Published on 12, July, 2020
Feeling really alone right now and just would like to connect with some people who are going through the same thing. My 21 has suspected autism, I’m pretty certain that’s what it is but health visitor wants to come back and see him when he’s started at nursery to see if he’s just delayed from being isolated so much this past year.
Things I’ve noticed -
- He’s non verbal (but does make some sounds now and then - ba, t, s, da, r)
- doesn’t understand much (I.e - simple instructions)
- doesn’t respond to his name
- has a hard time playing (throws things around and no imaginative play - only likes his stacking cups and play garage to put items down)
- he’s having temper tantrums a lot (I know this is common in many children but these seem different to me)
- he’s never clapped or waved
- he shudders and flaps a lot when he’s excited about something
On the other hand, he’s affectionate with me, looks me in the eye, kisses me when I ask him to, sleeps really well and eats fairly well.
It’s led to me feeling pretty hopeless and depressed about it all because I’ve no idea what to do to help him or if I even can. I just want whats best for him. Just feeling dread everyday about being around him because I watch him and compare him to other kids and this just makes me spiral more with anxiety about what’s going to happen with him. Really struggling to cope at the minute. Added pressure from my 1 month old needing me too. Feeling at a crossroads and just want someone to tell me things are going to get better :(
Child development is well above my knowledge. I would feel it is important to have him properly assessed.
I had mentioned to another individual on here recently that my son started having severe reactions to chocolate around 2-3 years of age. That reaction appeared in the form of a 'tantrum' and I felt horrible that I assigned that word to him when I was essentially poisoning him! I quickly learned the caffeine & chemical components from chocolate were really bad for children. He really only expressed shock or a sort of melt down from very shocking and overloading things when he was young.
Most children shudder and flap or move about when they're excited, this seems normal. And my nephew didn't start talking until he was about three, then suddenly he wasn't just speaking, he was using quite intelligent language.
My son also had sinus issues, though, which affected his hearing and nose passageways. Again, here I had to look at what I was feeding him and adjust his diet. I also bought Grapefruit Seed ear drops, as he always had ear infections and they helped incredibly.
I can only really give you information from my own experience. I tried not to overwhelm him. I'd always perform a motion and see if he would mimic, like putting all the toys in to a basket. Children need a very intense involvement. They all grow different. Only you know your child though, I would simply make sure he's healthy and seemingly content, monitor my own behaviours toward him and his diet / biology as health cannot be replaced. :)