Sounds like he my have autism
Lots of people will say they seem like normal behaviors, but my son was the same way and was diagnosed with ASD at 3, and his sister is being evaluated soon also. I’m not saying your nephew is autistic, I’m not a professional, but a lot of people brushed me off when I mentioned my sons behaviors saying “he’ll grow out of it” “that’s normal behavior” “mine did that and turned out fine” etc. early intervention is KEY. I wish I had listened to my gut earlier, I could have had him evaluated earlier and gotten access to services for him earlier. A pediatrician can screen him and refer to a developmental child psychologist for assessment.
His hearing needs to be checked
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Check his hearing. He should be responding to noises.
Hearing test and ask to see a developmental pediatrician. It sounds like autism (I have two kiddos on the spectrum)
Many said get his hearing checked. As a M/B RN we have been doing newborn hearing for many, many yrs. But if this is in a different country & they don’t do a hearing screen prior to discharge. Get one done. But i am sure if the toddler is seeing a pedi. ., That Dr would, hopefully have noticed there could be hearing problem. Now if it’s not that, give the toddler time. If he is still acting this way when he’s 3 or older, there could be something else going on
Did he pass his newborn hearing screening? If he didn’t they should follow up with that if they haven’t.
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By his age he has already had hearing tests so I highly doubt that is what it is. It sounds to me like you’re being extremely nosy and pushy about this. 
Maybe he just doesn’t want your daughter in his face and bothering him. Lots of kids don’t like that and will bat someone away that is in their space. It’s pretty common for a child to only want their parent. Especially when that is the main person they are with 24/7. My son is now 10 and getting ready to be tested to determine if he is gifted and he ONLY wanted me and nobody else for about the first 2 years. Definitely no autism or disabilities. He just placed 5th at Nationals for wrestling last month. As long as the parents are getting the child proper medical care and well checks you need to stay out of it.
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Maybe hearing problem.
Sounds like he may have a hearing issue… the test is pretty normal behavior. But if he goes to the dr for hearing, they will do an extensive evaluation.
If he also never makes eye contact with people he is probably on the autism spectrum. Early intervention is key.
Hmm 
he may need his hearing checked my 2 year old has the same behavior and he was born profoundly deaf
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My 4 and 2 year old have both been diagnosed with autism, your nephew sounds a lot like he may have it too. I would have his parents have him seen by his pedi to discuss everything you mentioned here, because everything you mentioned is almost exactly how my 2 year old is and he’s more severe than my 4 year old. Also, have his parents reach out to early intervention to start services ASAP! Honestly, his pedi should of already been said something about him possibly having autism if he’s having all these issues… our pedi when my now 4 year old was 6 months she mentioned it. I noticed with my youngest around a year old, i had to push for him to be tested.
Hearing been checked??
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Sounds like his hearing needs checked to me.
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Could be a hearing issue. Sometimes parents that are around them all the time especially new parents don’t seem to notice little things right away. I would definitely tell your brother about your concerns…he’s your brother not a stranger. Early detection is key.
Mind your got dang business!!!
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My grandson has autism . He is very affectionate and cuddly . With certain people . He is 5 now and has been going to therapy . It has helped him so much . He is in school and talking up a storm ! I love him no matter what he has .
Autistic??? Hearing problems also … my son will open doors cuz he cant have them shut if a door ia shut he will bang his head on the wall until its open
Idk why ppl are telling u to mind your business. That’s ur family and if u have concerns bring it up to ur brother and see what he feels…
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He needs a hearing rest for sure… But all these things need to be brought up to his physician and addressed…
I have a bachelor’s in education, with an emphasis on psychology. I was an advocate for children with disabilities for 7 years and an now a director for a preschool serving children with disabilities, birth to 5. Here’s my best advice…
- Have his hearing checked. Poor hearing will cause all kinds of delays, as well as speech and learning.
- Document. Was his birth normal? Early? Normal weight? Any delays? Difficulty feeding? Keep track of what he had learned and any regression. Document him walking on tippy toes. Sleep irregularities. Food irregularities. How he interacts with people. Document through video and keep a calendar.
