Fan question
~Brianna
I would like to ask a question… how could you tell that you’re child had autism? We’re gonna have a few tests done hopefully with-in the next coming week and my son is 2 and he shows somethings that I’ve googled that he may have autism but still gonna get him tested for it so we know how to deal with it better… what made u mom’s get them tested and it turned out that they did have it? Also I can’t wash his hair without him screaming like life is over. It’s a very very fast bath every night
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My sons 2 An I can’t wash his hair either 
trust me that’s super common hahaha
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My kids aren’t autistic and hate having their hair washed. Lol it’s like an exorcism. And they are 5. Ugh. My son didn’t talk til he was like 3. We thought he may have autism, but his pediatrician nipped that in the bud. He just didn’t wanna chat lol he still don’t have a lot to say. He’s just a very chill human.
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The screaming at washing their hair is normal. At 2 it is extremely hard to actually diagnose and most provider prefer to wait until they are older. Also as someone who works in healthcare and with kids everyday, please stay off google, if you are horribly concerned talk to their pediatrician.
What other things are you noticimg my neice is autistic amd ive said it since she was 1
She kept falling down on purpose in the tub when I’d wash her hair, no or minimal response to painful situations, screaming all the time. Sensory overloads easily in public, she was also tugging her hair/digging her face/head, hand flapping and spinning. She would barely make eye contact and she regressed from having a ton of words to barely 4. She seems like she’s in her own world constantly. Normal things would be very very difficult with her. Getting her diaper on, dressed/undressed. She is globally delayed developmentally & mildly autistic.
I work with autistic kids!! They do a lot of hand flapping if it’s to loud they have a meltdown or get overstimulated they have a meltdown or they rock back and forth
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My daughter had a very hard time with loud pitches, bigger crowds, and was behind in all development areas. She also had repeated motions she would do she was tested at about 3 years old for Autism
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I was watching Parenthood the ABC TV show and I noticed a lot of similarities between Max and my son.
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My now 9 year old son was diagnosed at 18months. At that age he hated clothes (sensory/texture issues) wasn’t repeating words or making noises, was hardly making eye contact, had many GI issues (that required medicine), didn’t sleep well… with years of therapy (OT, PT, speech) he’s developing just as well as his 9 year old peers and is one of the most special people I know. My advice is always advocate for them and make sure they get the help they need- even when it’s difficult or you feel you’ve reached a dead end. Good luck!
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They dont normally diagnose till 5
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Hand flapping is a big sign, also sensory things, like textures of things when they touch, or they wont touch them and freak out… also meltdowns (rocking back and forth or throwing a fit) because they are overwhelmed, covering their ears if a room is too loud… also they have a really hard time with looking at you directly in the eyes, and some have OCD, like making sure something are in a certain order, and color organized…
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it but there is an Autism spectrum ranging from severe to Asperger’s Syndrome.
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My son was diagnosed with autism at 18 months if you have questions you can message me
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I was concerned at that age with my daughter too for several reasons. I felt like she got too angry when she got mad, she wasn’t saying enough words (I thought), she was extremely picky about food, she was extremely aggravated by sounds, she would freak out if she touched anything wet, sticky, or if she got dirt on her, she’d repeat the same actions over and over again. Turns out, that’s all normal. I have a normal 8 year old daughter that is not on the spectrum. Autism is so broadly defined now, it feels like everything is a red flag… it’s nerve-wracking, but it could also just be a toddler being a toddler. They’re all unique with their own likes and dislikes and still trying to navigate a bunch of confusing emotions in a world they don’t quite understand. Wait a couple of years before worrying.
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Speech problems learning to talk late or barely talking …sensory issues, they tend to go backwards with things they have learned.Doing repetitive things.However there there are many things on the autism spectrum that arent autism like aspbergers sensory deficit disorder etc.Odd cdd and others…not meaning your child is specifically autistic but has other disorders associated with Autism.
