Hi all
I'm new to this forum so Hello :)
I ignorantly thought I would never come across possible Autism with my baby boy.
My partner's 13 year old son has autism. I wanted a child of my own and after reading a theory that Autism can only be genetically linked to the mother, didn't think me and my partner would have an autistic child as there is no history of it on my side.
This theory could now have been blown out of the water completely OR I do actually carry the faulty gene - I will never know. Anyone ever heard of this theory or know any truth behind it?
Anyway, my boy is now 19 months old, and after a trip to A&E (he wouldn't wake up!), the doctor was worried about him not talking and referred him to paediatrics. They are concerned he doesn't point, pretend play or speak yet and will see him again in 2 to 3 months time.
I wasn't concerned. He was just my baby boy who is happy with life and I had no worries. - Until I started to look at other 19 month old children. It then came crashing down on me how far behind he is. I had no idea. I also looked at the signs to look out for for autism and he has so many of them it left me devastated and shocked. It stupidly left me feeling someone had taken him away and replaced him with another baby. I am so upset for him, not for myself. Like any mother I wanted him to have a happy and normal life. I know he still can but it is still sinking in.
I was wondering if you could look at some of his traits and let me know if your child had the same? (He is 19 months old)
Does not point at things he wants
Does not look at what I am pointing to
Does not understand sentences or instructions
Does not speak or say any words, just babbles and squeeks
Spin around in circles on his bum, looking to one side
Does not walk but bum shuffles
Doesn't like strangers - shuts eyes and pushes them away
Does not kiss or cuddle me (though used to cuddle)
Screams and cries hysterically in shopping centres
Throws tantrums when told "no"
Rocks on the sofa
Eats a bland diet and can sometimes refuse to eat (though he used to eat anything)
Hates loud noise and puts fingers in ears
Leads my hand to things
Obssessed with adverts on the TV
Won't have a book read to him
No role playing at all (likes buttons, sounds and lights toys)
Repetitively puts things in a bucket or moves clothes on the floor from side to side
Regularly constipated (which I have heard can be more likely with autism)
Good things:
He seems so happy
He smiles at me and laughs a lot
Sleeps through the night
Is not violent at all
Looks to me when he is hurt and crying
Responds to "come here" (I think)
Looks at me when I call his name
Copies mouth sounds
Can drink from a beaker and feed himself finger foods
Loves his autistic older brother
So I guess I am wondering if this all means he definitely has autism. I really want to get on and try to help him because I know it will take months for a diagnosis and some professional help.
xxxx
