developmental delays

Mandmeesh

In my own brain, I was okay with worrying and wondering about signs and signals pointing toward autism.  

At dinner, mh started asking some questions about it.  Like "when would we know for sure whether or not M had it?" 

I have no reasons to think "oh no, that seems like something" at all.  But, I've worked with kids and adults with developmental disabilities and now I'm freaking out for no reason.  M is only 13 months old.  Would we know now?  When would we know by, age-wise? 

Put out this worrying Mom blaze I've got going. 

And I realize that if I had real concerns I would speak with the pediatrician.  But again, this is just me being insane

haileyq

My understanding is that autism symptoms present typically between 1.5-2 years. But I'm not a peds nurse so take that with a grain of salt.

blondolphn

So I looked into this recently cause Jo wasn't really talking. (It's cause she was focused on crawling and learning to stand). And then she has become more vocal. The signs I found from dr. google was about meeting general time frames for key mile stones, and not wanting to be held or cuddled. Something along those lines. Is there a reason why you guys are worried?

princessyetz

Autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis/screen-your-child/
This helped calm my fears. Don't know how to make it clicky I am mobile.

JEPES1348

I'm a pediatric speech pathologist and also work with kids with autism. I was also part of the autism evaluation/diagnostic team at a university hospital a few years ago. Yes, signs could be presenting at this age, but with all the talk of autism these days it's easy to be worried. I'd be happy to talk with you too.

Mandmeesh

It's just something we worried about because I work in the field so we are pretty familiar with individuals with disabilities

@potterowl all of those questions you presented...he does respond to us and play with toys. Smiles and laughs a ton at things. Has a funny sense of humor

unaveragejane

I was an elementary special ed teacher for kids with autism before DS came along, so DH and I have always kind of had our worry-antennae up for signs of autism. This video helped calm me down a lot. https://www.essentialbaby.com.au/toddler/toddler-health/what-autism-looks-like-in-toddlers-video-20140117-30yff.html I agree with what @potterowl said to look for, too. (Some of the things on the video would still be advanced for M's age, so don't worry if you haven't seen him do them yet.) There are still some things DS does that make me kind of wince (like repeated movements and his obsession with fans, vents, and wheels) and I have to remind myself that these things are normal for his age. He is also very social in most situations, smiles a lot, and has some joint attention (looks where I point, etc).

Mandmeesh

Thanks for that link @unaveragejane‌ Super informative

Mandmeesh

thanks so much @potterowl

SarahA918

Does your state have a birth to three program? Or early child development? It's free to get an evaluation here. Not sure if that's the same everywhere, but I imagine it is bc it falls under IDEA.

RIngReady

It sounds like you have been given great advice already, and it sounds like most of the signs do not point towards and Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

I'm a pediatric OT who worked in EI for years and am a trained to use the ADOS (The Autism assessment). Most of the time  EI screenings are free, (I know a few states can charge based on your financial situation, but it isn't much).  At an EI screening most of the time you will get to see at least 2 if not 3 specialists in a variety of areas including speech since that sounds like a small area of concern.  You don't always need to have a pediatricians referral and in my state as a parent with concerns you can just call and schedule an appointment.

Also: School districts are required to do early screening for kids in their area, and even though your daughter is young the school district should be able to screen or help direct you to the organization in your town who can screen her.  One phone call could save a lot of worry. @potterowl sounds  like a great resource, but if you need another, Id  be willing to answer questions as well. 

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Mandmeesh

Thanks @SecretAgentKate‌