Does my 22 month old son have signs of autism?

Question

I have concern of my son having autism, but my husband thinks he just has a delay. This is my story.
My son was born normally with no complications and grew up as a happy baby and he even started walking early at 9 months. At about 14 or 15 months i started having a concern that he didn't want to be held anymore and he wouldn't respond to his name when we would call him. Now at 22 months he doesn't talk at all , not one word. He grunts all the time, walks on his toes, covers his ears, lines up everything from shoes to toys. He is just in his own world. I have another son who's 4 and he tries to play with him but my 22 month old just looks at him and then goes and do his own thing. My husband doesn't think anything is wrong with him. I took him to the doctor but they keep giving me the run around and i think it's very fustrating that I can't get proper help for my child. If some one has any answers that can help me out please feel free. Thank you. I live in California

Answer 1

Call Lanterman regional center its in Los Angeles
213-3831300 www.lanterman.org find regional center in your area they all over CA.
Contact them ASAP. They doing early chilhood evaulation and will provide you with all services for FREE. hi have all simptoms of autism(sorry) I know its very hard but you have to be strong for him and dont listen to "HIS JUST A BOY".
go to this website for more info www.autismspeaks.org and www.cureautismnow.
Good luck

Answer 2

Hello. Yes, those are characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. The lack of language, toe walking, lining everything up, and lack of interest in social interactions are all very strong indicators of autism. I would recommend that you get him assessed for early intervention services as soon as possible. These services are free and are provided to children who qualify. Your husband sounds like he is having some trouble coming to terms with this, but the sooner you get help for your son, the more likely a better outcome for him. You could tell your husband that early intervention services can't hurt and can only help. Even the language alone (no words at 22 months) would likely make him eligible. The classic autism story is one of a typically developing child that suddenly changes. Did he lose language or words that he had? If so, that is another indicator. I'm sorry, but know that with early intervention, many gains can likely be made. Good luck.

Answer 3

Number one
you spend more time with him than anyone! If your doctor isn't helping take him to someone who will!
I have 6 kids and everyone was way different..
Oldest kid..walked very young 7 and a half months talked around the same time.. he's 12 now and a freshman in high school! Baby #2 a girl same stuff...#3 a boy oh my god this kid was almost 14 months before he did anything! #4 a genius....#5 OK this is where you come in he is 4 now! When he was younger, he would do all the same stuff your baby is doing! Lines stuff according to color or shape! FOOD to! didn't talk until he was almost 3! But oh my GOD this kid will not shut up, and he still lines stuff up and loves to play alone! his teacher says he's one of the smartest kids she has ever had! He can read to! Yep READ you know books! And he had all the symptoms of autism! well most!
Just take him to see someone without telling his doctor! Because I read that early detection is the key! You are in control! And his well being is in your hands!
Do what you think is best.....Because that old saying...Mother knows best!....Its true!
Good luck
I hope everything is OK

Answer 4

I have to agree with the person who said to get the hearing checked first. You have to go by a process of elimination if your doctors arent wanting to help you right now. But I think your concerns are very valid. I would also be concerned. Because like that article said, early intervention is best for the life of an autistic child. But yes, get some help. He seems to have some of the signs. When I read the walking on the toes part, that made me think that he at least had one sign. I know that being really 'hard headed' can be a sign. Like the child just wants to do it his way and throws fits otherwise. Like doesnt want to be touched and screaming kind of fits.

Answer 5

There are many things that mask as Autism, however with everything you have described I would push the doctors to take a closer look, if he's in a daycare setting they usually have more resources to refer you to in your area... You might try starting with a speach therapist, it gives you a place to start and sometimes you have to get places by stepping on each stone you can find. With everything you have said about your son I'll bet that he can probably already count and maybe do a couple of other things that are developmentally way ahead of his peers. Good luck to you and remeber that even if he does have autism or asburgers or something else if you push the doctors for answers he can still become a fully functioning adult if you set your mind to it... Don't let them (whoever they may be) tell you he can't do something, he can you just have to work harder for it!

Answer 6

If you really think that this is an issue, push the doctors to test more. My son needed a surgery once, and the doctor kept pushing me off... but I just knew. So if you feel that way... make them listen to you.

