I'm a dad on spectrum also with my son born may 2015. I cried when I saw this video. My son showed early signs of autism. The no answer, very shy, mumbling, played by himself. We didn't know these were signs. We assumed boys develope differently. My 12 year old daughter is a math genius, excellent communication skills, honor roll even from the age of 2 she was memorizing books and was able to read and do math and write by 4. But we did seek help and he is getting speech therapy and it's help him sooooo much. He can't stop talking and is eager to make friends now. Still lines up his toys by order and color and constantly repeats things which I hear it's called Echolalia but he is developing very well thank god. Along with amazing teachers and therapist my son is bound to be even greater. Parents, Please, Don't wait for someone to tell you something is wrong. Your mommy/daddy, you know if there's something wrong with your baby better than anyone. Insist on help at all cost. The benefits of seeing your baby slowly walk away from the spectrum is Overwhelmingly unexplainable. I'd like to wish to every parent who is on the spectrum to be able to know that feeling. Blessings to all. Blessing to lil Dexter❤
how crazy same here I just got told to take my boy 18 mths to early intervention for not calling me and my husband mommy and daddy, meanwhile 2 girls honor kids etcs..... disheartening but Im optimistic and I knew he had a issue
Also an autism mom here. I got the same "wait and see" messages for the longest time and had to wait until he was almost 5 yrs old to get the verification and the help that I had advocated for since he was 3. Hoping that by this time Dexter and mom are getting support and assistance they need.
It is a spectrum, so levels of severity differ greatly. Two children with autism are not similar, at all but amazing to hear all the same red flags that were raised, almost all mums noticed in retrospect.
I know this is older video. But I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for going through the emotions again. Thank you for being vulnerable. I’m going through what sounds the exact way you did. The emotions and all. Even the stories. Thank you. ♥️ this was very helpful.
Wow. Thank you. The first video I've been able to watch about Autism. You're explaining my daughter. Down to the exact same nursery rhymes she mimicked. Thank you for sharing xx
You are an amazing mother . Stay strong it will get better ..at the end of the day you only have to worry about one thing . And as parents we all share this same worry . Our children's happiness . If your child is happy you have won at the game of life . Much love and respect from Dublin 👊♥️
I think each parent can see at least a few of those traits in their neurotypical child. Great channel. I felt like hugging You, thank You for being vulnerable on camera, I think it shows real strength.
I have a 40 year old high functioning autistic daughter. My concern in all this is putting such young kids in boxes by labeling them. That is why you wait because we are all different! Everyone is on the spectrum now, doesn't leave us an open mind as to other possible things or just delays.
It's amazing to see what you have both achieved, as a family and as a couple. You are on a journey you could never have imagined. I had to wait 31 years for my son to be diagnosed as no-one knew about autism in the 80s. The special relationships we build means we can help others in their life journey, too.
Hi...so so grateful 🙏 to have stumbled upon ur channel. U could be describing my 24 month old grandson almost to a tee. Even tho he hasn't been diagnosed with anything as of yet the differences in him compared to other 2 yr olds is more becomes more obvious as the weeks and months pass. Ur experience is a few years back but I've already made a vow to comb thru every single episode! I feel a connection to ur Dex and am so very eager to follow ur family's journey. I truly believe it will help us in our journey with our Jax. Thank you so very very much for ur contributions!
You speak so eloquently. I completely can relate to the emotions you express about having this perfect little baby and then the heartbreak of being told there could be something wrong with them.
Hi! I'm so glad I found your channel I can really relate! At my son's 2 year old check up they did the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) Based on how I answered it the pediatrician said there were red flags for autism. I knew he was behind in language but I didn't want to hear it as I was 7 months pregnant with our daughter. When I was on maternity leave and spending more time with him I finally saw what the doctor was seeing and requested an assessment. We had to wait 6 months but when we did see the specialist she was able to confirm that he did has ASD. He is nonverbal and 4 years old now. We used to live in Montana but moved this summer to Pennsylvania for better resources and support. I've found that RU-vidrs like yourself have really helped me feel less alone, so I greatly appreciate you sharing your story and I look forward to watching more of your videos. ❤️
I relate so much to being a first time mom with no child care experience and being totally ignorant of when the baby should be doing what and having to learn and doing all this research online. My 21 month old daughter has what is now being called a “mild speech delay”. She’s almost two and while everything else seems normal, she only has maybe 8-10 words she regularly uses. I’m researching just in case, since her speech development seems to have paused or regressed a bit. I find you so beautiful and sweet and it’s so obvious how much you love your son. You should feel proud for your early intervention and your determination to give your son what he needs to live his best life.
