Dexter 2 year update! Toddler autism concerns, speech delay and developmental progress

[@robincall6041]

My wife and I are noticing these things that you mention as signs with our 16 month old granddaughter. Our daughter is very private and doesn't talk about any of this so it makes it awkward for us to talk about to her and her husband. But what I want to tell you is, you do a awesome job putting your message out there and without being overly technical. Your a natural in front of the camera and its so easy to follow all the things your talking about. I wish you and your son the very best and I can't express to you how your style is really cool.

[@PlantsandPaints]

I tear up when You talked about the moment when he started pointing things. It must have been such a joyful moment!

[@NurturingNeurodiversity]

Ah thank you. It really was! He had been absorbing so much all along and I didn't even realise he was listening to me or understanding anything I said!

[@mrs.stocky2445]

My son had some early signs and I went through the heart break and fear you describe in your other video. He's been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and I can honestly say the diagnosis gave me a direction. We've been working hard with therapists for a year now and he's showing less and less signs now. Your videos are so encouraging because you obviously working hard to support him and still have such joy in being his mom! My little boy is my world, struggles and all.

[@WAW1129]

Thank you for your video post. I am a grandmother to an adorable 28-month-old boy. Your videos are quite accurate to what I have experienced during his early months. Although he has not progressed to where Dexter is at 28 months, he has not received any help yet. Unfortunately, I feel that my son and his fiancée are a bit in denial. They can see that certain milestones have not been achieved, but they are holding onto the fact that there is no true diagnosis at this time. I believe they are learning about expressive issues, but they are not being forthright about where he is at in his development. My son was in the gifted program growing up but was challenging on so many levels. Today, I would say he is quite narcissistic, so I have to be careful not to insinuate anything that may sound negative or questionable about my grandson's development. I want to study on my own so that when I spend time with him, which is about every other weekend day, I can help him in any way possible. Your videos are helpful. Thank you for being transparent and genuine. 🙂

[@amytodd2202]

I am so happy I have stumbled across your videos. I have a 14 month old boy and as a first time mum I've felt like I was doing so much wrong or I was seeing signs that weren't there and others have tried to rule out saying all babies develop differently etc. it is unbelievable how many "red flags" (hate that term) that you mention that my LB also displays. Especially the no gestures and the spinning and focus on wheels of toys. I'm speaking with our HV this week but I am delighted to at least now feel equipped with more knowledge to discuss what I feel my boy needs going forward. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@rebrock67]

I have a grandson that will be two in April and was born six weeks prematurely. He does not speak other than saying dada. He attempts to say mama, but it is a struggle for him. He will not respond to his name except when we are playing hiding games and say, "Where's Maston?" and he will pop out of the curtains or wherever he is hiding. He walks on his tiptoes, spins in circles, or will fidget with his hands a lot. He loves music, but especially instrumental music with no singing. He is super sweet and a happy boy that loves to be cuddled and would live outside if we would let him. His parents have not suggested anything is wrong other than he isn't speaking, so I have done my own research and feel he has ASD. Should I approach his parents or allow them to come to the conclusion on their own that he needs therapy? I know no one wants to hear their child needs help, but I would rather him get help now while he is very young than wait till he is school age.

[@greatestsportslegends]

Love your honest, genuine, thoughtful and insightful videos. Our 40-month old sone, William, was recently diagnosed with ASD. Now our ASD journey begins. Videos like yours are very reassuring. Thank you.

[@NurturingNeurodiversity]

So lovely of you to say, thank you! Ah, don't worry - you've been on this journey since he was born, you are already an expert on him ;-) It's definitely a different parenting pathway, but not a lesser one. Don't forget to enjoy him, these years go soooo fast.

[@aryakaushalgupta2618]

What is the progress now?

[@greatestsportslegends]

What an incredible journey. And his speech is remarkable... He still slurs a little when speaking quickly, but who doesn't? LoL Interesting is that his French and Croatian is crystal clear. In part because he slows down to pronounce everything well. Loving this journey with him.

[@our.beautiful.life.]

You are incredible mama. Good job! 🌻🌺

[@leanneb9841]

Glad I found this, sounds a lot like my son. His 29 months and still doesn’t talk. Speech therapy starts on 3rd June I’m hoping this helps him.

[@heenafalak8420]

Please tell me sister...what is the speech update of your child

[@SimplySecondhand]

My daughter waves to herself too. The more I hear some differences and see differences the more I have a gut feeling

[@gingersnap3024]

Wow, he sounds gifted ❤️

[@mahletlemma9704]

wow this is much helpful I look at his first video and I knew that I was not alone my son is 2 and half years old and He is much related with Dexture , thank you this is much helpful

[@choccypops]

It would be great to have an update on the lovely little Dexter? X😊

[@ameliabarnish9135]

He sounds so similar to my daughter it's crazy!

