Concerns about Autism at this age?

Question

Sorry for the long post, but I just need some clarity or a direction to go in.
My 19 month old is barely talking. She knows few words and will occasionally say them, but for the most part she’s relatively silent besides babbling. I know each child develops at their own pace, but she just seems to be falling behind. She never says momma anymore, dada is about it lately. She doesn’t enjoy playing with other kids when we go to the playground and prefers to play alone, unless we’re home then she wants to be with her big sister. Stranger danger is all too real with her, to the point she throws violent tantrums to try to get away from anyone talking to her that isn’t my husband, my oldest daughter or myself. 
The pediatrician wasn’t concerned because he said she could do basic commands that we asked of her occasionally. He said at her 24 months appointment they’d reevaluate her. 
Any other parents out there that have experienced this or currently going through it with their September babies?

Answer

There’s such a wide range of normal for this age group. That is why I feel doctors tend to recommend the “wait and see” approach. That being said, I’m a speech therapist in my states Early Intervention program.. and I have started to see children between 18-24 month of age who around  two completely catch up and start talking in phrases. But I’ve also had parents express how they wish they listened to their gut and not the doctor. How they wish they got help sooner and hey knew something was wrong. So, I would advise you to call your states Early Intervention program to have her assessed. It should be free for the assessment and a cost share/co pay based on your income if she qualifies for therapy. Best case scenario, they find nothing and tell you to monitor and call back in 6 months if no progress. Worse case, they do see your concerns and recommend therapy. Which isn’t even the “worse” case because then at least your daughter gets help early on which is Soooo soo important if there are concerns.

Answer

My daughter has stranger danger tantrums too. She is a twin, her brother plays and will go to anyone. They are about 21 months. They were due in Sept. but came seven weeks early. If your pedi isn't concerned I wouldn't be either. They are trained to know what to look for with autism.

Answer

I honestly wouldn't worry. My son is a late talker as well. He has a very small handful of words he says, but mostly just babbles. He can follow instructions and can point out most things I ask in his picture books. I have tried very hard not to be concerned about it since his cousins talked very early, but our doctor assured us that he is perfectly fine. She said it's very common for first born children to talk later than second or third, since they don't have another child to constantly "talk" with. She also said given when I had told her, that it was likely he'd have a "vocabulary explosion" where when he finally talks, he'll likely just go into full sentences instead of getting a new word every once in a while. She said unless he's still not really talking or learning new words at 2, that it was nothing to be concerned with. But I definitely understand your worry! I really thought by now that my son would be talking my ear off.

Answer

My little love cane a bit early on August 31st. She has said dada for about 3 months and just started saying mama last week! She doesn’t say anything else, but makes lots of sounds to get our attention. She is most comfortable at home, but we are trying to get her out with others. She was in daycare up until a month ago when her little brother was born. She was comfortable there, but the only one in her group that didn’t talk. Her doctor isn’t worried, although I really think it would give her less stress if she could say some more things to help us understand what she wants and needs. As an elementary teacher, I don’t think what you’re describing sounds like autism either. Perhaps just a delay, like my little love.

Answer

My 20 month old doesn’t talk much either. She’s very stubborn and if we ask her to say something, she’ll either ignore us or shake her head “no” and whine at us. She understands, but doesn’t want to try. I have noticed when she’s around crowds of people and kids, she tries to communicate a lot more, especially once we get home. So I think she’s just sick of me. Lol. I’m sure your lo is just doing things at her own pace and prefers to be more independent.

Answer

honestly all kids are different, every person is different really. she might just be an introvert who is shy/has stranger anxiety and just loves to be with her familia :) my daughter is 19 months old and talks a bit but honestly doesn't say too too many words yet. I hears sometimes kids have a vocabulary learning explosion at around 2 years old.

Answer

My 19 month old daughter doesn’t talk much either. I was concerned too so I mentioned it to the pediatrician and he is going to have Early On speech therapy come assess her. She does take orders very well and knows what I’m saying and talking about so I’m not too worried but I’d still like her to talk more.

Answer

Don't worry mama,  I think she's okay,  just try reading to her every night and do little activities but besides that my daughter is doing the same

Answer

I wouldn’t worry too much. My son is just 19 months and I feel he is behind on his speech. He will say a word like hiya and then not say it again for weeks or months. But then I compare him to other babies and they are all so different. I worry as he doesn’t seem to have an attention span to sit and read books and wont really point out pictures etc although I do see improvements in the last month. My son was very shy up until about 15 months. So shy that he wouldn’t even like strangers looking at him in his pram or he would cry. But over the last month he’s really came out his shell.

Answer

My son doesn’t talk yet either just a couple words.. my nephew really didn’t start talking till 2 1/2 .. every baby is different

Concerns about Autism at this age?

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