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Advice needed please!!!!

Archie's mummy

Hi everyone,

My little boy is 21 months and I believe he is showing signs of being on the spectrum ASD!! I have done nothing but read and read posts on the Internet these past few weeks!! He doesn't talk, or point to things. He doesn't respond to his name (never has) he tip toe walks and he hand flaps a lot especially when excited. He has been referred to a community paediatrician but appointment is not until May (a long 12 weeks away) I am awaiting for a speech referral from HV but want to know what I can do in the meantime as everything I have read stresses the importance of early intervention.  He began nursery yesterday x2 sessions per week in the hope that it may bring him on a little and also so I will have another report ready for paeditrician  appointment in May. My gut instinct tells me something is not right but I just don't want to be told he is too young and have the wait and see answer. Can anyone recommend anything I can do daily with my son in the meantime before referral appointments arrive!! Would it be worth paying speech therapist also as I don't know what it's offered on the NHS whilst he is going through this stage. Any advice or help would be much appreciated. Thank you. 

Parents

  • Hi - my son was diagnosed at 2.9 yrs so yours isn't too young to start the process.  Sounds like the professionals are putting things in place, including speech therapy, so please don't think he/you are being left behind.  I know 12 weeks seems forever, but it isn't!  As long as things are progressing satisfactorily - no postponements etc - then concentrate on what you can do to support him in the meantime.....see para 3.

    He sounds fairly similar to how my son was at that age.  Whilst non-verba,l he did understand single words + simple instructions.  He also liked numbers, Thomas the Tank Engine, jigsaws, physical activities, had a good appetite + sense of humour.  He didn't talk till he was 5.  I'm telling you this because I think initially I got totally caught up with the diagnosis, with the autism, + almost lost sight of the little individual he was for a while.

      There's loads of info via the home page which will point you in the right direction to help your son.  PECS are helpful, especially for non-verbal children as they can look at the pictures to see their daily routine.  What are his interests?  These are a way to connect with him + also educate him by expanding, bit by bit, on a particular interest.  The nas has a helpline if you want to speak to someone.  It can be busy so you may have to try more than once.   He's still the little boy he always was, so try to relax a little + enjoy your time with him.  Whilst undue delays are not advisable, being in a rush won't help either!   I hope things go smoothly with the diagnostic process + you can also pop back on here whenever you want to let us know how things are.  

Reply

  • Hi - my son was diagnosed at 2.9 yrs so yours isn't too young to start the process.  Sounds like the professionals are putting things in place, including speech therapy, so please don't think he/you are being left behind.  I know 12 weeks seems forever, but it isn't!  As long as things are progressing satisfactorily - no postponements etc - then concentrate on what you can do to support him in the meantime.....see para 3.

    He sounds fairly similar to how my son was at that age.  Whilst non-verba,l he did understand single words + simple instructions.  He also liked numbers, Thomas the Tank Engine, jigsaws, physical activities, had a good appetite + sense of humour.  He didn't talk till he was 5.  I'm telling you this because I think initially I got totally caught up with the diagnosis, with the autism, + almost lost sight of the little individual he was for a while.

      There's loads of info via the home page which will point you in the right direction to help your son.  PECS are helpful, especially for non-verbal children as they can look at the pictures to see their daily routine.  What are his interests?  These are a way to connect with him + also educate him by expanding, bit by bit, on a particular interest.  The nas has a helpline if you want to speak to someone.  It can be busy so you may have to try more than once.   He's still the little boy he always was, so try to relax a little + enjoy your time with him.  Whilst undue delays are not advisable, being in a rush won't help either!   I hope things go smoothly with the diagnostic process + you can also pop back on here whenever you want to let us know how things are.  

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