Developmental Delay and Minor Characteristics of Autism Concerns...

I think Suzi is right...I've worked for social services in Georgia (where, basically--your cousin is also your brother). Lots of clear autism there...signs were usually seen early (I frankly think it's over diagnosed). You can't judge one 2 year old from another. 50 words is no longer the "requirement", as all children are different. I know a child who cuddled, kissed, giggled, made eye contact and had everything done FOR him...he didn't talk until he was 3...he's 6 and perfectly fine, doing well in school and some sort of advanced "belt" in karate. His mom, my best friend, went and had a speech pathologist work with him at 2 (all states have early intervention services, they are in-home and free)...by 3 1/2, the kid wouldn't STOP talking.
There are no red flags here...sounds like a pampered kid who's got to start working for things...and didn't have to before. Like the other mom said, not trying to be rude--but take solace in the fact that his preschool teacher is probably not educated in the matter...usually, that type of education is done with teachers (like pre-k and up). She probably doesn't know what she's talking about. However, I WOULD have early intervention services in the home to determine if there are issues and what to do....
Does anyone else here remember that there wasn't "autism" a few decades ago...now it's "the diagnosis of the century". To be honest, it's quite rare...numbers of TRUE cases vs. suspected made autism awareness jump and say 1 in 150 (it's more like 1 in 2500).
Please don't worry--take this in stride, and having someone in to work with him now will get his speech going...fyi, he's probably thinking a lot, but without words--whining and having a fit is about all he can do to express himself...

I've run into a lot of children like this in my 22 years as a provider. Usually, these children really frustrate a lot of providers. I really wish people would have more patience. Children develop at very different rates. I don't worry about it unless it becomes way more obvious than what you are saying. I really don't. In most cases the children will come around on their own in due time. I think he's a bit young to be seeking a lot of help unless you are seeing other behaviors that are concerning.

My oldest daughter was easily frustrated as a child and she grew up very normal. There was a time when she would freak out if any stranger said even a word to her. I never thought she would be okay in school or public and she hated anything like childrens church etc. She came right out of it though and I ended up wondering why I ever worried.

Does he choose a sound, a button on an electronic toy, or any action that he does over and over? Does he sit near others and watch what they do but play entirely by himself? Even that can be fairly normal at his age though. Can he look at you and make eye contact?

I am sure that early intervention can be extremely helpful. It's just that I have seen a lot of children and parents that have been lead down a very annoying path of doctors, counselors, medicines, and so many interventions that in some cases the children can't deveop normally because too much is being done. If you want a child to develop within the range of normal, the best way to make that happen is to treat them normal and have high expectations with a lot of patience.

When you mentioned he doesn't point to objects to me that is a red flag.Babbling do you know what he is saying he should have at least 50 words or more in his speech.I say this because I remember at Parents as Teachers how they would do their screenings they always asked how many words can my children say and I want to say by 18 months at least the timeline is 50 words I could be wrong but it is yes something to look into.DO you take your son reguraly to a pediatrican or family dr.Has there been any concers yet mentioned if not since he will be 2 he's due for a well child check up make a list and ask these questions you'll be set up for additional screenings or therapy.I don't know the exact website but there is one for Autisim Speaks you'll find good information also going to www.parents.com www.parenting.com www.babytalk.com www.americanbaby.com and do a search you'll find loads of information but not for an actual diagnoses.

We all worry sometimes about children doing the things that they are supposed to do and usually it turns out to be nothing. If you are really concerned, take him to your local school district and have him evaluated by someone who is not only well trained but deals with these kinds of problems on a regular basis. Not only will it put your mind at ease, but they will be able to give you valuable information to help you fix any problems that might be there.

My son hardly had any words at 15 months and we started speech therapy at 18 months. I'd never used a speech therapist before then and in hindsight, the first one we had was not as good as later ones we've used. You may try another therapist. Another person may have better strategies for getting him to do more "speech" things. Can you ask First Steps for someone else who might be a better match for such a young child?

I have the same problem - I try to baby my youngest son too often, just because he's the baby, I guess. Also, you may just be so used to doing certain things for him that you forget to take it up a notch and let him start to be more independent, especially when it's easier to just do things for him. We all need reminders every so often just to check in and make sure we're on track.

Address you concerns with your pediatrician or a specialist. Go with your gut and get peace of mind.