I know this might not be any of my business but as a mom I am concerned.
I have a friend with a little boy who will be 2 in December. I am concerned he is showing sign of ASD but she ignores it. How do I advocate for this child without making mom mad or should I just leave the issue alone. Here is his story:
Since he was born he has been so hard to interact with. He hardly ever interacted after about 6 months. No giggles maybe a smile every now and then. He is completely non verbal. No babbling, no pointing, no grunting, will hardly even cry even when disciplined. He has never waved bye bye, mimicked, and still does not have a functioning pincer grasp. ( cannot feed himself small bits of food he will pick up a handful and shake his hand until he gets only one or two small bits and then will take it to his mouth) He is fixated on objects instead of toys. He loves rocks and will sit for hour in a pile of rocks just running his fingers through them. He will line blocks up but never build. He won't interact with children that try to play instead he walks off away from them never saying a word or showing any emotion. He will lay on the floor stroking the carpet for hours. He will go in the kitchen and open and close drawers for entertainment. Something was finally said and she did get his hearing tested but the doctor performing the test said the test could not be accurate because the child did not interact enough.
The only time mom has acknowledged there might be an issue was the day the hearing doctor said he didn't interact enough and that she might need to try speech therapy first. That day she admitted she thought he had ASD, but her husband was very mad and irritated with her for thinking that. Since then she has decided he is just an independent child and has no need to talk. He gets his sippy cup out of the bag by himself so he has no need to ask for it. I feel like the child needs and advocate but at the same time I know this is not my child and it's ultimately her decision.
Should I try to talk to her more or continue tip toeing around the subject and let her keep brushing it under the rug.
I just know the earlier you can get them help the better this can be treated. Please no negative comments i am coming from a place of love and concern and my heart brakes for that baby and mom and family. All advice is very much appreciated.
Re: advice please possible ASD. LONG STORY.
This is obviously going to be a difficult conversation. But sometimes the most difficult ones are the most important. She may be very upset with you for bringing it up, but if her child is diagnosed then she can get some help early.
It may also be helpful to have a second person with you during the conversation. No more than one so she doesn't feel like you're ganging up on her. But with 2 people you can express this as you both are concerned. She may feel you are more justified in bringing this up if it's not just one person thinking this way.
Hope that makes sense. I'm extremely tired while writing this.
I'm just surprised her pediatrition hasn't caught this. I have to answer questions specifically screening for Austism at every appt.
I hope everything works out for this family and they seek out the amazing resources available.