As an infant, my daughter was content to be alone. That doesn’t mean I didn’t hold her, or just left her alone while I did whatever I wanted. I’d pick her up, she’d instantly become fussy until I eventually put her down. I could try to soothe her all I waned, but she couldn’t be soothed by my attempts. She was always hungry or would be completely gluttonous for anything she could drink. Yes, I know infants are hungry and thirsty, but not on the level in which I’m trying to describe. Once when she was 1, she fell during her crawl to walking stage. She slammed her head into the coffee table, and of course I’m freaking out, but she was all smiles. She said small words like mama, dada, baba as an infant… but no substantial words until she was 3, and then she started trying to structure sentences at 4. At 5, she was alright to go to school, as we realized early on she had autism and had slowly started showing and teaching her school aged stuff back when she was 3. We just got her diagnosis last year as she entered 1st grade.
Autism is different for every person. Symptoms aren’t often realized as early as infancy. So, we never truly noticed until she was 2 that something was atypical.
AND for this parents who’s kids don’t like having their hair washed, may I suggest swim goggles, and letting them do it themselves in a shower? Worked wonders for mine, though she still has issues getting all of the suds out of het hair lol
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I think it is the new term for any child with unusual tendencies. Autism covers a huge spectrum of behaviors and tendencies that seem a little off. My thought is that all of us are that way and we used to accept it an individuality, now we label it, often to have a reason to excuse it and not accept the differences and help them adapt to better meet life.
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Our pediatrician recommended getting our youngest tested when he was around 2 because he had a severe speech delay and he noticed his obsession with lining things up and his catastrophic meltdowns if things got moved or wouldn’t do what he wanted
We just thought it was some adorable yet frustrating baby ocd
My son had behaviors that my father in law recognized from his time around the kids from the Special Ed classroom. My son walked on tiptoes and had a speech delay. My Husband and I didn’t see it because we were first time parents. The county held monthly developmental screenings, so we went and they found delays. He was 2. He started with Early Intervention and then Special Needs Preschool at age 3. He was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism at 3.5.
You googled it? Really? You realize that Google tells people they could have 2 weeks to live and are dying of cancer when they only have a cold right? they also don’t diagnose anyone under the age of 4 years old normally.
The hair thing is completely normal. My almost 2 year old screams down the house when it comes to washing or brushing her hair. Yesterday I was only spraying detangling spray in it and she was having a fit 
I literally have to shout over her that I’m only brushing her hair otherwise the neighbours would think were murdering her 
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My son is not autistic, but he has sensory processing disorder, some self harm, very particular about how things are done. He has a speech delay, is receiving therapy for that, plus behavioral, occupational, and a special education teacher. Good to get tested, but he may not have autism.
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There are a number is signs like non-verbal or if he aligns his toys and eyeballs them from side to side. Doesn’t focus or respond when you call his name or has a blank stare that’s just some signs the hair washing can also fall into play. Have him tested and watch his diet no gluten and no dairy see if his demeanor changes you’d be surprised !
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Do not stress about it. Try not to over think it. Whatever it is, it will be and there won’t be anything to change it. Just continue being a good mom. Oh! And NEVER EVER google symptoms for anything because google and other sites will have you convinced of the worst.
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My son was 2 1/2 when he was diagnosed with autism. He was still learning to talk at that age. He loves water, kids, and new friends. When he gets upset, all you had to do was put something that spun in front him (any toys with wheels). He loves being hugged and being taken out. He likes being in crowds, but not crowded. There is a lot of reasons and no kid is the same. I took mine to be tested because he didn’t talk.
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I know the shower made my nephew hold his ears . That was one of our first signs .
Spoiled bored dont put him on meds just away out mess him up he will grow out of it give it time
Does he respond to you? Does he have fixations or things that he can’t seem to go without? Baths, haircuts all those things doesn’t always equals autism. It could be sensory processing or it’s just cause he’s new to the world and getting it done for the first time.
Well if that’s the worse thing he does then I dont see anything to worry about. My oldest son showed lots of signs. But my LO 4 year’s old still screams blood murder to do his hair. Some people just don’t like there hair washed. I also don’t wash his hair ever night anymore which has helps.
