swilliams585
New Member
Hello,
We've recently identified behavior that we are concerned about in our 25 month old. We just thought he was slow gaining language because he's been exposed to so many (4), but it's becoming apparent that something more is occurring. Unfortunately, we are stationed overseas is very remote area; there are no services and minimal screening tools. If my son does have Autism, I know that early intervention is important; we are doing everything we can to get back to the states and have him properly screened. In the meantime, any feedback that can be given would be incredibly helpful!
He failed the M-Chat with a score of a 3. I've come to understand that this screening tool is just that: a screening tool. It's not a definitive diagnosis, and it is not all that accurate. Some of the concerning areas are:
Lack of pretend play
Lack of eye contact with strangers (makes eye contact with parents and babysitter).
Possible Stemming (flapping hands, shaking head, squinting eyes); these only occur when he's excited; we've never seen them when upset, etc. It usually happens when a song or video he likes comes on.
Puts crayons, markers, etc in his hands all facing the same direction; loves puzzles.
Is only saying a few words, most inconsistently.
Lack of interest in other children (he is an only child, however, and has not spent much time with other kids).
In terms of communication, he mostly drags us around to show us what he wants. He doesn't point. He will often bring us items for us to open them or fix them.
Behaviors that have us questioning whether he is autistic:
He looks us in the eyes and smiles.
He seeks our attention.
He bring things to his parents to show them off/get a reaction.
He's very affectionate (he loves hugs and kisses, and frequently seeks them out).
He doesn't engage in risky behavior.
If he's hurt, he seeks comfort from his parents.
This is, of course, an incomplete picture, but I'm hoping another parent may have been through this and have some insight until we are able to get him screened (this may be many months from now). In the meantime, what recommendations do you have for getting him to engage in play, language, and peers? I know that early intervention is important if he does in fact have autism.
We've recently identified behavior that we are concerned about in our 25 month old. We just thought he was slow gaining language because he's been exposed to so many (4), but it's becoming apparent that something more is occurring. Unfortunately, we are stationed overseas is very remote area; there are no services and minimal screening tools. If my son does have Autism, I know that early intervention is important; we are doing everything we can to get back to the states and have him properly screened. In the meantime, any feedback that can be given would be incredibly helpful!
He failed the M-Chat with a score of a 3. I've come to understand that this screening tool is just that: a screening tool. It's not a definitive diagnosis, and it is not all that accurate. Some of the concerning areas are:
Lack of pretend play
Lack of eye contact with strangers (makes eye contact with parents and babysitter).
Possible Stemming (flapping hands, shaking head, squinting eyes); these only occur when he's excited; we've never seen them when upset, etc. It usually happens when a song or video he likes comes on.
Puts crayons, markers, etc in his hands all facing the same direction; loves puzzles.
Is only saying a few words, most inconsistently.
Lack of interest in other children (he is an only child, however, and has not spent much time with other kids).
In terms of communication, he mostly drags us around to show us what he wants. He doesn't point. He will often bring us items for us to open them or fix them.
Behaviors that have us questioning whether he is autistic:
He looks us in the eyes and smiles.
He seeks our attention.
He bring things to his parents to show them off/get a reaction.
He's very affectionate (he loves hugs and kisses, and frequently seeks them out).
He doesn't engage in risky behavior.
If he's hurt, he seeks comfort from his parents.
This is, of course, an incomplete picture, but I'm hoping another parent may have been through this and have some insight until we are able to get him screened (this may be many months from now). In the meantime, what recommendations do you have for getting him to engage in play, language, and peers? I know that early intervention is important if he does in fact have autism.
