Can a 5.5 month old regress

[FunFearlessAlex]

I always thought my baby was a bit different but couldn't quite put a finger on it. He used to coo a lot and had great eye contact around 3 months and then went mute for over a month. But he used to smile back at me etc so I wasn't too concerned. He's now vocalising again but completely stopped smiling and looking at us. He doesn't look when we talk to him. He only turns to us when we say "That's not my dinosaur" (his favourite book) or "Baby Shark". Other than that there's zero engagement. Other people now started commenting on that as well.

The HV made me complete ASQ forms. His in black for communication on both 4 and 6 months ASQ but HVs said they can't refer him anywhere as he's so young.

All these signs point to autism. I didn't know they could manifest that early and it makes me worried it's going to be pretty severe. My mental health is tanking and I don't know what to do next. He's moaning all the time and scratching and pinching, and nothing I do makes him happy. I keep on trying to interact with him but it's getting harder and harder.

Is there anyone here who's gone through similar with their LOs? Do you have any advice? I'm at my wit's end :(

5 month old babies can regress. The HV could refer to paeds. If the HV won’t, ask the GP to.

Has anyone considered vision &/or hearing difficulties? If not it is worth raising.

Thanks. Can they regain the skills they lost and progress with their development?

We're being passed around like a hot potato, the GP told us to speak to HVs about developmental concerns. The HV asked us to wait for an appt with pediatrician which we have scheduled for a separate issue (reflux and food allergies) in two months time. She said they don't refer babies that young for hearing / vision tests, the referral would have to come from the pediatrician. I generally think his hearing and sight are fine, as he does react very quickly to sounds and phrases that catch his interest, and grabs and traces small objects without any problems.

I guess there's not much we can do in the meantime but wait? Our poor bub seems to be very dysregulated and unhappy but I'm not sure anymore if it's the physical discomfort or sensory issues. I imagine it's probably both. I don't know how to help him and it's breaking my heart :(

If you have already been referred to paeds, that is a good start. Speak to them about it and vision/hearing tests. Some babies stop smiling with reflux because of the discomfort and start again with the right treatment. You could contact paeds. Either the secretary of the paed you have been referred to or the appointments department to see if there are any cancellations.

Some regain skills they have lost. Others don’t but do still make progress. At 5.5months, DS will make progress.