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Speech issues…my son will smack hisself, he barely talks, of course hes gotten better since the awesome program for gifted children at his school. My son just acted differently tantrums are way worse, he just does things differently. Every child with Autism is different tho, my youngest daughter is being tested for due to her doing similar and shes never seen her brother do them. As for my son he cant handle change or groups and my daughter she so wild from sensory and adhd, that she doesnt get bothered
Autism is a social commnunication disorder/delay with that said the biggest red flags are: no or little eyecontact with communicating, late gesturing like pointing to get needs met and sharing interest interest… No pretend play or limited… No name response or low name response… Lack of showing toys/not trying to get attention not social with other children or overly social doesnt get social cues… Repetitive play/rigid among other things. Autism is a pretty wide spectrum and speech isnt part of the criteria. Some autistic kids talk early but cant communicate if that makes since… Usually austic kids have some sensory issues as well… Ive researched a ton this past year so i hope this helps…
There are a lot of types of autism, violent, non verbal, mentally slow, but there are places to help and SS disability will help with financial problems.
My 6 year old has autism. I noticed his speech was delayed, he walked a lot on his tip toes, he lined up his toys and he was very sensitive to haircuts, loud noises and different foods. I also have a neurotypical child and he does all the same things, except delayed speech. There’s no one way or the other about it. It’s called a spectrum because there are so many different qualifications. Therapy is your best bet, any type you can get. My son can now get his head shaved start to finish with no breaks and no tears. He couldn’t even hear the lawnmower outside before without losing his mind. And he’s ahead of his class in reading so there’s hope.
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You should bring up concerns to your pediatrician and let them decide.
First, autism is a neurological difference, it’s not a disease or something they have. You are doing the right thing, having him evaluated early. ADHD and sensory processing difficulties can present like autistic symptoms so it’s really important to have a proper evaluation to know. None of my kids like having their hair washed, they arent all autistic. The biggest early warning signs are talking, eye contact and interacting. Does he look or come when you call him? Is he curious about new people? Does he make eye contact with you or attempt to communicate? Does he point at things to show you or look at what you try to show him? Even if he is autistic, it’s not the end of the world. Things might be a little different, you’ll have to adapt, but autistic kids are just as wonderful and special as every other, and you will love him just as much, you will just have to worry more and work a little harder.
My 3 year old got diagnosed last year in April. He didn’t talk at all at age 2 that’s when I noticed something & then he flaps his hands, sensitive to certain things, screams real loud & makes certain noises , walks on his tip toes , and pours water from one cup to another repeatedly little things I never would have noticed. He always has to have the lights on and doors open
I would stop giving him a bath every night or at least stop washing his hair every night. He is only 2 so he doesnt need it wash but maybe 2 times a week. I would pick your battles not every kid likes there hair washed.
There needs to be some developmental delays/regression. You’ll need to see a pediatric neurologist. It’s very difficult to diagnose and they won’t usually until around 3 yrs of age or older.
Has he had his ears checked? My son was a late talker but also found out that he had fluid build up in the ears and couldn’t hear. Once they were cleaned out and tubes placed, he started talking more. Does he have sensory issues? Flap his hands, fixate on certain parts of toys?
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I knew something was wrong with my daughter from the start. She was always late reaching her milestones. Early intervention is the best thing you can do for your child. Bring him to pediatrician and voice your concerns. Fight for answers. Good luck momma
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IF your boy is autistic it certainly doesnt make you a failure. So many studies have tried to find causes but failed.
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Having an autistic child does not make you a failure, it makes you special because God gives special moms special children 
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Your child needs an evaluation and to see a developmental pediatrician ASAP
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My son is autistic hes 16 and very smart. He was not diagnosed untill he was 6 because i didnt know the signs to look for and none of the drs felt he needed tested. So my first bit of advice is weather u believe he is or not go ahead with testing. I say this for a few reasons number 1 most testing places have a waiting list, we waited a year and a half to have my boy tested. Number 2 the younger someone is diagnosed the sooner they can get the proper therapies and tools to help give them the best chances. When my son was diagnosed i felt like i must have done something to cause him to have autism i went over and over in my head my whole pregnancy and hes entire life what could i have done that could have caused this? The fact is it just happens and some days we struggle pretty hard but more than that are days that we dont. U are in no way shape or form a failure, just like the rest of us ur a mom doing the best u can for a kiddo that u love unconditionally.