My son is 22 months old and he’s very behind in his speech as well. He has 10-12 words that he uses regularly but he hasn’t formed a sentence yet! He is fine in other areas of development but his speech delay has got me worried. I was wondering how your daughter is doing now? It would be much help if you can give me an update on her please? 🙏🏻
Thank you so much for this video. This is exactly my son at 15 months and we are in the process of getting him evaluated. This makes me reassured that we are making the right choice.
Thank you for sharing this video. I'm currently in the "wait and see" with my 21 month old. But honestly, I don't need to "wait"....I can already see. This video really helped. Thank you so much.
I feel you wholeheartedly. My almost 3 year old was diagnosed at 2 and I was pregnant when we were going through the motions of seeing specilaists and him quickly getting diagnosed.Thank you for sharing. You are kind to share your story
I’m so relieved I found your channel. You inspire hope and strength! Thank you for the courage to post these! Our son is 17 months now and we’ve just been through his first psychiatric evaluation. To say the least, shocking and demoralizing. Our path so far is very similar to yours, in terms of how we picked up on signs and red flags since he was 1yo. Needless to say, we’re a mess of emotions, disappointment, confusion and anxiety right now. It’s videos like these which make it a bit easier and motivate us to go through everything we need to go through for our child to have the best life he can! Again, thank you so much and good luck! Wish us good luck too..
He is 17 month's old he is not even a Toddler let your Babys/ Toddler find out who they are Most Kids feel the Confusion of the Parent's and thats why they act like they act you can not diagnose a Baby with anything wait till he is around 6 and believe in him. So many kids with no Autism do these Things. And many things also come from watching to much Tv and Food thats not good For Babys and Toddlers and makes them overact Good Luck
@@mgarci99_ that's what I have been thinking.... so difficult to identify what are red flags n what is. Child's typical behavior .... Thank you for saying out loud 🙏
Thank you so much for sharing this with us my sons 18 months and idk if to be worried or not but your video helps for future warnings from here on thank you stay strong❣️
I started crying when you started crying because I feel like you were reading my own story. I just got my diagnose and I feel a little lost and not sure where to go. I want to thank you for sharing your experience and your channel has helped me out so so much. ❤
Kitty kitty you should go watch a youtube channel called Fathering Autism. It's a family vlog channel with a focus on creating awareness of autism. The family has a severely autistic non verbal daughter as well as a neurotypical son. It's a very informative, upbeat, fun family channel. I think it has helped so many people with a new autism diagnosis to see that it's still possible to have a joyful, positive family even with neurodiversity you never imagined. God bless. ❤❤❤😊😊😊
@@eltwilli Yes I'm subscribed to their channel and it's a really positive way to look at autism. Their channel and your channel are helping me through this and informing me. I appreciate everything you are doing. Thank you so much ❤
I'm coming to this late. My son, now 22, wasn't diagnosed until 2 years ago, but was diagnosed with adhd at 7. We lived overseas, and autism was not on the radar so we never gave it a thought.We moved back to the US, where, fortunately, he got intensive OT services and in-school support for ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. I have come to feel I am ND, too. Thank you for this video!
My son is 4, born March of 2015... on the spectrum and my heart..... thank you for this, the emotions of it all, I feel like I have to be strong Mamma for all of the therapy, school etc.... I need this my son was fast at things and regressed as well.
I feel you mom. Whether your child has autism or not, motherhood is a very hard job. My toddler is out of control. Some days I feel that I am not sure how I am going to make it through the day, but I do or I ask for help. I feel you mom. I sincerely do.