- Bring it to the pediatrician’s awareness. If he knows of concerns, he’ll keep a closer eye.
Here’s my advice for you… Tread carefully. There’s always a period of denial in this situation. And men seemingly have a harder time when it’s their sons.
Also… Come from a place of concern… Not know it all. But bring resources to back up your concern. Do not be pushy.
Finally… Be willing to accept whatever they decide as his parents… Even if you disagree. Most delays will eventually be caught in the education system. The truth is…1 and a half is too young for any diagnosis. But it is the proper time to document. Some states have preschool programs. But public education serves children with disabilities from 3-21.
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Every child develops differently. Mind your business.
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perhaps he is deaf. Does he respond to any noise at all?
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Sounds like a hearing issue. Maybe have his hearing checked. If it’s not the then maybe autism. I’d check the hearing first
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Have a friend who’s daughter acted just like that AND IT WAS HER EARS START THERE
Has his ears been checked. I’m happy to answer any questions from a mum with a son who has Global development delay. And ASD level 3. All I can say is don’t judge. It’s up too the parents of the child just explain what you have seen and offer support services.
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He could just be late my son just started doing stuff like saying some words repeating. He’s 2
Crazy how someone is asking advice but being told to mind her business… This is a page for “help”… if u can’t help, no response is needed… Some people on here should of kept scrolling and minded their business!
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If I were in your shoes I’d tread carefully but I would deff bring it up to my sibling to get those ears checked. Start there for sure…
Goodluck w everything!
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My child has speach problems and I was in denial about it and my mom said it wouldn’t hurt to get checked out because my sister was born with adult tonsles and adenoids. She had the same development issues this kid has. My mom had to go through 3 Dr’s to find this out by age 2. Got them taken out and she started responding and talking fast after that.
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Almost sounds like he might be deaf. Has he been tested? Especially if loud noises don’t scare him. Does he react to any talking at all?
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This sounds like my daughter who is autistic. First get them to rule out hearing as an issue. Second demand help. They will tell you oh they grow out of it. Only thing they grow out of is the best years for help to make the most impact.
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First of all …just because some babies start talking at 2 years old (around) doesnt mean there is something wrong. And babies can tell how others act and feel towards them …hes fine and will come out of his shell soon. U should learn to be patient. Babies do things in thier own time. Quiet babies are just taking everything in and learning…ok…chill…stop trying to rush things all the time
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Definitely needs his hearing checked first, then doctors can rule out other stuff
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Ha! My son is 15 months and does many of those things. His sister is 5 and did the same. Every baby and child is different. Unless you are with them 24/7, it is not your place. Their dr will address it is theres an issue. Just because a child like to shut doors, is attached to one parent, is shy, doesnt always respond, or isn’t bothered by loud noises, doesn’t mean there is something wrong or they are autistic. If so, who even cares? This is seriously the parents business.
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Sounds like a hearing issue…
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Could be ears…
My oldest son had 7 ear infections back to back (1 being a double ear infection)
Within a year and he needed tubes.
He didn’t talk (besides mom, dad and hungry) till he was 2 and a half.
My son was this EXACT same wait until he was 26 months old, and then he woke up one day and decided he was ready to talk. Not every child is the same, dont ask. a Facebook group. Mention it to his parents and let them talk to a DOCTOR if they want to.
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Sounds like my son who didn’t talk until he was three.
He’s about to be 15 in just over a week.
He’s athletic smart (80”s to 90”s)
Not all kids are cookie cutters
Signed a mom of 5
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I’d say mention it to his parents so that they at least have the possibility in their mind and can really watch his behaviors more. Could be a hearing issue. I’d check that first. Then talk to the doctor. My own son only said 3 words at 3 years old and had odd behavior so I did talk to his pediatrician and we went for a neuro consult. He has autism. We treated immediately and had every therapy known as well as home consistency and not giving in. He’s a senior this year and doing amazing. Really high functioning and looking forward to college.
