Toddler diagnosis?

[CinFL]

I have a 2 1/2 yr old son who has speech delay and had some intense sensory integration issues. We began speech at 18 months and was diagnosed with apraxia. Fortunately working with him daily and with a therapist he's advanced to near average. His one word ability is awesome and he's beginning his 2 and 3 word sentences. He's gotten over much of his vestibular issues and other tactile ones over time and is near normal. However I notice he has a great difference how he interacts in large groups of children and he still has an obsession with doors. Opening and closing doors on our house, doors on toys... it seems to "soothe" him in some way. We try to redirect him whenever possible and he's currently attending a "preschool" setting several hours a week away from "mommy" to force him to interact with other children.  I do want to add he is not isolated always, he has some friends he is extremely close to, but he does a lot of whining in general. So bouts of play are interrupted with clinging mommy times. He knows the entire alphabet by sight, numbers to 20 some colors and can do some one word reading(even words we didn't teach him yet he's figuring out!)  So my first question is... is some of this from his speech delay?  Can a child be "therapied" into normalcy if this is autism of some kind?  Am I worrying too much?

[specialmom]

My son has sensory integration disorder and was diagnosed at 4.  He has social skills problems which are very common with sensory kids.  Add speech issues to that and yes, peer interaction would be difficult. We worked on many social skills concepts quite diligently and while we still have some issues with my boy trying to "control" the situation to his liking, he is doing fine.  He is 6 and in kindergarten and has no issues in the group setting.  Your early intervention can make the world of difference.  Good job mom!

[hope4evr]

If you think there is a possibility of your son having Autism, the first thing to do is to quit wondering, and see a specialist to find out. Then depending on the specifics of your sons diagnosis, if he does have it, set up a routine, and post it around the house using pictures and words. There are a lot of therapies for children with Autism, and decisions will have to be made (such as if and when to utilize medication). Most importantly though, there is no cure for Autism, and the sooner you accept your son for who he is and realize that you did not do anything to cause this, the sooner your family can start moving forward. Please understand, I am not trying to be mean or harsh. I went through these very same feelings during the process of my son being diagnosed with Autism. He has a mild form, and is considered high functioning, and he is a sweet delight of a child. He just sees the world through a different view, and that's ok. Have faith, trust your instincts, and all will work out.

[Heatherm4]

He sounds like a pretty smart 2 1/2 year old actually. All children develop at different stages. I work in a preschool and there are 4 year olds that still aren't at the level that your son is so I wouldn't worry too much.
It's great that you have him integrated with other children...that really helps with social skills.
As far as children being "therapied" into normalcy.....I think it all depends on the child and how early things are being approached.