When you first suspected autism in your toddler, what happened next?
My now 2 year old (just turned 2, 5 days ago) is speech delayed. We set up an appointment with a speech therapist in January who gave us some coaching on how to help her start talking. She suggested that if not much changed by the time she turned 2, to make another appointment in May.
Well that appointment just happened today. She didnt improve much, maybe 5 more words and 5 more signs, for a total of roughly 20 each. She put 3 words together today for the first time (never said more than 1) and 2 signs together also for the first time today.
At the end of our session she said that my toddler is showing signs of autism. I'm honestly not completely surprised. I had a feeling but she doesn't have the "classic" signs I thought it would come with so I just kind of brushed it off (Like no eye contact sort of signs, she makes eye contact no problem).
She's very social, plays well with her friends (she already has 2 besties), smiles a lot, very independent, great fine motor skills, hit every milestone early or on time (minus talking). She loves spinning, lining up her little people in a line, needs routine (but not intensely), hates having dirty hands, hates loud noises (she flinches and hides her face).
The speech therapist explained to me how she got to the conclusion of autism but honestly it's all a blur. I have a hard time absorbing information sometimes. Thankfully she is going to send me a report so I have it written and in front of me later down the road.
I'm not really sure what I'm looking for here, as this is very very early and new for us. Any insight from someone who has had a similar experience would be helpful I guess. I'm in British Columbia Canada, I'm sure that makes a difference when it comes to advice or explanations how certain things work going forward.