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Autism is a very wide spectrum. My step-son has ADD/ADHD with autistic tendencies. He likes a routine and does well with things that interest him. School is a struggle, but we had him evaluated early (5-6), and the school has been very supportive giving us the help he needs.
Tons of people with autism are highly intelligent, just because they have problems processing the world and communicating doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. Having a child with autism doesn’t make you a failure, it just means you are a parent to an extra special little boy who sees the world a little different. He also might not be autistic, some kids just sit back and watch you while they take their time growing up. I’ve seen a couple kids with giant vocabularies but very rarely actually said anything at this age. They could talk, they just chose not to for whatever reason. See a doctor, have his ears checked and then have them talk to you about autism if his ears are good. And lastly enjoy your sweet boy just they way he is
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Make sure you get his hearing checked, speaking more than 1 language is good for children. But sometimes children don’t speak bc the sounds are muffled due to fluid in ears or hearing difficulties
Google Autism Speaks. There is a checklist.
ASD mama here, my son was diagnosed at 2 his speech was delayed and still is at almost 5. My son is so very intelligent though, he’s a problem solver which of course isn’t always great for me lol if your concerned then I would contact your pediatrician for the next steps. I myself was in denial, my sons Dr warned me when my son was 18 months. It took me realizing that a diagnosis just opens some doors for extra help to let go of what I thought the diagnosis meant for my sons future. One day at a time 
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My cousin didnt speak till 4 and he is A ok
My daughter is ADHD with autistic tendencies. She doesn’t do well interacting with kids her age, she has a hard time making friends, poor impulse control, thrives on routine, obsesses over a certain thing for a period of time (right now it’s pennywise the clown 
, before that it was Michael Jackson) She refuses to do anything athletic and won’t play ball outside or even ride a bike.
My son was the same. I enrolled him into preschool a yr early. The month after he turned three. He’ll be 4 in August and is talking none stop. Still needs to enunciate his words better and stop shortening sentences but hes drastically improved.
Autistic people are very Smart people… What is your fear? He will still be your beautiful son and life for different spectrums can be a magical journey with the right support ( which I’m sure his lovely momma will give him)
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Just because someone has autism doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. You can be very intelligent and have signs of autism…
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Intelligence has nothing to do with autism.
I would suggest getting him tested. The worst case scenario, he doesn’t fall on the spectrum and it is something else.
My daughter is 17 in a week. She has been struggling very hard the last two years, but the struggle started at 12. She has always been very intelligent and until about 12, very social. In the last 5 years she’s gone down a different path.
I’ve thought, all of her life, that I had a strong-willed child. When things got tough with her, I chalked it up to simply her stubbornness.
In January she saw a psychiatrist that almost immediately asked if she had ever been assessed for ASD. Nope. Never even considered it. The psychiatrist suggested we get her assessed, as it may shed some light on many other things. A diagnosis wouldn’t be a bad thing. It would open the doors to proper therapies to help her navigate her world. <---- THAT’S the reason to look into it. I wish we had considered this path YEARS ago. The struggles may not have been eliminated, but we would have had the resources to better navigate them.
Due to COVID the backup is insane. We scheduled in January for a July assessment.
Boys typically speak later than girls, and the fact that you have a dual language home will slow down his speaking(I personally know dual language families whose boys didn’t speak a single word until they were near 5 years old)!! Children with Autism are not dumb or slow, they just have a different way of processing the world around them, and most score very high on the intelligence scale!!!
Do not worry!!!
Does he understand what you and others are saying to him? Does he follow simple directions (Come over here? Please, hold my hand? Follow me?)?
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My parents were also scared with me. I didn’t talk until I was 4 years old. Sometimes it just takes longer then others. Also with the autism thing, many many people with autism are actually very smart! I’d keep him in therapy for awhile longer if you don’t see changes I’d get a test to see!
