concernedmummy

Hi all, I don't often post but regularly get help from previous posts but don't seem able to find much about signs of ASD in babies. My DD was born 7 months ago (at home) within a week of her birth my DS was diagnosed with ASD (aged 3). My daughter has been showing signs recently that have me concerned, she has never been a baby that wanted cuddles and she wriggles when we try and give them to her. Feeding has always been a problem, she needs lots of encouragement with her bottles and weaning isn't happening as she shuts her mouth with determination when a spoon comes near. She will eat some finger food though. Over the past couple of weeks she has started rocking, to the point of banging her head hard into my shoulder, hurting me, but she continues over and over. She has also started flapping her arms, sometimes through obvious excitement but not always. She also licks things, not mouthing them like little ones do but actually licking them. My DS didn't display these behaviours although he was a poor feeder and was passive when it came to hugs. I feel totally paranoid tbh but my daughter has 2 siblings on the spectrum and I fear that it is going to be the same for her. I would be grateful for any advice or other members early recollections of their childrens behavours. Sorry for rambling on.

Hi, I have previously requested a change of SALT, I explained my reasons to the senior SALT and she actually agreed with what I was saying and is taking over my sons case. I would suppose a lot would be dependant upon your reasons for wanting the change. Good luck.

Mumble, that reminds me of when I was living in the nurses home, someone insisted on poaching their eggs in the kettle!!!

Hi all, I could really do with a bit of advice. My DS who has just turned 3 was diagnosed with ASD a couple of months ago, he had been seen twice by a speech therapist who had lots of experience with ASD's, she reported that he had a speech disorder. This lady has since retired and my son was seen today by a new SALT whom I was assured had plenty of experience also. She saw my DS in nursery this afternoon, she sat and observed him and tried to interact with him for about 10 minutes then came and had a chat with me and my sons nursery key worker. All seemed to be going fine until I asked her if she thought he had a delay in speech or a disorder ( no idea why the question popped into my head to be honest) anyway she said he had a delay and that in time he would have full language and understanding!!! I said that I was confused as the previous SALT had said he had a disorder and I mentioned that he has his own 'language' that he uses, which the nursery key worker backed up, she then said that it must be a disorder then!!! I came away really upset wondering if maybe he doesn't really have as much of a problem with his speech as I thought he had. I am really confused right now as I am not sure what to think, I don't want him to have a disorder and would much rather there was a delay and his understanding and speech will catch up with his peers in time. What is also worrying me is that my sons dx was helped along by the previous Salt report!!! Any advice on what I should do now please??

Thanks for the reply Sally, I agree, I would not be happy if I had managed to get a statement only for another child to be having the benefit (nothing against any other kids!!) I really don't want him to fall behind, he is a clever little boy, but like your son wants to do what he wants when he wants!!! I am hoping that now he has his diagnosis that it will make getting him help a little easier although I do realise that is not always the case. Justine, I already have one report from SALT that says that he does not have a delay with his language but a disorder, his consultant said that the SALT report was a big part in his diagnosis. Would I need further reports from SALT??? The reason that I am trying to get him seen by them again is that I am really concerned about his communication (or lack of) and would like to be given some strategies that may help. I will have a think about when to start the process, although ideally I agree with Sally that it would be best to have it in place before he starts in reception. Just another question, can you get a statement for children for pre school??

Hi, thanks for the reply. He is behind in his language and his communication, he is under salt but has not been seen since October (I am chasing this!!). He can understand simple instructions now ie. put the paper in the bin but struggles to understand other conversation, so my biggest worry is how he will manage in a classroom environment. Socially he will play where there are other children but will not play with them, just alongside them. I understand what you are saying about waiting until January but going by the timescales for getting a statement he would be starting reception by the time any help was in place. It is difficult to know what to do really, I just want to ensure that going to school is a positive experience for him and that he has whatever help may be needed to ensure he can reach his full potential. He is in a nursery at the moment, but he doesn't present many problems as he is very quiet and just 'does his own thing'.

Hi all, not posted for a while but always having a good read of the posts which are very helpful. My DS who has just turned 3 was diagnosed in March with ASD after a few months of seeing various professionals. My query now is when and if I should look to have a statement in place for him. He will be starting pre school in September (mainstream) and I am concerned at how he will get on as although he is understanding much more he is way behind his peers. I have spoken to his Portage worker and she says he won't need a statement, that there will likely be extra staff in his class for other children and these extra staff will be able to give him help. Any advice would be great as I am sure he will fall behind very quickly because of his problems. Many thanks in advance.

I also have HMS, my pain is worse at the moment but not sure if that is due to the cold or the fact that I am pregnant, not helped that the strongest pain killer I can use right now is paracetamol!!! Have you tried using heated wheat bags on the painful joints?

Sorry to hear that Sally, my sympathies to you and your family. x

Hi Paula, what an awful weekend you have had. I have no suggestions for you but just wanted to say that I really understand where you are coming from, we had the same behaviours with my step son and it is more stressful than anyone who hasn't been through it can imagine. We tried and failed to get him and us some help but don't let that put you off I would try anyway, see if SS can be of any assistance maybe. Is there anyone at the school you could contact for some help and advice?? I truly hope that you manage to get something sorted with him, I know how difficult it is and how guilty you can feel wishing he was living somewhere else. (My step son has been in foster care for 2 years now, there wasn't any choice in the end). Please try and take care of yourself and have a bit of 'me' time to try and re-charge your batteries.

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Thanks Sally44, the consultant is supposed to be calling me next week about it, so I will see what she has to say, it was her registrar who told me she thought that a meeting would be of benefit (she is now on mat leave) Maybe the consultant feels that she has enough evidence together for a diagnosis, I don't know, but I will be calling back if I haven't heard anything by Wednesday.

Hi, just wondering if anyone can give me some advice with regard to this. When I took my son to his last paed appointment, the registrar said that she felt a multi agency meeting would be of benefit to aiding a dx. She went on maternity leave the day after the app. I have been chasing the consultants secretary this week with regards to finding out what is happening over the suggested meeting. The secretary has just called me back to say that she has spoken with DS consultant who has said that she doesn't feel that a meeting would be of any use, no reasons have been given for this. The secretary is leaving a message for the consultant to contact me with regards to this but is not sure when that will be. Is the every child matters just a guideline or is it a framework that should be in place, does anyone know??? I am quite annoyed to be honest, a meeting seemed like a logical step forward, and it was at the suggestion of the registrar not myself!!

With regard to getting help, I know that we never got any, we even got in touch with our MP at one point, but I would try...

I didn't mean consequenses as in getting physical with him I meant for example no pc for a certain amount of time, whatever is his favourite past time, just giving you an apology is not really a sanction, would you accept the same type of behaviour from your NT child without repercussions??? It is hard trying not to be scared, god knows how many times my step son would front up to me, I would be shaking inside! I do agree that hormones will be making matters worse, but not of that excuses what he is doing, have you tried telling him exactly how his behaviour makes you feel??? Although I know that with AS there is little if any empathy, if you try and talk to him and ask how he would feel in the same situation and how he would handle it, it may just give him food for thought.....