I dont really know much about Autism, but my oldest son was/is that way. Around a year old, he would go into his room and play and yell at me if I came in( of course I couldnt understand any words, but i got the point when he pointed at at the door..lol), he just wanted to be alone. He always lines things up too. His cars, shoes, random things on a table. We used to joke about he made a parking lot with his cars. He just likes that sort of thing. My youngest is 2 and he ignores his 3 year old brother most of the time too.. just walks on like nothing happened... so I'd say that's pretty normal too. My 3 year old also got to the point where he didnt want me to hold him, ever. He was just too busy doing other stuff.. kids that age are into exploring their new world. I hope this eases your mind a little, but as I said, if you really think he needs to be evaluated, find a new doctor, stress to them that you are worried. Good luck!!

Answer 7

Here are some signs I found for a child of 24 months

Developmental Health Watch
Alert your child's doctor or nurse if your child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age range.
Cannot walk by 18 months
Fails to develop a mature heel-toe walking pattern after several months of walking, or walks only on his toes
Does not speak at least 15 words
Does not use two-word sentences by age 2
By 15 months, does not seem to know the function of common household objects (brush, telephone, bell, fork, spoon)
Does not imitate actions or words by the end of this period
Does not follow simple instructions by age 2
Cannot push a wheeled toy by age 2
Experiences a dramatic loss of skills he or she once had


But physicians and professionals are hesitant to diagnose autism at very early ages. They know that the early development of children varies, and are often uncertain if a behavior will persist into being considered atypical, or if behaviors that should be present will continue to be absent. If the child is labeled with a problem too early, parents may reduce expectations for the child and restrict the child's access to typical experiences and opportunities. Thus, professionals may take on a "wait and see" stance that delays diagnosis, and ultimately the commencement of intervention services.

Although such concerns are valid, the benefits of early diagnosis vastly outweigh the risks. These benefits include the relief parents may feel in having their concerns validated, and in their ability to address the problem as early as possible. As many studies have now shown, early intervention is critical for the best outcome in children with autism, and many believe the earlier the better. Only with a diagnosis can parents begin to obtain necessary intervention services for their child.

Answer 8

You know your child best. Better than a doctor at times since they only spend a short period of time with them. Has your doctor recommended having your son's hearing tested or speech therapy? If not, I would ask him to refer you some where. Also, I have attached a link to a site regarding Sensory Integration Disorder. My nephew has a slight case of it, but is not autistic. He has been seeing an Occupational Therapist with great results. I feel the more you educate yourself as a parent the better.

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/

Try not to worry too much about the toe walking. Can your son stand flat footed? Does he always walk on his toes? My son is 25 months and 70% of the time walks on his toes mostly when barefoot. My ped said this is normal and he would grow out of it.

I know this is a stressful time, but remember to breathe and know that you are doing what is right for your child.

Answer 9

Our school district has testing for those kinds of things and an Early Intervention program. Maybe you can call you school and see if they offer testing and a program. The earlier you can start working on it...the better.

If you are home with him and he doesn't get out a lot then it is even harder for you to know if it is normal or not. And if your husband only see's him after work, then he may not see all of the things you see happening.

I would want to get my son tested and helped as soon as possible if he was mine. Try your local schools first...then ask the doctor. If they think he is fine, just tell them that you are with him all day, you see things that concern you. You want the tests and they need to give you information. It is better to know now than to not know and find out later.

Good Luck. Hope it all works out and you get help if it is needed.

Answer 10

Generally speaking, Autism is the kind of in-vogue disorder, and doctors are having to do a lot of explaining that most kids DON'T have it.

However, your son seems to be showing some classic signs that distinguish it from developmental delays (most notable the covering of the ears, lining things up, and difficulty or disinterest in connecting with others).

I think you should get a second opinion.

Answer 11

Our friends son who hit 2 years and was grunting was sent to a speech therapist for weekly sessions. Guessing the therapist seeing more of the child, could also diagnose autism. Have you checked into speech therapy yet?

Also early intervention can be very helpful, so push, and get a second opinion.