Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

Nope. I hate when people say ‘DR doesn’t think it’s autism because...’
Either you are full of junk or he is.
MANY children on the spectrum are loving, affectionate, & look you in the eye. If those are the autism hallmarks you are using, either get a new doctor or stop inventing them your Dr said.
This possible journey is long & tough. Stuff taking & inventing junk science. It’ll make things easier

Pretty defensive, aren't you? These are descriptors my doctor used to tell me why he didn't feel my son was not autistic. Loving, social, good eye contact, great joint attention, easily read people's faces and emotions. Multiple followup tests showed he was correct.

Did he get assessed for autism at a place like KKI or Childrens?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The ADOS is not going to be accurate on a child with this profile at this point. Just like the doctor said. I have no idea why people here think this test is the be all, end all.

I would get the MRI and actual medical test that could shed light. Doesn't sound like autism at all, frankly.

?? The ADOS has a module for non-verbal toddlers. Not sure why you say that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

Nope. I hate when people say ‘DR doesn’t think it’s autism because...’
Either you are full of junk or he is.
MANY children on the spectrum are loving, affectionate, & look you in the eye. If those are the autism hallmarks you are using, either get a new doctor or stop inventing them your Dr said.
This possible journey is long & tough. Stuff taking & inventing junk science. It’ll make things easier

Pretty defensive, aren't you? These are descriptors my doctor used to tell me why he didn't feel my son was not autistic. Loving, social, good eye contact, great joint attention, easily read people's faces and emotions. Multiple followup tests showed he was correct.

Anonymous wrote:The ADOS is not going to be accurate on a child with this profile at this point. Just like the doctor said. I have no idea why people here think this test is the be all, end all.

I would get the MRI and actual medical test that could shed light. Doesn't sound like autism at all, frankly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

Nope. I hate when people say ‘DR doesn’t think it’s autism because...’
Either you are full of junk or he is.
MANY children on the spectrum are loving, affectionate, & look you in the eye. If those are the autism hallmarks you are using, either get a new doctor or stop inventing them your Dr said.
This possible journey is long & tough. Stuff taking & inventing junk science. It’ll make things easier

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

Nope. I hate when people say ‘DR doesn’t think it’s autism because...’
Either you are full of junk or he is.
MANY children on the spectrum are loving, affectionate, & look you in the eye. If those are the autism hallmarks you are using, either get a new doctor or stop inventing them your Dr said.
This possible journey is long & tough. Stuff taking & inventing junk science. It’ll make things easier

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

My son has autism and is extremely affectionate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

Nope. I hate when people say ‘DR doesn’t think it’s autism because...’
Either you are full of junk or he is.
MANY children on the spectrum are loving, affectionate, & look you in the eye. If those are the autism hallmarks you are using, either get a new doctor or stop inventing them your Dr said.
This possible journey is long & tough. Stuff taking & inventing junk science. It’ll make things easier

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

Anonymous wrote:My 17.5 month old has significant developmental delays. He’s not walking, still not pulling to a standing position, has not one word and most troubling is he doesn’t know how to play. He’s been in early intervention since he was 9 months old and he was recently evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. The doctor ruled out celebrating palsy and was also baffled by my son. Despite having significant delays, he has above average stranger anxiety. He is however very attached to me and DH. The doctor said he doesn’t think it is autism as he is very attached and affectionate with us and has very good eye contact. He recently did some genetic testing ordered by the neurologist and they came back normal. The neurologist suggested getting a MRI but we are hesitant as he would need to be sedated. His PT is also baffled and doesn’t think it’s autism either. Of all his delays, she said the most worrisome is the lack of understanding about the concept of play. He doesn’t wave, point, nod or shake his head. He can babble. The only thing I can think of is intellectual disability. Any thoughts? Does it sound like he had this?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: OP, I want to encourage you about the MRI-my dd was delayed similarly (but not as much I don't think) as your ds. She had an EEG and an MRI.

I was so worried about the sedation, but the procedure was at a leading children's hospital (I'm not local) and went really fast and smoothly. In our case, the MRI ruled out brain issues which was a relief. DD was eventually dx with mild ASD, not saying that is what your ds has but just saying that was what turned out to be her case. She has typical IQ (she's had a neuropysch eval).

In the meanwhile while you go through all this (it takes a long time it seems) I think the therapies are the best thing. Regardless of whether he ends up dx with ID or not, the therapies will help him develop.

so the MRI was pointless. does not really support getting the MRI.

again, unless doctors can point to a suspicion of something brain-based that will a) show up on the MRI and b) change the treatment, you don't do an MRI.

PP here. The pediatric neurologist, in a highly-regarded childrens hospital, recommended the MRI after dd's EEG, based on results and exam. I'll go with the doctor's expertise on this, not Dr Random-on-internet, thanks

On what basis did they recommend it? Presumably the EEG showed seizure activity or your child had observed seizures. In that case, yes, MRI is generally (but not in all cases) indicated. Sometimes the dx of epilepsy can be made just with the EEG and seizure. With focal activity they recommend an MRI, but we actually still declined it. Our pediatric neurologist at a "highly regarded children's hospital" was fine with that. It was the right decision for us. Whatever brain abnormality they found was not going to diagnose him or change the treatment, and we knew that the MRI carried risks of the anesthesia as well as incidental findings that would be over-treated.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: OP, I want to encourage you about the MRI-my dd was delayed similarly (but not as much I don't think) as your ds. She had an EEG and an MRI.

I was so worried about the sedation, but the procedure was at a leading children's hospital (I'm not local) and went really fast and smoothly. In our case, the MRI ruled out brain issues which was a relief. DD was eventually dx with mild ASD, not saying that is what your ds has but just saying that was what turned out to be her case. She has typical IQ (she's had a neuropysch eval).

In the meanwhile while you go through all this (it takes a long time it seems) I think the therapies are the best thing. Regardless of whether he ends up dx with ID or not, the therapies will help him develop.

so the MRI was pointless. does not really support getting the MRI.

again, unless doctors can point to a suspicion of something brain-based that will a) show up on the MRI and b) change the treatment, you don't do an MRI.

PP here. The pediatric neurologist, in a highly-regarded childrens hospital, recommended the MRI after dd's EEG, based on results and exam. I'll go with the doctor's expertise on this, not Dr Random-on-internet, thanks

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of kids cant do those things at that age. Your day care teachers are not being realistic. A child under two should not be pinging with a brush. I would do the MRI at this point, personally.

Please don’t mitigate her concern. You may think you’re being reassuring but you’re gaslighting her into believing her very valid concerns and her knowledge about her own child are wrong. They are not. Kids can play and point and speak and move at this age. She is right to be concerned and right to be proactive. EI is critical at this age and people saying “lots of kids don’t talk or play or walk until 4 and then they’re in AP in high school” do parents and kids a disservice by convincing them to wait and see and waste that precious time.

No one is mitigating the concern but the preschool teachers are not being developmentally appropriate to think that age can paint.

And if you have read the OP you will note she has other standalone concerns and is only using the preschool teachers’ observations to substantiate her own worries. Holding a brush and being able to swipe it across paper is something kids this age can do. I would hand my kids paintbrushes with paint on it and let them do this at 11-12 months. No it’s not sophisticated painting but it’s a gross motor skill and he can’t do it in addition to other gross motor skills that children his age should be able to do.

Great yours could, mine could not.

Nor can OP’s and it worries her AND the teachers ANDS the doctors seeing him.

A young child not painting with a paint brush is not to be concerned. Not walking and babbling/starting to talk, yes, but painting is a bit absurd to worry about given the situation.