You aren’t a failure, especially if you get him evaluated to know where to go from there. If he is autistic, so many doors will be open for him. It is literally the best thing I ever did as a parent. My son wasn’t speaking at 3 years old and once he got diagnosed with autism, things got better. Best of luck.
Autism does not have anything to do with intelligence
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Best thing you can do is get an evaluation. If he isn’t, at least you’ve ruled it out and if he is, it opens the doors for so much resources and help. Mine wasn’t diagnosed until age 5.
Also get his hearing checked, I’ve heard so many people I know had kids with speech delays but had tubes put in their kids ears and problem solved.
I don’t think it would hurt to have him evaluated. It would give you peace of mind, and if In fact he does fall on the spectrum you’ll be equipped with the resources to help him thrive!
My son is in speech but he was 3.5 before he really started talking
Hi i work with 2 -3 year olds, an we can usually tell quite early on if a child may have autism, some are none verbal but understand everything. It is well known that autistic children are very clever. Autistic children tend to be in there own bubble and sometimes play on their own bubble instead of with others they play on there own and are quite happy doing this. We use pictures to help them communicate eg if the child wants a drink they will find the picture of water, or if they want to go in the garden they will find the garden picture. Try not to worry to much. If your son has Autism there are lots of things you can do to surport him and there is alot of help out there to. Even though your chikd cant talk he can probably tell you what he wants or needs in a different way
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Hi when a child is learning two languages it takes them longer to sort the two languages. Autism has such a wide variety on the spectrum. One big thing is eye contact when being spoken to. I’d definitely try and get him tested because there so many resources out there to help him be the best person he can be.
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Get him tested. And if he is then you can get on the right track. My son was misdiagnosed for 3 years. He said very few words. He was diagnosed with autism and about 3 years later they retested him and said he isn’t autistic, he has an English speech disorder. I was told both of those have things in common and since he was young it was hard to tell the difference. He is 6 now and he talks way more.
If he has it the sooner he gets evalulated the sooner he can get help. you are not failing. you’re looking for the best way to help him. Autism is not a disease. It is a different way to interact with the world.
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Ik u wanna keep him safe bc of covid but until he is around other kids you probably won’t truly know bc kids help other kids with stuff like this my son was very limited on words until he was 3 maybe 4 and my other son just completely stop saying anything for my entire pregnancy with my daughter 
he was 2 at the time one thing that did help was we watch things and I would ask them questions or have them point stuff out but good luck to you mama
Ask your doctor to see if u can get him tested…I would want to know so you can prepare on what options you have to help him in the future.
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Autism doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart, in fact, sometimes it can mean the opposite! There are many GENIUS autistic individuals! My son is autistic and is BRILLIANT! 
Nothing you did wrong!
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Not talking is not the only sign of autism and it does not always mean that. Get your child tested and go from there. You are most definitely not a failure. If your child is autistic the road can be a hard one but there is help out there. Stay strong
I unfortunately don’t have advice, I just wanted to say if he does land on the Autism spectrum, you are NOT a failure:heart:
I hope some other mommas can give you great advice and input☺️
Don’t worry about it my son was 4 and started talking just before he started school, teachers told me there were signs of autism but he’s now in his 40’s with two children and absolutely fine xx
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Each child is different. Don’t compare your child to others. Keep doing what your doing and if things don’t change then get him tested.
There’s no known cause for ASD so definitely not your fault. Resistance to change in routine, sensory sensitivities are a couple of symptoms related to ASD. There’s different levels, would definitely get a second opinion if you feel unsure
I would get him tested by a Dr. for autism at this point. Autistic kids are usually very bright and all have different things going on with them. A lot are not verbal. Either way it is not a failure just a kid going at his own speed
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My son didn’t start talking at all till about 3 1/2. He Had speech therapy and It did help… no autism. No diagnosis of anything…now he never shuts up. It will just click one day
Get him tested. My son also could not talk until he was 4 years old. He had childhood apraxia of speech and was in speech therapy for a long time. He’s 9 now and talking perfectly.