In May, my husband and I rescued our two sweet grandbabies out of a VERY bad situation. My grand daughter, being 17 months, my grandson 3 months at the time. Both were severely neglected, my grandson weighing no more than he did at birth and literally on his death bed. There is a lot to that story within itself, but that's not why I come to comment. So, about 90 percent of everything you have said in this video applies to my grand daughter. She will be two next month and I am very concerned about autism. We have started everything moving, and she is currently seeing a developmental therapist, and today was her first appointment with the speech pathologist who said she believes she has some sensory issues and will refer her to also see an occupational therapist. She says less than 5 words. She doesn't flap, but.. she does spin in circles when she gets excited. She also head bangs, and I have caught her biting herself now several times. The thing for me is that, since she was pretty much ignored her whole short life, and nobody ever bothered to help her to reach certain milestones or work or play with her, or interact on any level.. it is difficult to tell rather we could be looking at autism, or if she is behind due to the environment she was in. She has done a lot of new things these past few months, because now she has people to engage with her and to help teach her. I have heard her sounding out a few letters, she has said a few new (half) words, but only a couple. The only things she said when she got to us was up and hi. She cannot communicate well at all, doesn't point or take your hand to show you anything, but, I have taught her to bring her sippy cup or bowl when hungry or thirsty. She did not want to be near my husband either, who she has known her whole life at first either, and there were some other little things that made us wonder if she had been sexually abused in some way. She will be referred to our children's hospital to be evaluated for autism upon our next meeting with the intervention folks so it's all moving along fairly quickly now. I am sometimes confused and disheartened by the whole situation, as I said, it is hard to know if it is truly autism or if the toxic environment she was in has caused this, but this whole video was almost as if you were talking about her.
I know this is an old video but just want to say I’m crying watching this. It is so emotionally draining and I am so glad someone relates. A consistent cloud of stress and anxiety weighs over me every single day thinking about all the odd things my 18 month old daughter does and does not do that I think may be signs of autism. I’ve reached out to an early intervention services to get her assessed but not having answers is killing me. She is my baby and I will love her no matter what. Yet as her mama, as her voice, as her advocate…I need answers - and I want to get her the help she needs. If you still talk to people about this topic I’d love someone to connect with.
I am going through the exact same thing right now - all of it. It’s somewhat comforting to know someone else is feeling the same things I feel, and that I’m not alone. How is your daughter doing now, 6 months later?
I am aunt to a 5 year old boy like your son. We went through the same emotions and heart breaking thoughts. You describe your son and I remember all these signs with our nephew. I hope your son progresses by the day. Thanks for uploading video diaries it supports single parents as well. Keep safe.
My boy is 17 months and pretty much behaves the exact same way as Dexter. I think I'm making my peace with it because he is a wonderful child and nothing would ever change that 💙 bless you for sharing this!
My 2 year old is EXACTLY the same. He is a goofy lil dude and I love him bunches. We are waiting for an Autism eval currently. We are also in speech therapy since he only has one word and its "yeah" but its more like "YEEeeeeeeaaaaAAH". He loves variation in tones and volume. He is also BIG on vestibular activities. Swinging and the trampoline are his faves. VERY sensory seeking. Very fun kid to be around. It will be nice to get some additional supports for him as he grows!
Oh wow that’s exactly like my son Judah, early on was super engaging and super advanced, used to look and smile at everyone then around 12 months he lost all words, he used to say daddy, green, 3,, 8, then around 13 months he just stopped and didn’t really say daddy until he was like 18 months.
hello, We've been down this road too. I felt all this emotions, i feel you! my son turned 3 in January and when i first mentioned the a-word to my husband he just turned 2. at that time i was 8 months pregnant. thats when our rollercoaster ride began.
You just described my son. I’m having him tested at his 2yr appointment. I’m beside myself with grief for my son even though we don’t know anything yet. He’s my only child and I want the world for him.
You described my son. He's 20 months old . He starts pointing at thing he wants. He's a good eater but everything has to be blended smooth. He hasn't been diagnosed yet. I'm subscribing to your channel. Sending lots of love 🙏❤
My daughter is the same, a good eater but needs to be blended smooth and she's 25 months. I hope your son is better now. Will have our first psychologist evaluation soon
@@revathyjayaprakash3316 she seldom points and she uses all her finger to point and she doesn't respond to her name. We will be seeing a child psychologist very soon and hopefully will start the therapy.
