I've been almost sure that Bradley has had Autism since he was around two or three months of age. I thought I was lucky that I had a chilled out baby who started sleeping through the night almost straight away and never cried but then as milestones came and went much later on than expected I knew there was more to it. I feel like everyone is fobbing me off and almost saying 'don't be so ridiculous' when I express my worries and I feel that I'm getting no where. I'm the mum who's child is 'naughty' and is constantly pushing other children over with such a force that they scream but then I have no explanation as to why he can't say sorry or understand that what he did was wrong. I've compiled a list of all the little and big things he does that I think may be related to Autism and would be extremely grateful if anyone could take the time to read through it and tell me if they are having the same experiences or if they have an older, diagnosed child who had the same or similar symptoms. Thanks in advance, Chelsea.
Difficulty with verbal communication including problems using and understanding language - Bradleys language skill has only ever gotten as far as the occasional two word phrase. He has never called me mama or referred to me as anything
Inability to participate in a conversation
Difficulty with social interaction including relating to people and surroundings
Difficulty making friends - he prefers to play alone
Unusual ways of playing with toys - lines cars up and tips things over to spin the wheels
Difficulties adjusting to changes in routine - absolutely nightmarish when we have to go out for the day
Repetative body movements - he loves spinning around in circles
Loves unusual objects and gets distracted by anything that spins
Doesn't maintain eye contact for long
Complete lack of danger awareness - often attempting to run into roads and even throwing tantrums in the middle of them
Hasn't shown any interests whatsoever in potty training
Refuses to try new food and often refuses food he used to enjoy
Tantrums and forcibly throwing anything he can lift when he can't express himself
Pushes other children and doesn't understand that it's wrong and isn't phased or bothered by punishment
Doesn't understand what he's being told
Walks on his tiptoes
Very rarely reacts to pain
6-12 months of age: Didn't show affection to me or any other caregiver, didn't respond to sounds around him, didn't make vowel sounds or babble, didn't look where I pointed, didn't respond to his name, didn't play back and forth type games and didn't recognise familiar people.
12-18 months of age: Bradley didn't point to things, he still didn't babble or coo, he lost skills he once had like waving, he didn't know what familiar things like a phone or a cup were used for, he didn't copy others, he didn't know more than two words and he didn't notice or care if me or another caregiver came or left.
18-30 months of age: Bradley never used two word sentences or phrases, he still didn't know what familiar things were used for, he didn't imitate actions, he didn't follow simple instructions, he couldn't walk steadily or slowly and fell over often.
Bradley is now three years old and still can't do a lot of these things although has independently learnt how to do a few. He can't work out simple nine piece jigsaws and other similar things. He doesn't play make believe or pretend and if an activity involves sitting still or down he will not join in. Bradley often falls over and walks into things and pulls away when I hug him. He often appears to be in his own world and very rarely responds when I say his name. Bradleys memory is outstanding though, he will often remember the way to places we have been to only once or twice and will often ask to go 'that way' and pointing in the direction.
Any help is some help, please, please get back to me.
