My son also had speech problems when he was 2 years old... When he was 22 months I took him for a evaluation at early intervention and they said he had of course a speech problem and they also said he had autism traits!! That broke my heart completely even when they said not to worry and that he needed to be evaluated more... How can you not worry when there is a possibility you son could be autistic... When he was 22 months he didn't respond to his name all the time, he had less than 8 words in his vocabulary, he would not follow directions and pretty much wouldn't understand much of what you were saying to him... I cried so much!! It was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life... I would think about autism 24/7.... He started speech therapy when he turned 2 and started improving slowly but surely... I would work with him everyday... Just like the speech therapist did it, playing!!! Lots of hand on hand playing... He always had good eye contact and never stack anything or flip hands.
When he was 2 1/2 he had probably 45-50 words in vocabulary and he would understand one step direction.... I started teaching him body parts and sign language... Sometimes I was hard on him and if he didn't use sign language or try to say the word, he would not get what he was "asking for" ... I would make him repeat what I was saying... Like if he wanted milk, I would ask him "do you want milk" and he would say "yes" then I would make him repeat "milk please" of course it would be more like "mi pis" or "mi and sign language for please but that was more than enough for me :).
Now he is 4 and he speaks none stop!!! His language is Soo good you could not believe this is the same boy, he still has some pronunciation problems but he keeps getting speech therapy twice a week At preschool.... Autism was ruled out when he was 2 1/2... So my advise is focus on helping him instead of thinking about a diagnosis... Spend as much time as possible with him... Get on the floor and PLAY!! They learn a lot that way.... You said he likes pretend playing, my son did too! So I took advantage of that and I would play "house" or cho cho train with him, using a lot of language... For example I would make the train go up and said "the train is going up up up" or if we were playing with a "house" I would say "the door is close" "can we open the door?" A lot of playing and language! Good luck and please don't stop speech therapy!
Hi, I have a 2 year old son. He doesn’t always respond to his name. His eye contact is only good when we are playing with him. He says few words but not consistently. He still babbles. I’m so worried if something is wrong with him. He also likes to spin the wheels of his bike but not obsessively. He doesn’t follow commands. Only time he does, is when I ask him to go get your shoes. He likes to play outside. He likes to pick up sticks outside sometimes he hands me sticks too. Sometime I feel like he just needs time and sometimes I get really worried about autism. I can’t sleep, I’m worried sick. Can someone pls tell me anyone else is going through the same situation.
Hi bless24 - my daughter's behavior is identical to your son she is 2.5 years old now.how is your son doing now? Any improvement ? I am desperately in need of hope as my daughter is starting therapy this month
Hi Bless24 - our son behavior is identical to your son . You mentioned that there was improvement. Does he have any other symptoms now that he is 4 yrs old?
Hi. I have also the same situatuion with my daughther. Hope you can give me update what happened now to your son? thanks.
Research apraxia. My son has the same challenges when he was 2; he is now 4. We use sign language to fill in the gaps and promote developing language. His speech therapy is helping but he still struggles creating two or more sounds. I think my son responds quicker to sign then verbal commands because he really doesn't use verbal responses the same as other kids his age. Sign language helped build his conference and brought him out of isolation. Find a day care that deals with these challenges. Shy away from comparing your child to others or siblings. You need to approach this with different expectations. My son's challenge has brought our family closer and been a true gift in our lives.
Hi. My 2 yo son also doesn't talk. Doesn't respond to name, doesn't follow instructions, doesn't appear to understand us.... He was recently diagnosed with ASD (level 2). My heart is completely shattered. We are working with speech therapist once a fortnight and I'm trying the same techniques with him every day... We aren't getting anywhere fast and it's been a month. He understands maybe a couple of words now... Go, stop, more, up and down. He says "go" and we have heard a few other words as a once off but don't think he understands their meaning. I hope he will one day talk....
Hello, I am going through the exact same thing my son will be turning 2 in a month and he doesn't speak much but no, yes, ai and small words no sentences. He also doesn't follow instructions. i have inquired about speech therapy which we haven't began. i am afraid it might be autism. he is a very happy baby and has always made it easy for us as first time parents we never had any trouble with him. HELP!! :( it breaks my heart to see him not so interested on what other kids do.
Hi Baby 1_2 and Bless24 I am going through the exact same situation and I can relate to your feeling when as a mother you cried and worried and its like I don't know where to turn for help except God. I am willing to work hard with my son in this but I live in a place where we hardly have basic medical facilities so can you pls guide me what steps you took and how to go about it. Kindly write to me at Shazia.z.***@**** or pls pls add me on Facebook Shazia Zaman.
Hello! My son is two now and we have the exact same problems with him. Id like to speak to you about what works for all or things you have seen a change him with. Im in the same boat. My email is ***@****
My son has autism spectrum disorder. He didn't talk till he was 6 years. He is now speaking a lot. He talks mostly referring his self as the 3rd person. As the years goes by, he gets better.
Hi bless24 How is your son doing now.
Facing the same difficulties with my son who is 2years old now. Please share your thoughts.
Thank you so much..... I hope he will do the same soon.... I see improvements. So its encouraging..