@@revathyjayaprakash3316 we had visits with psychologist and we already have the papers needed for psychiatrist. The psychologist said there's nothing wrong with her, she is just developing differently and therapy will help a lot
This video is incredibly powerful. Thank you for sharing the details of your journey and how it has unfolded thus far. My daughter is Autism Spectrum. Was developing normally - even early in speech - but one day we woke up and it was as if she had "lost all her words" she would no longer respond to her name ... everything that you mention in this video. We saw this happen suddenly at 18 months. Asked for help and was told- wait and see. We were unable to get a diagnosis until age three. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, it is deeply appreciated.
Christie @ ..this same happened to my baby boy at the age of 18 months and on 16oct 2022 he will be 2 years old boy.plz pray for my lovely son shashwata .
I watched so many of these videos but this video was the emotional for me. My son also did everything early or on time even said Ma at 7 months. Then around 11 months it seemed like he was no longer on target and seemed like he was not himself. No major changes happened or health concerns. So emotional
I cried too while watching your video. Gosh I’m currently experiencing the same with my baby, she is 19 mo. I’ve been overwhelmed and cried a lot. Thank you for sharing this video with us. I know maybe some of us feeling like alone through this time. But we are in this together. Be strong mommas & dadas out there 💪🏻 Tomorrow I have an appointment with a psychologist & speech therapist, following the pediatric appointment few months ago Wish us luck 🙏🏻
It's crazy, you are basically describing my almost 2 year old. We are currently receiving speech and language therapy and have been referred on for a peadiatrician. The "wait and see" is the worst thing. I understand why they say it, but its heartbreaking to sit and wait through. I'm really happy you have shared this, it makes me feel a lot more comfortable with it all, makes me feel like I'm not alone.
As a parent, even thinking of this is scared but you handel this you are super mom i am a father of two young babies but believe me you are 100 times brave then me we pray for you and dexter god is very graceful always faith on him and your faith will be won over this diagnose with the grace of god Because God can never see his children unhappy and helps them And we should also have faith and loyalty in God beacause he is only who has power to change everything does not matter who you are where you are in which situation you are But never lose your faith on god my english is very poor but my faith is very very strong so with the grace of god everything wil be cahnged believe me
Why? I have ASD and why would you cry for me? It's like you are assuming that I'm doomed. Why would you assume that your child is doomed? Why don't you assume that I'm blessed? I don't feel like I'm doomed, so why are you crying?
I'm watching this almost in tears. My son will be 3 in a couple of months and has just been reffered to a pediatrician and Sentas by the nursery literallyyesterday. My son is doing everything you are saying. Including the fact he is a HUGE mummys boy. We are in the very early stages at the moment. Gosh this video though really touched me
This video hits home. My son is 16 months old now & everything you’ve said I can totally relate to. We are in the waitlist to see a pediatrician. Thank you for this video ❤️
My son and yours sound almost identical. I'm in the process of getting him diagnosed, hes 2 and a half. He loves to spin anything especially car and truck tires from his toys. He is non verbal, he has never gestured or followed my pointing. He dosent notice people and seems to be in his own happy little world. Groups and loud noises dont bother him. I've had my concerns since he was about 10 months old. Hr hit some milestones such as walking, crawling etc. Its been hard the last few months realizing how much our lives are changing. Your video made me feel a sense of relief. Thank you for sharing!
I really needed this. My son is 2 and is at the level you have just described. We are on a long wait for the paeds and the speech therapy. I have never found such a similar description and the fact you're in the UK helps too. It's hugely affecting my mental health as I've been battling for months and months to be heard. I have known something was up since about 12 months. Please tell me it gets easier x
Oh Holly, I PROMISE it gets easier. My son is still so very delayed in speech and social skills but he is also ridiculously smart, loving, happy and just amazing. Speech is just starting to emerge but at a snail's pace. We're still more or less nonverbal but Holly he is interacting, he is following instructions, he surprises me every day! I can't tell you how far I've come in terms of the way i view autism and other developmental conditions either. Please take a look at my later videos, they might help you. You will get through this, and it will all have been worth it. Just keep loving and caring for your beautiful little boy like you are doing. The rest will fall into place.
