ASD Screening

TTnoles

Hi Ladies,

I don't post often but I am curious as to anyone else who has gone through the screening process for ASD.  DS is 21 months.  We were referred to a non-profit research based organization in our city when DS was 1 because his speech seemed delayed.  They said he was slightly delayed in expressive speech but receptive speech and other developments were fine.  We repeated the visit at 17 months, same story.  We went in yesterday at 21 months and they recomended an autism screening.  I was in shock.  Mostly because other than less speech than what he should have he shows almost no other signs of outward ASD.  I guess I am wondering if anyone else has been recomended to go through the screening process and if it was a shock to them?  I know there is a special needs board but seeing as how we are unsure of anything as of yet I just wanted to see if any other families had been through this.  Now that they have told me and I know what to look for I am obsessing about little things, like does he interact with other children or just observe, does he respond to his name, etc.?  His speech hsa actually improved a bunch but I am not in denial that he is still later to develop in that area.  Any comraderie on the screening process or anyone who has been through this before...??

Cherryblossoms07

I don't know what state you are in but when DD was tested because of an expressive speech delay they tested her for autism as well. They said it was their usual procedure, making sure they didn't miss anything. DD was only diagnosed with an expressive speech delay.

TTnoles

Thank you for the response.  We are currently in FL. That does make sense though, thanks again.

Cherryblossoms07

FL was where we were living at the time DD was tested also.

lkm2006

I don't have any experience, but my 20 month old is about delayed in his speech as well. He has about 3 or 4 words he can say well, and everything else is pretty much sounds and babbles.

My pedi said as long as everything else is on track [follows commands, understands what you say, acknowledges him name, normal social behavior] she isn't worried but we would look again at 2 years.

He has zero signs of autism so I'm not too worried but understand it just might be something they want to rule out. I'm sure that's probably the same!

TTnoles

Ok.  She did mention that it would be a good tool to evaluate any LDD issues as well.  I feel like maybe I stopped listening so well as soon as I heard the word autism and kind of shut down.

TTnoles

Thank you!  I am hoping so too!

kcbv123

It's more of a precautionary measure than anything else. Since early intervention is the key to ASD, most healthcare providers and early intervention specialists take the "better safe than sorry" approach. Way better to screen a few extra kids who, like your LO, don't exhibit many of the major symptoms than to miss someone who would really benefit from services starting ASAP. Plus, it should be completely free and they can also recommend speech/language services if that's something he needs, regardless of a diagnosis of ASD. GL!

sexyntexy

My DD has a speech delay and is not autistic. I think it's something they recommend now. My DD got services through our local ECI and then at 3 the school district took over. We still arent sure what is wrong but she has come a long way considering she had no words at 2. GL!