[@Vgallo]

My son probably responds about 20% of the time, although many of the times he’ll look us in the eyes, i would say he looks us in the eye 50% of the time.

[@jennymeister]

Hi, so glad I came across your videos!! I have a 15 month old son (also called Dexter!!) and watching your previous video was like listening to our Dexter. Even down to rolling his tongue! What a quirk lol. I have my concerns that he may be on the autism spectrum but like your dexter, he displays positive signs too. He has zero speech though and I don't really envision him speaking much anytime soon. Please update when you have update, I find it reassuring, I feel like as of right now my Dexter won't ever understand or speak anything xx

[@NurturingNeurodiversity]

Hey! ah I'm so glad this video has helped you! I can't believe your son is called Dexter too!!! Honestly, I was exactly where you are when my Dex was 15 months, I was so SO worried and upset - it was all I thought about - I couldn't eat or sleep properly. But I promise you your little Dexter will surprise you! I'm learning that having a child on the spectrum is nothing to fear anyway - they're just a little different and need a bit of extra help in some areas. We still don't have a diagnosis for our son yet but he has made yet more progress since this last video (including the very beginnings of speech which is super exciting). You son is still so young, please don't do what I did and miss out on enjoying the baby phase because you're too busy worrying and analysing his behaviour. I will upload more videos soon but it will all work out, I promise you xx

[@jennymeister]

Dextraordinary! You're so right, I already feel myself missing out on him being just him, I feel like I'm analysing every single behaviour and thinking about the future 24/7!! Doesn't help that I'm a massively worrying anxious person anyway!! I am totally ok with him being on the spectrum, and I've talked myself into the idea, I just want to make sure I get help early and obviously as of right now my biggest fear is that he'll never speak. That's amazing news about your Dexter too though with speech!!! I'll cry the day I hear some words!!! I also love the name dextraordinary!! I may have to use that now haha!! Xx

[@butterflies0826]

My son was just diagnosed with Autism. I am lost and cannot wait to start Occupational Therapy and ABA so that I can find out what to do.

[@valeriegolightly]

ABA therapy has been shown to actually cause/worsen comorbid disorders in neurodivergent children later on. The general premise of it is to stop or divert their coping mechanisms without true consideration to the necessity or benefit of the coping mechanisms (i.e. stimming). Think of left-handed people being trained to use their right hands because of the thought that left-handedness was unhealthy. It's the same thing. Remember: don't try to change your autistic child, try to work WITH their unique needs and skills. The only behaviors that NEED to be diverted are actually harmful ones.

[@sriz1191]

Google Nemechek Protocol

[@valeriegolightly]

@@sriz1191 1) Mental disorders are genetic and you can't change genes with diet. 2) the description of that book refers to childhood mental disorders, as though adults don't have the SAME disorders. We do, and we don't lose it or develop it later in life; it just can get diagnosed later. If there is any benefit from diet on SYMPTOMS of mental disorders, it's not a cure, but rather treating other comorbid (occurring simultaneously) health issues, allowing the body to work better and therefore affect the person's quality of life.

[@JuniorsbigWorld]

Thank you for sharing your sons story, it's beautiful how you talk about his progress I'm having my daughter evaluated in a couple of weeks she's 22 months old she doesn't respond to her name and some other signs that you shared going on with her, I will let you know how it goes

[@daniellewills8335]

How’d it go?

[@JuniorsbigWorld]

@@daniellewills8335 she hasn't had her doctors appointment It was moved to April 20th due to COVID issues at the facility

[@mattersfingers]

Where is your original channel please. I can only find this one . Are there more videos of dexter doing these things

[@ladyvesicapiscis6908]

The more videos I watch the more I realise this is what I'm going through. People have mentioned little things but I just thought he'd grow out of things. I feel helpless at the moment. I feel like I'm just completely failing my son. I don't know what to do.

[@janecureton7175]

Beautiful little boy 💙

[@nikhilsriwastaw5837]

Hello mam can u upload Dexter progress video

[@beautyforeverlove18]

Hello I would love to know any updates as I’m going thru the same thing and I need guidance. My son is 18 months and has the same signs I’m absolutely heartbroken and lost.

[@NurturingNeurodiversity]

Please don't be heartbroken, it will be ok, I promise. Your son is so young, he has so much time to develop and grow into the beautiful, unique little person he is. With time, support and love, everything will be ok - better than ok - regardless of whether he 'catches up' or goes on to receive a diagnosis. Sending love.