@@akiramia5106 thanks for the very uneducated comment. It's more likely my Son has his special needs from the fact I had Eclampsia and he had to be induced a month early, followed by his heart stopping and then contracting sepsis... But thanks for attempting to guilt me. Sadly for you, it didn't work on this occasion. He's 6 now, speaking beautifully and top of his class in English and is working on maths skills far superior to his age group. Have a lush day.
Am joining in my son sound a lot like yours, he’s being observed at the moment. It’s just heart breaking it feels like I am loosing my son. I still hope for him to start talking and interacting more 🙏
My no oldest is 17 and he’s high functioning , bordering a genius . He was so ahead of everyone in so many ways . He wasn’t diagnosed until he was 9. It used to be called aspergers . My 15 month old is completely different . I’m devastated as I am pregnant with my third boy .
I think “affection” is a part of personality and not part of “autism traits”. My boy is also very affectionate. (He is 6yo now but at 18months was exactly what you describe except delayed motor skills). He hugs and kisses his little brothers, the first thing in the morning he comes to our bed for cuddles... And he absolutely loves social engagement (birthday parties, going to the zoo, restaurant, etc...) He also cries and laughs appropriately when watching cartoons. He comes to comfort brothers if they are upset. (It surprised me he was not diagnosed!)
I found your video very heartbreaking but very helpful. I never really knew much about autism. My son is just about 18 months now. Watching you was like watching myself right now as we speak. Im crying right now knowing the inevitable. He shows every sign you mentioned and I'm unsure how to handle this. I've been scared a while and everyone keeps telling me I'm crazy. He has gone to see the doctor and they say he's fine.
I know this is an old comment but my son just turned 2 and fits all of these things. I’ve spent the day crying and basically going through every feeling this video described...
My daughter is 20 months old, and I recognized about 95% of what you described. We are currently waiting for an evaluation, but the waiting list is very long.
I suspected my grandbaby girl that lives w us to have autism. But wasnt able to get a solid answer till she was 3 1/2. The pediatrician kept saying no.so never stop being an advocate for ur child.
It is crazy because I can recognise every single signs that you mentioned. I am sure that my son has got autism I am trying to get an appointment for an assessment but I am so sure about it ,at that point I just want it to be confirmed face to face with a professional... I am heartbroken , so many questions are coming to my mind. As you I didn't know that for a child to not point his finger to object or responding to his name and more...were red flags ...it's only now since I'm concerned about his speech that I started my research.. horrible feelings I don't know if I will be able to fight ..I am completely broken
Thank you for sharing. It sounds like you made this video based on my 19 mo old son. We live in Scotland and "wait and see" is all I hear from the health visitor and nursery specialist. Whether our son is autistic or just delayed, I want to get him help so his communication is easier. He can't even tell us if he's hungry or thirsty 🥺
He does a grunting/moaning sound...but doesn't cry often at all. He still doesn't speak a single word. I've been pushing with his medical team, and finally found a Swedish doctor at the GP's office who's bending over backwards for our son. He's 20 months now and on a loooong waiting list for a pediatrician, speech and occupational therapy. Hope you're having better luck with things.
My son is only 16 months but what you've described was literally is my son and I'm worried to death. He's very cuddly and has no problems of going public places. He used to says mama, baba, Dada and his name when he was baby and now he only says his name sometimes and I don't think he knows that's his name as he doesn't response when I call him. He doesn't point but he will bring me to toys that he want to play or door if he want to go outside. He loves spinning things and run around the house and the garden all day. I'm so worried 😟😟😟😟.
