Hi, My 3y9month old son has been diagnosed with low muscle tone by a speech therapist. He has delayed speech (which is improving), is not interested in potty training, is fussy with food, cannot dress himself or take shoes on/off and runs with ‘floppy arms’ on his tippy toes. However he is very bright.
He knows196 countries, where they are on the map and their flags. And he knows anything to do with Planets. He is also very sociable and loves scootering everyday with a gang of friends.
We are Australian but live overseas and I’m not sure who to turn to for help. Previously I’ve been told to just be patient but my husband and I are at our wits end especially as we have to get him into school soon. He currently goes to Montessori 5 mornings a week in a very small class.
Has anyone had similar? I’d really appreciate some advice.
Development delay in 3y8m Boy
Development delay in 3y8m Boy
Posted in:
Baby & Toddler, Milestones
6 Replies
Honestly some of the things you said resonate with me as they are what my nephew presented with. He was ultimately diagnosed as high functioning autistic. He’s 8 now and he has some quirks but in all honesty a random stranger would not know that he was autistic.
You didn’t say what country you are living in but is there pediatrician or specialist of some kind that you are seeing? My nephew was diagnosed at around 2-3 so it is possible to receive a diagnosis at a young age. Could you organize a trip back to Australia and have specialists appointments booked in?
Sounds very familiar. We have 5.5 year old with ASD and DCD (development co-ordination disorder). He is extremely flexible, clumsy, and low muscle tone. Things like writing are so difficult because he simply doesn’t not have the muscle strength to do so. He still struggles to dress himself, cannot click in a seat belt, use a pc mouse etc. but he’s an extremely fast runner, loves scootering and like your son has been assessed as having above average intelligence. Seek help from a qualified and experienced occupational therapist. I understand your anxiety about it (mine is in overdrive thinking about school starting). My OT and physio have been the biggest help. He objects loudly to both because they are difficult but it is necessary.
Is it really a bad sign that he isn’t interested in toilet training, fussy eater and can’t dress himself yet?
My boy didn’t do ANY of those things either and literally refused to until he turned 4. When he turned 4, I swear it was as if a switch flicked and he decided he wanted to try going to the toilet (aced it) and part and parcel with that, dressed himself. Fussy eating, what normal kid isnt fussy?
I’m not trying to disregard your worries but could possibly be nothing to worry about. Please follow your instincts and get him seen to because you’re worried. But also know, it could just be the norm for your boy and he will change as he grows more
He sounds a lot like me as a kid (minus the potty bit).
High functioning autistic.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question. I will have him assessed with an OT soon but in the meantime, I’ll stay patient and dish out the cuddles 😊 He was assessed for autism previously but maybe they missed something.
Those things are pointers for ASD but what defines ASD is the way the brain thinks. You havent mentioned any of that everything you've said is muscle/motor related. Would definitely get him seen as you have numerous concerns already.