I also work with children with special needs. I had a kiddo who didn’t talk very much at all until he took a trip out of state with his parents. All of a sudden he just started talking and hasn’t stopped. Kids are all different. It’s better to go ahead and test and make sure than to just guess. Be delicate when you talk to the parents.
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I worked in pediatrics primary care for 6yrs and it definitely sounds like a lot of my autistic patients. The earlier he gets evaluated and therapy (if it does happen to be autism) the better outcome
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Well it could be but doesn’t have to be a delay. They all develop at different paces. First thing I would do though is get his hearing checked before jumping to conclusions…
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The pediatrician needs to hear this but its really hard to tell a parent that you suspect something is wrong.
My son was almost exactly the same. I felt concerned with his delayed speech and not following instructions (he’s 3 next month) I first got his hearing checked and he indeed had fluid on both ears and needed to get grommets. I Still noticed he wasn’t socialising like other kids his age still not really responding when he was spoken to and lack of speaking. He was just diagnosed with “Global developmental delay” and now has therapy to help him. 
They’re also assessing him for Autism spectrum disorder.
Everyone is going to get upset and jump you bc you mentioned autism and that’s a touchy subject for a lot of people… babies are babies and I would wait till about 2-2 1/2 to start seeing what’s really going on. Right now he could be going through a developmental stage where all he wants is his dad.
He could also just be annoyed and not like anyone.
Wait and see. Finding out anything right out wouldn’t make anything different as there isn’t anything you could do to help him at such a young age.
Be patient and trust GOD
Xx
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Tell him about infant development my daughter is in it. They work amazing and they come to the house and they work with him
Your guesses of what it might be sounds spot on. I’d share your concerns with his father. He needs evaluated. The sooner the better.
Sounds like he cannot hear amongst something else. I wouldn’t say its autism, maybe something on the spectrum though.
Autism is more a sensory overload thing. If he isn’t reacting to senses then i doubt its autism.
Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. I think my nephew may have developmental delays: Thoughts? - Mamas Uncut
I understand your concern for your nephew but until you get your brother on the same page and talk to him about the things you notice then there’s no where to start for you. You need to talk to the parent about his child in order for there to be any medical decisions made (assuming he’s the child’s guardian) once that is established then if the baby hasn’t been to his 1 year check up then he needs to go to that because all doctors ask all of the questions about developing and if he’s not under any of those developmental skills then his doctor would definitely be looking further into his health. If he has and this hasn’t been brought up then definitely find a new doctor and have the father (and you if the father wants you to come) explain your situation and go from there. Google and references won’t do anything but raise your anxiety and curiosity, its better to just communicate with the person in the situation, especially if the father is your brother
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Possible on the autism spectrum, or like you said he may have issues with hearing. It’s really hard to say, because with autism usually loud noises tend to bother those that are autistic… That’s where to me it’s conflicting as to what the issue might be, but I do agree with you there is something there. You can say something to your brother, and voice your concerns. He may or may not do anything about it, but at least you tried. In the end, it’s his decision on whether he wants to pursue the issue. Good luck to all of you!!!
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Have you ever thought maybe he’s just not comfortable around you? He is only 1 and a half. My youngest is 1 and was born at the start of lockdown so he wasn’t around people for a long time and is now wary when we are around anyone whether that’s family or strangers in a shop.
My kids are 3 and 1 and they have meltdowns if I shut the bathroom door…they’re just clingy kids!
Not every kid is going to jump and freak out at loud noises…
My kids ignore me when I call them sometimes so maybe he can hear you he just doesn’t want to acknowledge you.
I personally think if your brother doesn’t see any issues then I wouldn’t push it. You can mention it to him but he might brush it off.
There’s nothing worse than someone telling you there’s something wrong with your kid when everyone learns and develops at their own pace!
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All kids develop at a different rate. Boys are slower to talk than girls most of the time too
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Write all your concerns down. Ask family and friends if they have noticed anything different. It could be a hearing problem, start with getting that checked out. Any sign of putting toy cars in a row, blocks of colour? Good luck.
