My 2 Year Old Doesn't Communicate

I have a 2 year old who babbles constantly and says words from time to time, but doesn't seem to communicate at all.  I say his name and he will never turn to look at me, he refuses to follow any direction at all (even for things he loves).  He also repeatedly opens and closes his hands and loves to spin anything.   Am I right to be so concerned?  Could this be just a normal delay?  I have a screening for autism scheduled, but it is more than 6 months away (it takes that long to get an appointment).  Any way you could shed a little light on the subject?

[Jason C Bourret, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

Delay in communication is a key component of an autism diagnosis and early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) has been shown to produce clinically significant outcomes.  I would highly recommend identifying an alternative professional with the appropriate training to make the diagnosis and looking into early intervention.  Most schools that offer EIBI will also be able to recommend someone to evaluate your child and you might find that the waiting list to recieve services is also quite long, so I recommend identifying and contacting appropriate service providers as soon as you are able.

[Angela77]

I think you do have a cause for concern.  Children with autism show impairments in speech and language skills, impairments in social skills and odd or restricted behavior and interests.  Who did you schedule an appointment with, a doctor?  Your best bet would be to contact your local school district and request an evaluation to see if your child is eligible for special education services.  In PA, the district has 60 days to complete the evaluation.  I believe the federal law is 90 days.  That would be better than waiting 6 months.  You could call the district to find out the name of the person who takes such requests for a child who is 2 years (Early Intervention?).  It is better to put your request in writing.  Make sure that there is a Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and a Special Education Teacher submitting information for the evaluation.

[shelly1980]

try using makaton speech encouraged sign language suitable for any age it has helped my son, he is 4 1/2 years old been using it for 6months since being diagnosed withh autism and dypraxia now i cant stop him!! even my 2 year old daughter has picked it up without any prompting! so easy to do just remember to speak while doing the makaton action

[Docrwm]

You have listed several of the key warning signs of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  The M-CHAT is a screening device that is designed for easy use by nurses in pediatricians offices in order to decide if referral of a child to a specialist is needed for possible ASD.  The M-CHAT is designed to screen for Autism Specturm Disorders in toddlers (over the age of 12 months, and ideally over the age of 18 months.) A parent can complete the items independently. The M-CHAT does not anyone making a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, but it is a very useful clinical tool that has excellent sensitivity and specificity in order to make a referral to an expert.

The M-Chat is available online in a variety of places but a self-scoring version is available here:
http://www.utahfeat.org/site/mchats/new

School districts, under IDEA, are not required to serve children until they are 3 years of age.  If your child is close to 3 then contacting them and expressing your concerns about their needs may result in testing prior to 3 in order for the district to prepare to serve them when they turn three.  Most states have Medicaid funded services for 0-3 year olds that is designed to serve kids prior to their becoming eligible for public school special education.  Contact your state's Autism Society of America chapter to look into this option and for recommendations for those who can evaluate your child - 6 months is 25% of a 2 year old's life and its WAY too long to wait.  Every major research report on Autism treatment indicates that early intervention is essential.

Hope that helps.

[MJIthewriter]

I'm just going to add that ASD is not a death sentence. Early intervention is a good way to start. Also keep an open mind. Some things can be worked on, but others you will have to accept as part of what makes your child who they are.  If you're curious to know what to expect in the long run, you can read some of my journal entries and my posts on the forums.

I've been dxed with PDD nos at age 6. Earlier dxs were severe mental retardation of some sort (and with a warning to not expect me to graduate), then Autistic like...

Anyways, not only did I graduate high school, but I graduated top 10% and had a couple years in college. Most of my childhood, I went without medication either. It goes to show what can done if given the right support.