So these sounds like symptoms of being ND?

[anonqrtb]

I want to keep this slightly vague as to not being outing. The child in question is 22 months (just under 2).

i am by far no means an expert, but I have witnessed (on a regular basis) some behaviours that I don’t know if are ‘normal’ at this developmental stage or not. I will list below;

• only just started walking.
• very tense body positions (legs lock out straight when lying down, tensed stomach, almost like a C shape)
• doesn’t speak words, but will babble/scream a lot.
• will put face into objects (floor, chairs, legs) and scream into them.
• moves arms up and down rapidly when excited.
• hits/pushes when excited.
• very sensitive, will cry when left to go to the toilet for example.
• can get upset when doesn’t like food.
• doesnt really ‘help’ getting changed, won’t go to put arms through but will when led.

I will say the usual markers for autism aren’t there. Eye contact is fine, responds to name, smiles when smiled out.

to anyone with ND children, do these sound like similar early signs? Or am I being hyper vigilant.

the toddler in question spends a considerable amount of time with another toddler 2 months younger, who doesn’t do any of these things and appeared to hit all milestones at expected times. (Appreciate all are different, which is why I wanted to pick peoples brains)

Have you looked at Global Developmental Delay? Sounds like that is a possibility as you mention delays in gross motor skill and communication.

How are your child’s play skills? Do they play with toys in the way you would expect - push the car along going bruuum bruuum- or atypically - endlessly spin the wheels for example? Would they pretend to feed a doll if given a tea set?

And fine motor skills? Drawing a circle, doing jigsaws, etc?

With the very tense body positions, is this all the time? Have you looked at Hypertonia? Can be caused by Cerebral Palsy or traumatic birth injury.

The being upset when they don’t like the food and pushing others when excited sounds like normal toddler behaviour, as does the getting upset when you go to the loo.

Have you talked to your HV or GP? Sounds like a referral to a Paediatrician would be a good start.

Thank you for your reply - i havent, but i will.

Play skills - They do none of those, they will happily spin things, or push things when crawling/walking but there is no imaginative play.

Fine motor skills - No drawing that isnt a squiggle, also not great at jigsaws.

Body positions - i wouldnt say all the time, but very often. When getting changed/lying down, when sat in high chair for dinner legs will be straight locked, i will look into this thank you!

The child is questions isn't actually my child, They are a close family member who i look after on a regular basis. There development differs fairly dramatically from that of my own - my only reason for asking these questions as (being a first time mum, and first time child care!) i didnt know whether i should be working slightly differently with the child in question as they seem to get quite upset on a regular basis and i don't want to feel like i am failing them if their needs are slightly different - if that makes any sense!

If the parents haven’t already sought medical advice they should. It may be a sign of ND but there are other things that could be at play. Although some of what you mention wouldn’t necessarily be considered out of the ordinary for a 1 year old.