Between this video and our landing crews “early signs of autism “ video I’m absolutely terrified were facing this.... not 18months quite yet.... very nerve wracking few months before next health visitors checks 😥
I know EXACTLY how you're feeling but I promise you, regardless of how your baby is developing or how their brain is wired, it will be ok. It really, really will! It's good that you're on the ball and seeking support early, just in case you do end up needing it, but please don't forget to enjoy your beautiful child 😘
This is spot on with my grandson who’s almost 3. He was a normal baby and then once he hit 2 he completely changed. I’m really stuck right now because I don’t know how to communicate with him Esp since he won’t look at me and is always looking off into space. Doesn’t respond to his name. Never laughs or actually plays. There’s more but I’m just at a loss. Time outs for doing things he’s not supposed to just don’t work because he truly doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand being in time out and has zero reaction if you put him there and just continually gets up. Can’t tell him no don’t touch that because he doesn’t really hear you. I’m so lost. Any tips you could give me to communicate with my grandson better?? I would like to go back to taking him more often overnight but it’s so exhausting for me (I’m disabled) both physically and emotionally that I have been limiting the amount of time I take him. I could really use some help and nothing I’m finding online is really helping me with this. Btw his momma just finally told me that he was indeed diagnosed with autism. So I knew it was the case based on his behaviors but I didn’t have a confirmation for some time until now.
Firstly you sound like such a loving, devoted grandparent ❤ Secondly, I recommend joining some autistic-led groups and looking up autistic-led charities. The best people to learn from are those who have lived it themselves! Thirdly, I'd personally give up on the time outs. If he is still learning about cause and effect then it really won't help anyway and will just stress you both out for nothing. Redirection would probably work best. I would also really recommend getting down to his level and copying what he's doing. Reduce verbal instructions and cues as he might struggle processing those or knowing how to respond appropriately. Visual cues work best in my experience 😊 Have a look at some of my later videos. They might help x
My daughter is 19 months, and what you're describing sounds exactly like her behavior. I ended up here going down a speech delay rabbit hole, and now I have a few appointments to make.
B B just wanted to say my daughter will be 17 months on the 9th of June but no real words yet. Just lots of babbling. She doesn’t look in the direction I point but she will point at things if I give her a choice between things and she will point in books sometimes. I have been down a speech delay hole of panic and I’m mentally exhausted with worry. I made her an appointment today for a speech eval. If you want to talk or need someone to talk to just comment back and I can give you my email or Facebook. I know how it feels to feel alone in the worry and concern.
@@meganthemom yeah definitely. U can send me ur email adress. ill discuss with u in detail .I'm very worried as we don't know how long time it will take to get an appointment. It would be very helpful
This is me right now! My daughter is 15 months and she has regressed. Her appointment is in a few days and I'm leaning strongly towards autism. She is soooooo behind😑 When you cried I cried too😔
HairByKake&GrowItToo 83 I cried too. My son is 18 months now and I didn’t want to believe anything was wrong with him. We are waiting for him to get evaluated. How is your daughter doing?
I just wonder why getting help is so hard. The pediatrician didn’t help us at all... I had to practically beg for a referral for a speech evaluation. I decided to see a neurologist, I went to the school district myself to get my son evaluated. I had to figure out every next step on my own because there is no guidance and know one tells you about services to help your child. I am so thankful for the internet because without it I would have not been able to learn about signs, services, and other families going through this.
You are doing your best, ❤️❤️❤️ I wish my in law was like you :(. My niece is almost three and doing nothing at all. The parents are very in denial :( the poor kid is jsuy being neglect and putting it down as she’s just stubborn:( I saw the symptoms when she was very young and now she’s getting worst. Still doesn’t make eye contact, doesn’t respond to name, doesn’t follow instructions, doesn’t eat anything other than plain porridge, always lays down on her own. The list goes on :(
Sandra R unfortunately they are still denial about it. they were told to take her to the speech pathologist but they denied and said she’s doing okay. she’s just delayed. it’s not just the speech, it’s everything else that’s delayed 😩... she’s three next month. and still doesn’t talk. mimick and sing geberish words.
Well never stop being her advocate cuz I felt the same about my granddaughter and the pediatrician kept saying no.but then we found a school close by that tested her and say yes.and accepted her immediately. So good luck
My grandson has alot of these signs. He is 13 months. He loves spinning tires on his stroller and cars. Rare eye contact. He can run like crazy but no speech. He licks walls that have texture. He loves looking at the ceiling fan. I bought him a mini trampoline for his room and a ball that vibrates, no interest yet. He has to have Peppa Pig on TV. If he is playing in another room and Peppa comes on, he runs to watch.