My daughter had a lot of similarities, red flags for autism . We had early intervention at 2, now she has zero red flags and all caught up with every delay, she’s now 8. I’d say the delays were gone by 5. It’s not always autism. But, I will say, tread lightly as this is definitely between Parents/Pediatrician… they can have delays and even other issues that resolve and aren’t autism at all.
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My cousins son did the same thing. One dr finally did something about it. He put tubes in his ears, and took out his tonsils and adenoids. Within 2 months he was talking.
Definitely have his hearing checked. That would explain the lack of reaction as well as the lack of speech and possibly the dependence on dad.
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Honestly, it could be something as simple as hearing loss. Maybe because he can’t hear he’s bonded with Dad to the point that he’s very anxious around others. Thus arching his back and freezing up when others try to get close.
BUT I’m not a doctor and the bottom line is only a medical professional could tell you for sure. It’s your responsibility to speak up for him. Whatever the outcome I hope it’s minor.
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Have his hearing checked first.
My son was like this at that age. I knew something was off.
A year later he was dx with Autism
He is 14 now.
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Definitely sounds like he may be on the spectrum. Speak with his pediatrician about getting him a referral for a speech, occupational and physical therapy evaluation. Early intervention is key!
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My youngest son was like this I thought autism at first and brought it up with the Dr, he was very sensitive to touch hearing wouldn’t cuddle wouldn’t go to anyone but myself or his dad, he didn’t talk till or babble till 1.5 and even that was delayed, we later found out thru many Apts that he is developmentally delayed in some aspects but he can catch up, he is very hyper sensitive to textures and food, so as of right now he is 6yrs of age but mentally only hitting the 4yr mark, took till 6months ago to have him potty trained fully, sounds alot like my own son by description it took till just this year to fully start acting his age and to start being cuddly
It would not hurt to speak with your brother about his hearing. Although my son reacted and acted out he had difficulty speaking. My son also liked closing doors at that age. I had early intervention evaluate him at 18 months. He was borderline for service but because of his communication and emotional behavior it made a difference. My son had hearing tests. There wasn’t anything wrong his hearing but a big ball of wax blocking his ear drums. After that his speech took off. I would not assume it is automatically being on the speech because children can act that way if there is a hearing issue as well. It is a scary place in a world if silence. It would be a good idea to at least suggest his hearing being checked. To be honest I am surprised the pediatrician has not noticed it during check ups. Especially at his one year he would have reacted to the dr in some way.
Not talking doesn’t mean much sometimes. My son will be 2 at the end of this month and he rarely talks around anyone except me & his siblings. Its not that he can’t talk he just doesn’t like talking around other people. It doesn’t make my child or anyone else’s child nonverbal unless the kids also not talking around anyone including parents but it sounds like he is having problems hearing. That being said, my son also loves shutting doors/drawers but thats partially because he mimics me & when he’s around we always shut everything so he’s not getting into things that could hurt him. My mom works at a school with autistic children but I haven’t seen any of them yet that have a like severe attachment to their parent.
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My son is 11 now. He was diagnosed with Selective Mutism Disorder. He would talk around me at home. But not a word at school! Not to his teachers, kids, nothing! The entire year! There was once that he wouldn’t talk at home for an entire week! That was when he was a little younger. He will nod his head. But not talk. He also has to be able to see me, or know where I am, every second! But he also was diagnosed with, ADHD, ODD, Mood Disorder and being Dyslexic! Along with the Selective Mutism Disorder. When he goes to sleep, he rocks his head back and forth, and makes a loud humming noise. He’s always done that! Since he was 2 months old! Good luck to you! Could be a million thing’s. Or multiple thing’s.
I had to take my oldest son to a ears doctor come to find our he needed tubes in his ears n he was 3 n after he had tubes in he could hear so he was delay on speech!!! Now he is 6 going to be 7 very soon n just had his tubes out the beginning of this year n can hear 100%!!! Plus he could also be very independent little boy ur nephew could be every child is different
I think you should let your brother deal with his son. Best can do is have a talk with him feel concern with his behavior? Let him deal rest it is his place and Job. Not yours. Sorry but have to step a side on it.
