CHAT quiz thing on the Autism Speaks website which have hun a score of 10- high risk. But I know that’s just an indication and not a diagnostic tool.

I’m reluctant to try and put a label on him if it turns out he’s just being a regular toddler, but at the same time, if I’m right, isn’t it best to get it confirmed as early as possible?

Where do I go from here?

There is no way that if you have come here to ask that your child does not have a neurological condition and most likely autism. Whilst distressing at first it is totally not the worst thing. What is the worst thing is wishing you had acted earlier.

Research the symptoms or diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD and list every symptom that you think he might meet and put it in a table. In the next column put as many real life examples that you can think of at home. In the next column put as many real life examples you can think of not at home or that someone else has commented on or noticed.

Take this list to your GP (and make sure a copy is put on file) and ask for a referral for Neurodevelopmental Assessment. If you get a choice request a paediatrician rather than CAMHS.

Also ask for a referral to a speech and language therapist via your Health Visitor and a hearing test.

Hi @AngeloMysterioso

Always hard to say at that age but parents are usually right when they have a gut feeling, so
maybe good to start the process of getting some support.
It’s depends on what area you live in as to what there might be available in the way of support. It usually takes a very long time to get to the diagnosis point so you may not have to worry about labels just yet.
Also in my experience the GP/Health Visitors love to have a wait and see approach so you may have to be very pushy. They might also fob you off with ‘that’s just toddler behaviour.’ Unfortunately they don’t tend to be as educated on neurodiversity as they could be. That’s my experience anyway! But generally I try to think about filling the gaps in my dd’s development with whatever support is needed rather than the overall diagnosis. Good
Luck x

Speak with your HV or GP. That is a reasonably long list, and whilst it isn't a diagnostic tool, the screens are designed to help to identify whether further assessment is warranted. It seems that in this case it is and as StarlightM said, in the future you will regret not acting sooner on your concerns much more than you will getting support in place. Would definitely recommend a speech therapist too, depending on the area these are not always assigned so you may need to ask specifically.

My son is also the same age and is doing more a less the same thing I'm wondering to if it's Autism, my DD has adhd/Asd so wouldn't be to far of a reach for me to think that. I feel sad about it