Possible autism ??

My son initially presented with a speech delay of 6 plus months, so Early Intervention assessed him further. He did end up having autism (he had a handful of small symptoms) and once he turned 3, he qualified for a special preschool at no cost. It has been an absolute game changer and such a great environment for him. Reach out and see what resources you have in your area because these people have been SO supportive, which is always appreciated.

I know we aren't supposed to say these sorts of things, but I did have a time of grief mostly because I was so worried about his happiness and how this could impede him socially etc. Will children be unkind to him? Maybe, but kids can be mean to anyone anyway. Sometimes it is hard when we are having *a day* or *a moment* and the people around you, like at the grocery store or at a theme park, look so judgemental. It took time, but I just ignore those people. I am not letting some ignorant strangers get mad that my child is in public, kid friendly places being loud.

At this point, the only thing that bothers me, and I will say it REALLY bothers me, is when people who don't have any experience with this offer suggestions to "correct" behavior. We had a friend visiting who kept asking "why does he make that noise? Have you tried XYZ?" I know she meant well, but she has absolutely no idea how many hundreds of hours we have spent with all kinds of therapists and behavioral specialists. In her mind, I was being a lazy parent I think, but she didn't realize what we battled to even be at THIS point in time. I actually cried at one point, but I just had to remember she has no idea what we all do as parents.

not speaking (still waiting on first word, its only noises and occasional babbles), hand flapping with excitement, looking out side of eyes regularly, absolute meltdown to the point of vomiting if getting hair cut, guiding my hands to something rather than pointing, used to wave but not waved in many months now, when having a tantrum will spin in circles, fussy eating (I'm aware this is probably normal though, mainly beige foods) and sensory issues with food eg doesn't like crumbs from toast on fingers and not always reaponding to name. That's off the top of my head just now.

thank you SO much for your honesty ❤️
I'm doing a self referral to speech and language to see what they say first and hopefully can let me know if I'm just being an over worried mum or if there's more investigation needed and who to turn to.
I've had some moments when my LO is scream crying basically in public and I'm usually OK dealing with it, but some days are easier than others. Especially if you get advice like you say - that must be difficult, especially if you didn't ask for any!
It sounds like your doing an amazing job ❤️

That sounds great! Sometimes it is hard to hear what they have to say, but in the long run, your family and your child will be better for it. I would just say in those moments of fit or tantrum, please do not worry about anything but you and your child. Everyone else can get TF over it, plus your anxiety will only grow if you think too much about the eyes on you. Those people don't know your life, they don't pay your bills, this is all none of their business.

I feel like for a lot of people, growing up we were seeing such a negative light on autistic folks, so I think that stuck in our brains unfortunately. But autism isn't a bad word at all, I actually feel like the more I openly say it or talk about it, the less "power" it really has. I hope you feel that way in time as well. That is very kind of you, I really appreciate it. We are all doing the best we can what what we have after all ❤️❤️❤️

It sounds like sensory processing difficulties. not being able to tolerate different textures, picky eater, making his own noises in excitement or to drown out the background noise. Do go for occupational therapy assessment first before you go for speech and language. If the child is not regulated due to sensory overload, it would be difficult for them to attend the speech sessions/ assessment.
Happy to guide you further in case you need any help.
Oh and i am an OT myself that’s why I am suggesting above based on my experience.