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My best friend’s son is profoundly autistic. Your description sounds a lot like him. She was in denial in the beginning, it’s hard to accept that your child might not flourish the way you would have expected.
So from personal experience, that sounds like autism. But also from personal experience, that’s not an easy there to hear at all. I’m not sure what state you live in, but in Ohio we have “help me grow” which is run through the county and will come to your home and help with ot, speech, pt, etc. to make sure your child is meeting developmental milestones. You could look into that and mention it to your brother and just say it couldn’t hurt to look into. You also want to make sure it comes off as caring and that you just want to help, not pushy or judge mental, bc that will only make the situation worse.
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Pediatrician will recommend early intervention/therapy if he’s still acting like that at the age of 2. If it seems like a sensitive subject I wouldn’t bring it up! Best of luck!
My son does the same things, he had his hearing tested and that was fine he is now being assessed for autism. Defiantly ask doctor for some help/support
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Bring it up with your brother. Time is really of the essence.
Be sensitive and helpful. Voice your concern. Sometime ppl are hoping that all is well but only need a supporting voice in order to take action.
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Sounds like he may be on the spectrum. My oldest was the same way and was diagnosed with autism at 3. I would talk to your brother about it and he should talk to the child’s pediatrician.
Have his hearing checked out
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I would say get his hearing checked for sure
Sounds more like hearing in my opinion.
Autism thats how 1 of my nephews started out n got tested
He’s 1, he could just be being a 1 yr old boy. Any kid can be stubborn and not want to do things until they feel like it. Not all kids like to be snuggled and smothered, it doesn’t mean there is something wrong with them.
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Sounds like my son in a nutshell. Only he doesn’t have autism…he’s 3 now and came out of his shell by 2-2.5…and now doesn’t stop talking. Children are observers by nature. He also has SUPER sensitive hearing and is always saying “speak quiet”. Doct even noted, sensitive hearing. He doesn’t like to cuddle and adores his older sister as if none of us in the house exist but her. 
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I would advise your brother to talk to his pediatrician sometimes it takes the boys a lil longer to develop then girls he is still young but they can refer you to someone to narrow it down and see what the issue is
If there’s a real issue the pediatrician should notice and mention it, all kids are different and since you haven’t mentioned a mother in the picture he may just have severe abandonment issues. If nothing is said by the time he’s 2 maybe bring it up but it may be better to let the medical professionals bring it up if you think your brother may not want to hear it, he’s probably more likely to listen to them. Both my daughters are just lazy when it came to their milestones, I was worried forever and it turned out to just be that they don’t do what they don’t have to until it’s their idea. He could very well have issues but there’s not always a medical reason for them not seeming to develop as fast as other kids. My son was born 2 months early and did EVERYTHING earlier than expected, like I said, both my daughters have been late bloomers for no good reason. Try not to worry too much, autism definitely isn’t the worst thing to happen, they’re just a bit different and there’s nothing wrong with that. 
Hope he gets better with the abandonment thing though, that’s heartbreaking and stressful for all of you, poor little dude.
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My grandchild did that. Autism.
Mind your own business.
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Get his hearing tested
Siunds like he may have a hearung problem
If he’s not reaching his milestones then the health visitor will be aware! If not tell the family why you feel this way and the evidence to support that and then tell them to speak to health visitor! I don’t think you can do it for them! But don’t get all upset if they don’t so anything! Some babies are just more clingy to certain people! And parents can get pretty crabby if you point out things that are wrong! Good luck 
It sounds like early signs of autism, my 2 year old does a lot of the same things and his doctor has referred him to an early intervention specialist and she came out and did her evaluation. She said that he has the classic signs of autism and referred him to a developmental pediatrician
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Chances are his parents are aware of the same things you are and they are doing what they feel is best. The reason people get upset when “outsiders” bring these things up about their children is because it feels like an implication that they as the parents are oblivious. They know. The process of getting a child diagnosed is long and tedious and exhausting. Give them time. They will likely talk to the family after they’ve acquired answers.
