26 Month Old Possible Regression

[Ppan12]

Hi,

My 26 month old DS is recently showing signs of regression, including sleep regression. He has hit all his milestones as expected on most occasions and is a serious but smart little fellow. He still follows instructions 8 out of 10 times and understands most of what we tell him. He has a good vocabulary and can put some 2-3 words together to form a sentence. He does a bit of pretend play and also loves playing with Lego.

Up until recently his social communication and interactions were quite decent but since a few days he's avoiding all interaction except the ones where he needs something from us. He still communicates his needs but shows no interest in socialising with others which he did before. He used to say hello and bye to his friends at the childminder but hasn't been doing that too.

I am just concerned this could be something more serious or ASD related. Other signs that he's inconsistently displayed are repeatedly singing the same songs and asking us to play the same song again and again.

Can someone who previously did everything neurotypical suddenly undergo regression at this age?

Would love to hear from anyone with any similar experience.

I am so worried and anxious.

Thanks.

I'm replying as can see noone else has. This sort of thing is very complex. Honestly, I'd contact a health visitor or go to a GP. People's experiences on here will be so anecdotal and they could reassure or worry you unnecessarily.

Children can act differently for all sorts of reasons, changes in their life e.g. at home, potty training, health issues (colds, ear infections), and sleep problems could be a symptom of illness. I do have a child with asd, fairly mild socially. He's 8 and has rarely said hello first to anyone, but always responds. At age 2, he came across as shy/lethargic. I had suspicions from very very early (by 3 months). Diagnosis wasn't until age 8. My other children are not ND I'm pretty certain. I would say they've had funny phases at times where they've got shyer. If you read things like "the wonder weeks", shyness happens during developmental leaps.

I would still contact a hv or GP though to check nothing physical, for reassurance and guidance. If something doesn't feel right, it's worth getting it looked into. But honestly, keep calm and try not to worry as its very likely there's an easy explanation.

If you are concerned you should speak to the GP and HV. You could look at the MCHAT and Ages and Stages Questionnaires. However, if this has only been a few days it may be nothing more than DS feeling unwell. There is a lot of bugs going round and it is normal for some toddlers to regress temporarily when unwell.

Thank you both for your responses. I goes I'll give it a few more days till his illness subsides and then contact the HV/GP.