Autism in my 2 year old

[Melissa72]

My son just turned 2 years old.   His speech is delayed quite a bit which concerns me.  About 4 months ago whenever he would see a line or wall, he would started tilting his head sideways and his eyes would go to the side and he just walks along the line or perimeter.   If he sees a pattern on the floor or a fence he will just started doing this non stop.  He also has to organize all of my cupboards.  He will put soup cans in order by color.  He started doing puzzles, alphabet puzzles at an early age and can put together a puzzle in under a minute.  He's a very picky eater, which most kids are at this age.  Its very hard to tell at this age because there are so many characteristics that are typical of a 2 year old.  Luckily we live in Cleveland and are taking him to the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism for his first evaluation.  My stomach is in knots.  I just wanted to see if anyone else has ever seen a child do these things.  The sideways head eye walk is what really got me thinking about Autism.  He is affectionate, on his terms.  He does tend to tune us out when we call him.  My 4 year old daughter was singing the alphabet at 18 months.  Just concerned.

[specialmom]

a diagnosis to look into is sensory integration disorder.  Some of the things you mention could be sensory related as well.  Sensory can be comorbid with autism or a delay in and of itself as it is in my son.  We do occupational therapy for this and it has had a great affect.  Google this and see if anything fits----- sometimes at 2 it is hard to tell.  All kids develop at different paces-----  but the language delay is what you'll probably address first.  The Cleveland clinic is awesome and they should be of great help to you.  Good luck.