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My son is 4 1/2 years old and he is just starting to talk a little more. We do speak two languages as well. He was on speech therapy for like 3 months cuz they said when he turned 3 he had to go to actual school which he did but then Covid got here and kind of screwed everything up. It could be that he needs to interact more with kids. Im currently visiting my in laws and there is a lot of nephews here so he started talking more with them. Back in our house is only us 3 so not much people to talk to. He got tested for hearing and vision problems and he came ok in both. Get your child tested and go from there to see how you can help him. Hope he starts talking soon. 
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Have you had his hearing checked?
It doesn’t always mean autism
First take him to speech therapy and go from there.
My grandson was diagnosed at 2 years old with high functioning autism. He started talking, then sort of reversed, not talking as much. He never pointed his finger to show me something. He lined things up, i.e. toys, DVD cases, etc. He would not answer and look at you when we called his name…we even had his hearing tested.
Have him evaluated by early intervention services or find a behavioral pediatrician . Kids with autism are very smart I’m not sure why u think having autism would make him unintelligent . There are different levels along the spectrum .
My best advice is continue with the speech therapy for now dont have him tested till he is atleast 5 or 6 cause we had our son tested at 3years old came back as no autism but now that he is almost 6 he is now showing autism traits. Our son is still not hardly talking
My son didn’t speak until 3, but he was diagnosed at 6 with severe combination type adhd. He is not autistic.
Have you had his hearing tested?
My youngest didn’t talk until he was 2. I was told not to worry, that he’d talk when he wants to. He did. Are you sure you boy can hear ok?
That might be a factor also.
But no matter what YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE.
Could just be a speech delay. Some autistic children are very smart, so that’s not a sign he’s not on the spectrum. Get him evaluated asap. My son wasn’t diagnosed until he was 5, right before kindergarten, and I regret not starting sooner. We missed out on much needed therapies that could have helped us. He is now 10 and we struggle with behavior issues. Also, if you can, get him evaluated from two different places. Sometimes they’ll slap on the autism diagnosis depending on how your son is doing just that day. With autism, the sooner you find out, the better. Best of luck!
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My son is autistic ,he is smart ,funny wicked sense of humour.BUt,he does things at his own pace,didn’t talk properly till he was 3 and half nearly 4…he is 34 now still home doesn’t socialise though except family.His sisters partners he took 6 months before he would talk to them beside yes no and hello.It is what it is,but he is not violent but gets frustrated.Has other health issues as well .Hang in there ,find out what works for you not other people.
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Quite often children with autism don’t interact with other children. They will play by them, but not with them. Quite often, but not always they don’t play with toys or make eye contact. If you are concerned he should be evaluated as soon as possible for your piece of mind, and to get him help as soon as possible if needed. The autism spectrum has many levels.
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You should have him tested. There are so many levels of autism as well as other disorders that they can help if early detection.
My son did not speak till he was 4. He has audio processing disorder. It take longer for him to understand book stuff but his hands on is awesome. He also did not play with other children until after he started talking. He is 27 and a diesel mechanic now.
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My son has autism. He still isn’t talking and he’s going to be seven. Being non-verbal is a major indicator of autism. Being anti-social as well. It’s hard at first to admit that your child is autistic (I’ve only really accepted it and started describing him as autistic in the last year). My son understands everything and he knows math, the alphabet, and now I’m trying to teach him how to spell. It gets better in time. The best thing to do is to get him any help he may need. That way, he doesn’t fall behind.
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My 14 year old son is autistic. He didn’t speak until about 3 1/2 … he would point and grunt. He is high functioning. But he is my 3rd child and I knew by the time he was 6 months old that something wasn’t right
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My cousin’s son didn’t talk until he was 4 though they talked only one language at home…at 4 he started talking fluently.now he is 13
Autistic people ARE smart. Sorry, how did everyone miss that one on this question? #ableism
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Get a referral to a pediatrician from your GP
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When did he get his latest vaccines and when did he stop talking and change from what he had been?
My nephew didn’t say a peep until he was 3 and hasn’t shut up since lol. You know your own child better than anyone. Follow your gut.