My 23 Month Old Doesn't Understand Me...among other things...

Veena - posted on 10/31/2012

Thank you for your encouragement.........I pray everything goes well with my lil one and your son. I will keep posting the updates.....

Katie - posted on 10/31/2012

Oh I see you are in Canada. I live in Wisconsin. In the US they have early intervention that gets paid for by each state. It's set up for anyone who has concerns over speech or development of any kind. Not sure if they have something like that by you, but it sounds like the OCTC would be a good first step. I felt the same way you did. It has been a long year or so for us, but know that you will eventually feel better about it no matter what the outcome is. It is natural to be worried. There were many sleepless nights and crying sessions. If you get stuck on a waiting list (which we are on a 2 year wait list for autism therapy), do what you can to get started on your own. I did a lot of research. If you are able to get an iPad, they have some wonderful apps. Speech with Milo is a good one and proloquo2go. It can get expensive, but we held an online fundraiser to get my son his iPad. Flash cards are great. We also joined a local support group, which has been very helpful. It was very stressful in the beginning, but I think that even without the therapy my son would have started talking and understanding on his own. Just do the best you can to support him and let him be who he is. The rest will come with time. It is much better when you accept him for who he is and have a game plan for whatever you think is best for your family. Good luck to you and I wish you the very best as well. Feel free to message me anytime. We are still in the beginning of our journey as well, but I have come to find it's all about your attitude towards it! :) There are still days when I feel sad and frustrated for him, but try to stay positive as much as you can and know you are not alone.

Veena - posted on 10/31/2012

My Pedi refered us to OCTC (Ottawa children treatment center) and they sent us form to fill and send them back based on that info they will call us for interview or something like that, but nothing yet anybody diagnosed till now but you know as a mother i am just trying get as much info as i can. where are you located? and i don't know how to get into speech therapy. I think i am in shock and over reacting for everything. I have older one who is 5 and very smart. I wish very best for you lil boy and hopes everithing works good for him.

Katie - posted on 10/31/2012

at first they called it PDD-NOS, but with the new system of diagnosis they just call it an autism spectrum disorder and he is labeled as mild to moderate on that but border line moderate to severe. My son did not understand much of anything for a long time. It is truly my belief that they will start to work it out on their own as they grow and mature and when they are ready. Are you in a birth to 3 program or early intervention program? You don't need a diagnosis for those services and you will be able to get speech, a teacher, OT, and PT if needed. It was just in the last 2 months or so that my son started talking and understanding more. There is still a long way to go for us, but he starts early childhood through public school next month when he turns 3 which I am very excited for!

Veena - posted on 10/31/2012

Hi Katie,



If you don't mind can I know what type of autisn spectrum your son is? My son repeats all the words we say but I don't know how much he understand, he understand well bye, no,where is the ball, come. go,sit like that stuff but he can't understand if I tell bring the ball or pick it up and give to mom like that simple commands.I am looking lots of help from doctors and all. sorry to bother you. he has his ear test appointment in Nov and all the follow up, we didn't get evaluation for him yet.



Thanks

Veena

Katie - posted on 10/29/2012

Hi Veena,

My son was finally diagnosed with autism shortly after his 2nd birthday, however we have come a LONG way since then. He has started to talk and is understanding a lot more now. He is a wonderful little boy, and the best thing I have come to realize is just to love them for who they are. If you feel like you need more therapy or support do your research. There is a lot out there and it comes in many forms. If your son doesn't have a diagnosis check out 2nd opinions because a lot of times it is the diagnosis that will qualify you to be able to have more therapy options. Don't get discouraged. I felt horrible for a long time, and the second I allowed my son to be who he is, that's when I started to feel better and that's when my son really started to thrive. Good luck! It will get better!

Veena - posted on 10/29/2012

Hi Katie,

My Son born on Feb 05, 2011 and he is four weeks earlie and he sounds exactly like you son prety much same. since your son is a year older than my son, I would like to know how he is doing now in understanding and does he has any problem that you may suggest me and I am going in the feeling how you were and this really painful. Please help me and hoping I may get some help from you.



Thanks you..

Anne - posted on 08/27/2012

Is there anyway you can post an update? I need to find hope. You described my son's behaviors almost exactly as well as my feelings. I pray everyday for him and hope it will get better.

Sarah - posted on 11/17/2011

Thanks for the encouragement just hard at times.Nice to know other mums are going through the some problems i am xxx

Katie - posted on 11/17/2011

Yeah I know how you feel there. I hate trying to explain things to people. Most of the time they don't get either. Even family members. My son is having trouble figuring out how to chew as well so most of his food is still purees or cut up extremely tiny. I hate letting anyone babysit because no matter how many times I tell them he can't chew, they still seem to try and give him pretzels and big bites of food. I just want to be able to enjoy my son instead of always worrying about doctors appointments, therapy appointments and what other people think and do around him. So frustrating! Oh and same to you. I am always up for chatting!

Sarah - posted on 11/17/2011

I so know what you are going through.My son also isn't walking yet so i have to do the speech therapy and physio.He is standing up and walks when i hold him but i think he is being lazy.Frustrates me as when i go out to play groups or mums group i get sick of explaining things to people and i am so protective over my little boy.Every day i use these play cards with letters on them and on the back they have the animal of that letter.If you ever want to chat to someone going through the same thing just message me....

Katie - posted on 11/17/2011

I do have my son in speech therapy. I feel like he hates it though. He doesn't understand what people are saying to him and I think that frustrates him even more. I feel so bad. We had an MRI on Monday. Everything was normal. Still awaiting results on blood work...

Sarah - posted on 11/17/2011

I know how you feel,my son will be 2 in december and isn't talking yet.He says some words and points and looks at things.i take him to speech therapy which helps and he really enjoys it so maybe you should try that as it might help

Nicole - posted on 11/14/2011

Don't feel sad for him: he has a wonderful, caring mother who would do anything for him. Answers will come, for now just enjoy being his mum as he will only be this young once. Hope you find your answers soon!

Johanna - posted on 10/26/2011

I am so sorry for what you are going through! It sounds like you are doing all the right things. You have him in therapy, are following the recommendations, and searching for answers. You love him unconditionally and will always be there to support him. There is nothing more you can do!! Hang in there and just know you doing the right things. Hugs!