Autism early intervention activities for babies

[peanutForever]

Hi All

We have autism on both sides of the family (all three of my nephews are diagnosed, one very severe) and DHs sister has recently been diagnosed in adulthood (very good at masking). From my experience my FIL although in his 70s and not diagnosed appears to have quite obvious symptoms as well!

My 8 month old has lack of eye contact- no matter how much we try to interact (and when he does the quality of eye contact is not there). He has just started to babble (but very little)- hes been checked for glue ear and all good there! I do feel he does respond to his name however he does not clap or wave or imitate any gestures/facial expressions of any sort, does not really play peekaboo or give kisses no matter how much we try to encourage him- honestly feel like he just laughs at me every time I try!

I completely understand that it is way too soon and he will do these things perhaps when he is ready and I should not assume but My DH has always brushed off my concerns. Past week or so DH has been distance from DS- Two weeks ago he begrudgingly came to me and has said that he's picked up that DS is a bit off compared to other babies his age, he's developing but in a different manner perhaps neurotypically, perhaps not! and he just needed the courage to come end tell me (without triggering my anxiety)

For reference - I had some real post partum anxiety that he may be autistic when he was younger (late smiler and lack of eye contact) DH would always talk me down so I'm surprised that he has now voiced his concerns to me and it's not all in my head.

I have made peace with the thought of it (not crazy anxious) however I just want to be the best possible mum and work in early intervention (as I know the nhs has long waiting lists etc and never really take you seriously)

Please could you let me know of any resources I can access by way of building early intervention therapy (such as speech, language and developmental therapy) into everyday play?

I know it's early but I dont see any harm as these things will only help my little one and at least for now I know that despite my suspicions I know I am doing something that could help him?

I really want to enjoy my time with him rather than ruin it by turning into a worrier and watching him like a hawk and waiting till he's 2+ years and then worrying about NHS waiting lists. Also id really like if he is autistic for early intervention to take place to help as much as possible as I'd really love for him to have a sibling but would be a bit cautious if he has severe special needs as I just don't know if it would be fair to him because he will need all my time?

Thank you in advance! X

The books I would recommend are Hanen More than words for SALT, and An early start for your child with autism. Also look up Intensive Interaction on Google or YouTube, which is a specific play approach.

Whether your child is autistic or not these activities will be fine.

I was just going to suggest the more than words book its super expensive and huge but really is very good at explaining commutation and what to do to help, i also do intensive interaction with my daughter and as above poster said he can be used with any child also more than words 💗

OP I have a copy of More than Words that I can send to you for free if you want to PM me.

I read both books @openupmyeagereyes recommends and definitely agree. I ended up following the approach in the Early Start book even though my son does not at this point have an autism diagnosis and it's unclear if he ever will. The only thing he definitely has is a speech and language delay and it's been seriously effective in unlocking his understanding of language and he enjoys the games in there. His learning has absolutely taken off in recent months.

My only regret is not doing it sooner! The activities and approaches in there are great and if I had it to do all over again I would have read that book when he was 1yo (when I had no reason to anticipate any developmental delay) and simply used the approaches as good practice in encouraging communication between me and my baby. I can't imagine a young child, neurodiverse or not, who wouldn't benefit from this approach to communication and parenting.

@openupmyeagereyes thank you so much I've just pm you!

Thank you everyone for your lovely advice and words it's really reassuring that you have some helpful tips! Feel like I just get ignored and told to wait by most so the fact you've actually made suggestions is amazing! X

More than Words is definitely good! The Nurturing Neurodiversity YouTube channel and Facebook group is also lovely. Has some practical ideas (probably for older children) and also just really emotionally supportive if you're ever having a wobble.

OP I posted the More than Words book to you a week ago. Could you let me know if you received it? Thanks.

Hello thank you so so much I have received the book! Apologies I have also PM you, looks great so far I am ever so grateful xx

So glad you got it. I hope it helps.

Hi all just thought I would give you all a quick update

My little one is doing amazing well- he has started responding to his name consistently, babbles mamama and babababa and occasionally repeats words such as wow and cow says 'ooo'

He also waved hello and byebye and has started to point, feed me things and has started to clap! Don't have much to worry about but the HV are still keeping an eye on him considering our family history in any case of early intervention! I just wanted to say thank you for the support snd responding to my post! I feel as if I am in a much better position to help him learn if he needs it! Xx

@peanutForever sorry I know this thread is over a year old, hopefully you're still on MN and get this message! I'm really glad to hear your little one has shown marked improvement! Can i ask, do you think the improvements were as a result of the activities and approaches in the books?

Hey there sorry for the late response

I do think early intervention helped a lot but only to an extent ultimately it helps improve outcomes but by how much I'm not sure?

my gut instinct was correct: DS has just turned 2 and has been referred for an ASD assessment by the peadiatrician as he shows clear signs however from what I've been told he isn't too far behind his peers it is mostly social skills and speech that he lacks! Otherwise he is able (problem solving/feeding himself etc)

Altho he had plenty of gestures he has stopped using these (so almost a regression) does not babble but has a variety of single words that he uses to communicate or if no words he will point and say that- all Communication is functional and not to show any interest etc, although he can say hello/hi/hey he does not tend to use these as a typically developing child would but I have seen him on odd occasion say hello back if someone may greet him with hi! Whereas at 14/15month he would greet everyone with hello. His eye contact is fleeting at best but not completely void if you saw him with a group of children you would think no different

I have now just looked at gestalt language processing) so am hoping with some more research at home speech and language he will be able to develop full speech in a few years however I'm not sure that any of this will be spontaneous as such a probably mostly functional! Hope that helps xxx

Hey, how is your baby now? X

sorry for the late response! He is diagnosed but happy verbal and thriving - he is able but still delayed with speech , needs regulation but an all round lovely child! I looked into gestalt language processing and it changed a lot for us, his speech flourished and we changed his diet and he was a lot more regulated! I much enjoy being a mum now and hes doing great thank you for asking