you have to remember that some dr's are alarmists, i definantly dont have autism, but i barely said a word till i was 2. i have no problems with my hearing or speech, i was simply very well taken care of with a very controling older sister lol. if he has alot of contact with a nanny who's whole focus is on providing for his needs he may not have the need to communicate very much as she provides with very little prompting. that was what happend in my case.

When in doubt seek a second opinion, there are some dr's who will say oh no everything is fine, and some who will automaticly go to worse case scenario, hunt around and find for someone who you are happy with and who seems to take ur concerns seriously without seeing problems where there are none..

Well of course you are stressed and emotional who wouldn't be with news like that!! But maybe he was just preparing you for the worst cause a lot more would need to be done to know for sure!  There are a lot of reasons from ear infections to stress and on. Just work with him and do all the right things you are doing.  You are getting him help and doing all you can.  You may never find the reason but you are working in the right direction. I wish you the best!

I agree with all the others. There needs to be lots more than one visit especially when your child is asleep. Also when he makes progress with the Speech & language Therapist/pathologist you may just see a completely different reason for his lack of language. Often children with pure language problems and no autism can present the way your little boy has.

Take heart honey, no diagnosis is set in stone and you just need to keep working and playing with him now as you have started too.

All the best xx

You need a LOT more than just 1 session and I don't think a Pedia can diagnose something like that anyway - they can only recommend an evaluation if they suspect that's what it is. Definitely get a follow up evaluation with a speech therapist to start with and see what they recommend. You'll probably be seeing a bunch of therapists and undergoing multiple evaluations before this is done, but hang in there! You're doing the right thing for your son and however it turns out he's lucky to have a mom who's so dedicated to helping him.

To be honest a Paed can not diagnose Autism. They can tell you that you child has factors of it. to have a diagnosis you need a session with a speach patholigist, as well as a child shrink. This takes a good 2 hours to do and then a few weeks for a diagnosis.

A child deveolps at their own pace and he might be one of these kids that refuse to do certian things until they can do them really well.

good luck