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I’d recommend getting his ears checked for sure but other than that it’s really too early to look at developmental issues. Keep an eye on it but all kids develop so differently and if he isn’t hitting milestones by three years old then I’d wonder.
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I’d say leave it to mom and dad. People get offended easily, especially with their children.
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My son didn’t talk at all around others but when it was just the two of us he’d babble nonstop. He also didn’t like to be separated from me at all. My sister brought it to my attention and I asked her what she was talking about he talks all the time. His dad didn’t know he could even talk until he heard him by accident one day. Then one day he came out of his shell and is still quiet and reserved to this day!!
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If you think his hearing isn’t good, maybe just casually say to your brother one day after he hasn’t responded “is his hearing ok?” I wouldn’t say you think he has developmental delays though, my son went through a weird stage at about that age where he wouldn’t talk, wouldn’t respond to you, wouldn’t give eye contact etc, I started to think maybe he was on the spectrum but he grew out of it and is now a perfectly normal and clever 5 year old x
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How often do you see your nephew? Because my son is 3 now, talks non stop and is very active, however from very early if someone he hadn’t seen for a while or a stranger came to our house he would not leave my side, he would stop talking and would go crazy if I tried to go into a different room without him. He will still do the same now in a similar situation. So perhaps there is nothing wrong with your nephew just that he is young, shy and maybe doesn’t see you enough? Or he could just be a normal boy who is going through the attachment stage with his parents and has fear of separation! If the parents don’t bring it up then chances are there’s nothing wrong with him.
I am going through the same thing with my son. Everything you have said is my son. He still can’t clap or wave. Doesn’t know his name. No eye contact. Doesn’t like people going near him. Still can’t take finger food. Only blended. Iff it wasn’t for my sister telling me when he was about 9 months old that something wasn’t right then he wouldn’t be getting the early intervention he is getting now. Mine will be 2 in October. He is going to be getting referred. But because someone noticed and we did something about it, all these early intervention sessions have brought him on so much. And me as a parent. Parenting a baby with developmental delays is not the same as parenting a typical child. I have 3. I would of spotted it my self further on down the line. But the earlier the baby gets intervention the better. You just need to word it correctly to your brother. I was getting offended by all the different people telling me something wasn’t right. But iff I hadn’t have done anything about it then he would be worst than what he is now. X
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Tell your brother to take him to his pediatrician they will give him the proper advice and referrals, early intervention is the best.
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I have a 2 year old who is the same. He’s babbling now though. He doesnt respond to his name or react to loud noises but if I was to say ‘breakfast’ or ‘chocolate’ he will come running 
… He’s very sensory- everything goes in his mouth, which is just annoying when taking him anywhere. He’s also still in the pushchair cause he just runs the other way. I have a four year old daughter who is very over powering so may be that’s the reason he doesnt talk… But ill be getting his ears checked and I’ve asked the health visitors to look into autism etc but nothing yet as I’ve heard it’s a slow, frustrating process. Xxx
Sounds like my little brother who is autistic, these seem like small early signs!
I think it’s probably best you leave this to the parents, I would hate someone telling me they thought my child was disabled some how. I’m sure they know what he’s like and will eventually realise but for no I’d honestly just stay in your place xx
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As your his sister, you should feel like you can openly speak too him. Question them or him on the things you seen to see responses if not openly say you have noticed this and that and you believe he could have this. Mind you autism is a giant spectrum and he could be anywhere on the scale or nowhere if the child isnt
My nephew is the same, keeps himself to himself, doesn’t play with his cousin, likes to play by himself, doesn’t answer to his name, doesn’t ask for things or show things to my sister or myself, my sister has spoken to her health worker, the first thing they are going to do is check his hearing and then they will take it from there, Fern Beal xx