Are these autism signs in 24MO or just usual toddler behaviour?

[Nat198]

My DS is 24 months old and we're starting to notice some signs. Autism is in the family on both sides so we're maybe reading in to things more.

• He doesn't like playing with other kids and would rather be by himself (childminder confirmed that too)
• If another kid comes near him that he doesn't know, he pushes them away
• Hates being in loud places or bright lights,always covers his eyes or ears or wants to leave/clingy to me
• very low tolerance and is easily annoyed/screams
• doesn't point much
• doesn't like mess
• very particular with certain things / enjoys routine

On the flip side, he is affectionate with us (takes a bit of encouragement with family), and does hold eye contact.

Anyone had similar at such a young age?! I'm going to speak to the health visitor too as he is due his 2 year check. I'm struggling to see what is toddler behaviour and what could be autism signs.

These are all developmental appropriate behaviours for a 2 year old. Try not to worry. He will ‘parallel play’ for a couple of years yet and sharing is a challenge for all little people.

Agree with the pp. If you are concerned have a look at the MCHAT.

He sounds typical 2 to me!
(For reference my job is nursery/early years special ed , children with autism...plus I have a 2 year old dgs)

Two year olds don't play WITH... they mostly ignore or sometimes alongside. Pushing while not admirable, is also normal... 2 year olds are entirely self centred; they haven't developed empathy yet.

Sensory issues are also common in toddlers...and you can have sensory issues without being autistic. My DGD prefers to play alone, can be a pusher, has been obsessed with vehicles since before he was one, and absolutely HATES messy hands.. baby led weaning was a non starter as he would not touch anything that wasn't dry !

But he's not autistic. At 24 months I did think hmmmm he has a few quirks, now 5 months later, his other social skills (speech particularly ) have developed and I have no concerns although he still hates anything messy, and is no where near playing with anyone except in the briefest moment.

How is his speech? That is one thing I'd keep an eye on. Children vary tremendously at this age.. some are talking well at 2, others are no where near, but if I was concerned I'd want to think about

1. is speech emerging
2. does he respond to you.. turn at his name, acknowledge your presence?
3. can he follow a simple instruction 'where's the ball?'
4. Joint attention... will he look at a book with you, if YOU say 'oh look at that doggy!' will he look?

If no to the above, then I would ask for a referral because if he DOES have any issues... the earlier you get 'in the system' the better!

Toddlers DO prefer routine (or at least my four did and so does my dgs).. it helps them make sense of the world :) They also DO have very random fears and also very individual personalities!

Nothing you have said would particularly raise red flags to me, but also I know if you have a niggling worry... get him checked out :)

FWIW my youngest IS autistic.... he had no speech til 5, went to special school, has no GCSES, the hand writing of a 6 year old(at best).. was lining up pencils endlessly til he was 15...
And has now been working in our supermarket for 7 years, is friendly, gentle, adorable, has more savings than the rest of us, and is yet autistic... and early intevention was what got him this far! I remember the niggling doubt I had from babyhood pretty much (as he was no 4) so while I think your little one sounds 'just 2' , it's always best to follow you instincts in case!

Sorry that was rather long!!!