Speech Delay

[mummyluv]

My son is 2.2 now & can only say few words (he had about 40 words, some are phrases) but he will only talk when he feels like it. The only consistent words that he says everyday is dada, mama, yaya (nanny). He babbles a lot but he doesn't really point to things that he likes, he will just try to grab things or get my hands so I can get it for him. When we call him, sometimes he'll look & sometimes he'll ignore us. The doctor said he's got some Autistic features & suggested occupational therapy then speech therapy. She said that some kids who have speech delays are showing some Autistic traits that will disappear later on. My husband doesn't want him to start any therapies yet because he said he's still young & he wants to give him a time because he believes that it's not Autism. We enrolled him to a toddler class instead so he can interact with other kids because he's our only child & he doesn't have playmates. We agreed that if he reaches 2 & a half year old & doesn't have improvements, we will start therapy.
On the positive side, he is a happy child & he loves to interact with us. He is very affectionate, he loves hugging & kissing us. We play chasing game, hide & seek, he laughs with us, he is happy when the people around him are happy. He looks at us in the eyes. His activities are not limited, he plays with his toys, he build blocks, he colors, he loves listening to me when I read him stories & really sits still when I show him picture books ( although when I ask him to point objects from the book, he won't do it. But when I ask him to kiss an object from the book & then I point at it, he will kiss it) he enjoys his swimming lessons & he loves going out. He sleeps well at night, he sleeps in his own room since he was 1. He can follow simple commands with gestures like give me a kiss, pack away, turn off the light then when you tell him NO, he will obey you most of the time.
He just started toddler school & I hope that we will see lots of improvements. I hope that it's not Autism. I wish to hear replies from you guys, I am so worried about my son although my family are telling me not to worry & to have faith in my son, but hearing from a doctor that he's got some Autism features made me cry. His teacher at preschool also specialises in teaching children with special needs & she said that my son is just fine because he can express & he follows gestures, she said just give him time & he will catch up, every children develops at their own pace. I hope she & my family are right.

[mycheers08]

Hi! I was reading through your conversation with other moms. I'd like to ask if how is your son doing now? I hope all is well with him.

[mummyluv]

Hi, thank you so much for your message.. As I've said on my other reply, I really want him to start the therapy asap. But my husband doesn't want it, we argued about it a few times. He believe that our son doesn't have Autism, I told him how many times that wether it's Autism or not, therapy will be very beneficial. But he won't listen to me & that made it even harder for me. All my families are telling me that I am over reacting & that our son is just fine. But my husband, because of my persistence, did agree that when our son reached 2 & half years which is 4 months from now, we'll get him evaluated again & we will do whatever the doctor will tell us. I am hoping that when that times comes, everything is going to be alright.
Glad to hear that you've found an amazing program for your son. I wish you luck in this journey as well & I do believe that everything is possible. May your son live a happy, successful & fulfilled life. God bless you & your family..

[Steph0115]

My son was diagnosed with PDD NOS at the age of 3. At 2 when we had him evaluated they said he was fine and no delays and then at 3 when we had him re evaluated is when he got the diagnosis. My son will look at you in the eye and he understands right from wrong and he also loves kisses and hugs. All children who are on this spectrum are DIFFERENT and no one will be the same. Not to say that your son is but trust me from experience get him the help he needs because it is so crucial to get them on track asap. My son at 2 knew his whole alphabet, colors , numbers and was very intelligent but we knew something was off. My husband and I both were at fault for alot of his issues because we catered to his every whim which as parents we did not realize we were doing more harm than good. Get him looked at and go with what is best for your son. I was devestated when they told me he was on the Autism spectrum but we have come to grips with it and we will deal with it day by day to ensure our son lives life to the fullest. I wish you luck in this journey and hopefully it is nothing other than him being a little behind other children his age because again they all develop differently. I live in Texas and the program my son is in in AMAZING! GOOD LUCK!

[mummyluv]

Hi, thanks for your reply.. You are right, we always give him what he wants even before he asks for it. We figured out that that's maybe the reason why he doesn't talk nor point at things. After our meeting with the developmentalist, we started giving him a hard time when he wants something. Then he started to point at things that he likes, he did it a few times, not all the time but at least he is improving a little. His teacher at preschool also told me to make sure that everytime he will play with his toys, he should be the one to pack his toys away even if he doesn't like doing it.. Just so he will learn to follow & listen & he'll realise that I'm the boss, not him. We applied that at home, I told his nanny about it then to our surprise, it's like natural thing for him after day one. Then everytime he takes off his diaper, we ask him to put it in the trash bin. Those little improvements mean a lot to me & I am hoping that we will see more improvements soon. Thanks again for your reply, God bless you & your family.

[mummyluv]

Hi, thank you so much for your reply.. I love my son so much & this Autism issue really gave me many sleepless nights, crying.. It's so nice that there are other mums that I can talk to regarding this matter. God bless you & your family.

[mummyluv]

Hi, thanks for your reply.. Actually, I really wanted my son to start therapy right after his evaluation. But my husband doesn't want it, we actually had an argument about it, he said I am not trusting our son & I am over reacting.. That made it more difficult for me because I do trust my son, but at the same time I want to do the best for him to help him with his speech delay. My husband is telling me that he is only 2 & even if he cannot talk a lot yet, he can understand us most of the time & he can express his feelings. He asked me to give our son a little time. I don't want us to argue even more so we agreed that when he is 2 & a half & he still can't talk & identify, we will bring him to the best developmentalist here in the Philippines & we'll do whatever the doctor will tell us. I am praying that before he reaches that age, we will see a lot of improvements oh him. Thanks again, God bless you & your family..

[myenzoorka]

Is it possible that he gets what he wants without having to speak?  He may not have felt a need to speak much because he finds he can get his way without using words.  I have a niece who doesn't speak much because her older sister does all the talking for her.  Your son's personality does not sound consistent with autism.  So, when he wants something, make him ask.  See if that starts up a little more verbal communication.

[KarenDiane]

If your son has delays, I would strongly encourage you to do the therapy. Autistic or not, you don't want him to fall any further behind.