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[quote=Anonymous]I understand your worries, OP, but try not to freak out.  First step is to talk with your ped and see what approach to take.  Recognize that 50% of the kids DON'T have autism, even if 50% do.  And "developmental delay" can simply mean that the kid is delayed compared to peers, and if pointing is considered a developmental milestone, then if he isn't doing it, it's logical he could be considered "delayed."  But that doesn't mean he's ALWAYS going to be delayed or that this is something that can't be improved with therapies.

What is concerning and why this is considered a flag on the test is that toddler are typically engaging with their caregivers.  Usually this is through pointing but also through  trying to get your attention and make eye contact, which you mentioned was not where the test thought a typically developing child would be.  It sounds like he talks a lot -- does he make eye contact and try to interact with you?  Does he involve you in his play?  The main concern sounds like it's with this, and I would focus on talking with your ped about this -- putting it into context with the things he does do, as well as what he does not do.

I'm not saying that this is something your kid is doing, but some kids with autism have echolalia, which is the repeating of sounds they hear.  In babies and toddlers, it can sometimes seem like very advanced speaking because they are saying pretty complex things, but it is not speaking to communicate but more of a repetitive imitation of what they hear.  I don't get the sense from your description that this is what your kid is doing, but I just thought I'd mention it, as some people can be surprised if they feel like their kid is talking a lot.  I'm NOT trying to scare you.

Please, relax and keep doing what you're doing, and talk with your ped soon.  You'll feel better as you talk with more people and get more of a sense of the bigger picture from people with lots of experience with child development.[/quote]

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