Any input appreciated.
Find a Conversation
| Tue, 08-23-2005 - 4:12pm |
Are we okay?
I have been worried about my now 23 month old son since he was a few weeks old.
He was a colicky and reflux baby who magically calmed down and let me cuddle him at about 4 months old. Before that, he arched and screamed unless he was being walked. I was a first-time mom, so that may have been normal.
He has about 75 words and sometimes uses two word phrases like "see ya," etc.
His eye contact is great with us, but not with people he doesn't see often.
Great pretend play. Pretends to be a cat, feeds dolls, makes whirring sound with cars and trucks, etc.
Very affectionate and loving, except he still doesn't know how to kiss.
Waves, imitates gestures, etc.
Started pointing at objects of interest and wants before a year.
Loves to be read to, play peek-a-boo, etc.
Follows commands w/o gestures and understands just about everything.
Smiles and laughs often and will play with other kids sometimes, but not all the time.
The problems are that he fiddles with his fingers when he's nervous, sometimes toe walks, rarely uses two word phrases and his eye contact is intermittent with others besides us. He has passed the CHAT, but doesn't always look at my face when I ask him to point out something and for awhile, he would look everywhere you pointed, except if you wanted him to look up at the sky. Also will ask me about strange things. Like he'll notice a small part of an object in a book, like a shadow and want to know what it is.
I know this sounds crazy, but should I stop worrying or push for help? When can I stop worrying about him regressing?

He sounds like he is doing pretty great, but I always advise any concerned parent to seek an evaluation. If he is doing well you will know for sure and have your fears relieved at least for a while. We mom's always worry, lol. And if there is an issue, then you will get an early start on it.
Have you taken him to early intervention for a screening or eval? Often with little ones under 3 all it takes is the concern of a parent to get an evaluation. It is through the state and free. You do not have to go through your pediatrician and insurance. They will be able to tell you where he is at with language, social skills, etc. I would recomend evaluations by a speech/langauge pathologist and OT as a bare minimum. Usually they will have a psychologist do an eval as well.
He may have some sensory issues and some language issues but it is likely pretty borderline if he is. Kids at 2 should be starting to put 2 words together, which he is. However, my daughter was putting 2 words together then but it was the same 2 words all time and was echolalic. I didn't know that at the time. So though he sounds like he is doing great it may be prudent to get an eval to be sure.
Renee
I'll echo Renee. He sounds like he's doing great and the areas for concern are pretty normal for his age. Lots of children at this age are easily distracted from looking where someone is pointing, don't look at strangers, play w/ their fingers and toe walk. BUT if you're concerned it's worth an evaluation. I let Drs and family talk me out of evaluations several times and my Weston had most of the warning signs from before age 2. Early intervention can make a world of difference! Knowing your child's strengths and weaknesses can help you know what to focus on even if his eval comes back perfectly age appropriate and neurologically typical.
Betsy
Thank you for your responses.
I am optimistic about him due to the fact that he has passed all the criteria on the CHAT tests, which are supposed to be very reliable, I think. Also, our neighbors our both Ph.D's in speech pathology, and they have reassured me several times.
There's just so much information out there, and it makes you wonder about every little thing.
Thank and God bless
HI - I know it's hard not to worry - my 4 yr old DS is ASD & I also