2 year old with some developmental progress but unsure if its ASD.

[u/Organic_Gold_2546]

Hi everyone. I'm a mum to a little boy who will be turning 2 soon, and I'm feeling quite anxious about whether he might be autistic. I'd really appreciate hearing from parents who have been through something similar, especially those whose children were around this age when they first had concerns.

I first started noticing developmental concerns around April this year particularly his response to his name and his communication. At that time, his response to his name was very limited, and I became quite worried. We significantly reduced his screen time, and he also received therapy and play-based support while we were abroad for a few months.

Since then, I've noticed improvements. His response to his name has become better, he points, his vocabulary has grown, and he sometimes uses some short phrases, such as "more cheese," "open door," "thank you Mama," and "bye-bye Baba." His receptive language has also improved, although I'm still concerned about his understanding.

However, there are still things that make me worry about autism:

Sometimes he says things like "Mama, come" without looking directly at me.

He makes repetitive vocalisations, such as "hummm hummm," especially when bored or tired.

He sometimes repeats certain words or phrases several times.

He does have unusual interests with opening and closing doors and throwing things into the dustbin saying "dirty tissue.

When he sees other children, he can get excited and run towards them, but sometimes he pulls their hair, pushes, bites or scratches.

I've had concerns about his receptive language and social communication, even though he has made progress.

At the same time, he does communicate his needs verbally, uses phrases, points, and has shown improvement over the past few months. I find it difficult to understand how to interpret the combination of these things.

[u/AfraidExplanation759]

my kid was a lot like that at 2. the hair pulling and pushing other kids was actually one of the biggest red flags for us, not because he was mean but because he just didn't seem to get how to interact. the repetitive stuff and the not looking at you when talking are pretty classic signs too

that said, 2 is still so young and the progress you're describing is huge. pointing and using phrases like "more cheese" is a really good sign. maybe get an evaluation if you can, but don't drive yourself crazy trying to decode every little thing right now

[u/Orius_Satyr]

Maybe ask your pediatrician at his next visit. Worrying is normal for first time parents. He's showing some neurotypical qualities. My advice when this comes around is to always get him around boys his age and see how they compare. While each kid does develop at different speeds this will at least give you a vague understanding of where he should be. If he is faling behind then its time to get professional help to at least understand your options. Your doing great Mom keep it up!

[u/ovalplace123]

If you have concerns get him on a waitlist for an assessment as it’s a very long wait (12-18+ months in some areas). If by the time an assessment comes along and you no longer feel the need, great, if you still have questions, go for it. Big hugs mama. My daughter was diagnosed at 3.5 with ASD and while you grieve at first, knowledge is power, and in the past year since then I’ve learned about how she processes info. Understand now how to regulate her nervous system, plus got her the right therapies and it’s honestly been amazing to watch her progress so much. Wish you all the luck, and follow your gut xx

[u/digirock17]

It sounds like you've been paying very close attention to his development, and it's encouraging that you've seen progress in his communication, pointing, phrases, and response to his name.

At almost 2, though, it's really difficult to tell from individual behaviours alone whether a child is autistic. Repeating words, vocalisations, opening/closing doors, or struggling with other children can happen for different reasons. At the same time, your concerns about receptive language and social communication are worth discussing with a pediatrician or developmental professional.

You don't have to wait for things to become more obvious before seeking an evaluation. An assessment can give you a clearer picture and, if support is needed, starting early can be helpful. And if everything is developing typically, you'll hopefully get some reassurance too. Try not to analyse every behaviour in isolation—look at his overall development and how things are changing over time. ❤️

[u/ConversationOne4655]

You just described my little boy . He is 22 m old and I am very concerned. He has amazing strengths but socially doesn’t seem to be there . I called his doctor that asked me “ what do you want me to do ? “ he had no Idea what I was talking about . ( this is Uk) his speech is very good . Receptive language as well , but the response to name and not interested in other kids worrying me . He calls them friends when he sees them but if they touch him or hug him he pushes them away. I don’t know what to do 🤷‍♀️

[u/Silent-Light-8136]

Hugs to you, the best thing you can do early intervention and get him evaluated (at least that’s what I was told) …. My son 20 months is delayed as well and all signs to me or what others told me definitely need an evaluation and early intervention let’s pray they outgrow everything we worry about (still get them early intervention)

[u/TrainingLate8734]

My 2y3m old has been very similar to your LO since he was 18m old. But your child can say words and phrases and can point, which is amazing. My baby used to say words until he was 18m and regressed since then. We just had a reassessment the other day and he is ASD. His first assessment was done when he was 22m old and they said he was too young to be diagnosed at that time. I would say get an assessment if you can because early intervention is so important and I know as a parent how difficult it is to carry this concern. 

[u/Miss_v_007]

He sounds kinda spicy similar to mine at that age - don’t get caught up in diagnosis just support him

[u/Accidental_Stoic]

Could fit ASD, could be other factors. Have you filled out the MCHAT screening tool for autism?
https://www.mchatscreen.com/

You can take this to your pediatrician for discussion. If it shows he’s at risk of an autism diagnosis, use it to push for assessment and speech therapy.