Autism - Windsor,CT

lots of kids flap. But re. the language delay, I would contact early intervention about that. Language delay is a common symptom of autism, but it's also it's own thing as well. Best to address that so you can give him the support you need.

If he is diagnosed on the spectrum, PM me, or visit my website - autistikids.com My little guy was diagnosed at 4, had some speech therapy for a few years, and is going into 3rd grade next year (age 8). Mine is SUPER social, but awkwardly social ;)

Arm flapping and lack of language are pretty common for a child under the age of two.

i flap my arms sometimes when i'm excited.
and despite the copious amounts i type on this site<G>, i'm not super verbal.
and i'm not autistic.
don't google stuff your pediatrician hasn't brought up. the internet is not always our friend.
khairete
S.

If your pediatrician isn't worried then you shouldn't worry.
Our son didn't talk much until after his 2nd birthday and then it was non stop chatter chatter chatter.
Before that he was listening a lot and drinking it all in.
Little did we know that he'd soon have an opinion on EVERYTHING.
He even did a little flapping thing with his hands (when he wanted me to come over to him, like "hurry up Mom, you gotta come see this") because we both knew what it meant and he didn't have the words to express it.
But after 2 it went away because it was easier to say "MOMMY, COME HERE!".
There's a wide range for what passes for normal.
Read up on some child development books so you know what's typical for the age/stage your child is in.
I think too many parents worry about autism when they really have no reason to be concerned - they just don't know a lot about early child development.
Based on what you describe, your son sounds fine and wonderful!

This sounds normal to me. Lots of kids don't talk much at this age - usually it's because they are doing other things. Same as walking early vs. late - the latte ones are doing something else early. I wouldn't give this another thought - although I know you will.

Keep exposing him to different situations and stimuli. You can take any action (arm flapping, language, gross motor, fine motor….) and google it, and scare the pants off yourself. Don't torture yourself. Your kid sounds great.

What does your doctor say?

stop reading up and enjoy your baby

call early intervention. They will assess him for free and provide services if he is behind. There is really no reason to delay calling if you have any concern at all.

ETA: I urge toy to call now. Eearly intervention serves end at age 3 so you want him to the ball rolling on case he does need services.

Why did u say he was delayed over all? ???....work with him on going up stairs left Foot, then right foot the way adults do....have him crawl through tunnels made of couch cushions. ..using both sides of the body help develop both sides of the brain...
Turn off the tv. Get him out side running around..talk to him about that you see.. and give lots of cuddles.

As mamazita wrote it is difficult to say anything at only 21 mos of age.
I have some ideas and thoughts but I will refrain at your sons young age. When us your sons birthday? Personally, at this age I would watch and see. (IM me if you have any additional questions)

You are too worried and not paying attention to toddler development guidelines. Your child is not autistic. You are hyper-focused on the arm flapping.

As far as speech development goes, there is a lot of "space" they give children less that 24 months in this. If your child isn't talking, then what he needs is a speech and language evaluation at 24 months. Get a referral to a team of speech specialists (a children's hospital is a good place to start) and have it set to be done right after his 2 year birthday. Your medical insurance will probably pay for the evaluation.