[@NurturingNeurodiversity]

p.s. Dexter's 3 year update has now been uploaded

[@kalyanich6114]

Nurturing Neurodiversity Hi can you please make a video about behavioural issues

[@kalyanich6114]

Nurturing Neurodiversity Can you please Make a video about how to control sensory issues

[@haleyharrod8592]

Hey! You may have mentioned it in one of your other videos but I wanted to know if Dexter had any type of asymmetrical crawling when he was a little guy? My son is 15 months old with a very noticeable speech delay. He engages with his peers but finds other ways to communicate with them. Here in the US we have a program called Babies Can't Wait and my LO was evaluated last month. They equated his receptive and expressive language to what you would typically see in a 10 month old. It was very disheartening but I am coming to terms with there may be more to his speech delay than what has been discussed thus far. When my LO's crawling was atypical. Meaning one side of his body would crawl "correctly" or "typically" and the other side the leg was tucked and he would drag it. He now walks and his balance and motor skills are fantastic. At this evaluation, they equated his motor skills to what you would typically see in a 3 year old. He points at things when he is interested in them but isn't really concerned if you are interested or not. He babbles a lot and has drooled since he was 4 months old excessively. He also had acid reflux terribly as a child and now has a huge food aversion especially to things that are not crunchy. The only thing he will really eat and love is appelsauce that isn't crunchy. I have to work to get him to eat other things.My pediatrician doesn't seem to be concerned but as a mother I feel there may be something else there that just isn't right. He also doesn't wave hey or bye and the language he had he has seemed to have lost. He no longer says mama or dada. He will, however, mimic me when i give him something he always says thank you or when he hands me something he says here ya go. Now, these words are not clear bye no means but you can tell that is what he is trying to say because that is what I say to him. Either way, we begin speech and feeding therapy next week. I was just wondering if you had any feedback to the symptoms I have described above. I would love to discuss them with you. Signed a scared and concerned mom :)

[@Vgallo]

Be interested to hear how things have progressed for you? It’s a very difficult time around 15 months, particularly if your not getting answers and have no one to reassure of the positive outcomes , my son is 21 months and doesn’t have a lot in common with your child, apart from the drooling, so I’d be interested in finding out what your inquiries revealed? I also just read your comment and felt an overwhelming sense of empathy for the stage you were in, I remember how difficult it was for me and I at least wanted to leave a comment just to give you some support, I know it’s largely meaningless, but I just felt I needed to do it, although still very interested in hearing what you’ve discovered in the last year.

[@lxighviolet]

My son is 13 months now and he has showing the same signs as Dexter when he was 12-19 months as I've watched on your another video. Though he doesn't cover his ears. That's the only thing my son doesn't do. I am looking forward to your next videos and also thinking about having my son get checked by a develomental pediatrician.

[@nathanchoi3763]

Do your child look at the eyes and faces of the speakers in his ipad?

[@112r]

I wonder how such a baby would act out in a daycare? will he be comfortable there or not?

[@mariap9707]

Hi. I am going through the waiting period too as my pediatrician told me to wait till the summer as my 19mo is showing some signs of autism. A question i wanted to ask is did your son ever point? As my daughter does point on very rare occasions like if she sees a bus in the road etc but not if she wants something and this is one of the things that concerns me the most

[@nadiakhan6824]

Hii Maria im also worried about my 17 months old. She does point only to lamp when we ask her for 4 5 times she does once or two. Doesnot response to name but many times when we say stop dont do it she does follow. She does follow simple instructions like throw paper in bin og put clothes in machine. We are on waiting list. Did u get evaluation? Plz answer

[@mariap9707]

@@nadiakhan6824 Hi. My Ped did tell me to wait until the summer and i have an appointment in June. She made a lot of progress in the past 2 months. She has nearly 50 words, tries to repeat whatever we say and points to literally everything now but still doesn't follow where I point most of the time and that does concern me. She names most objects but still doesn't follow instructions like put the plate in the sink which is also concercing but she picks up toys when i ask her to and also goes to switch on the smoothie machine when I ask her to so I would say it's very positive that your 17mo is doing these things. I'm still worried but we did make a lot of progress.

[@nadiakhan6824]

@@mariap9707 Thank you for ur reply. She has just started saying mama but not specifically to me only says it and looks at me and husband as we also repeat it and hahaha last day said nana .before she use to point when we ask her now she points most of the time to lamp and if we ask her she does it at once. We are waiting to get appointment. My concern is she doesnot respond to name but if I say liya don't do it she understands. She is not obsessive with anything but I'm very confused

[@LooneytechBoy]

my son is over 3 years old and he is way behind ur son :(

[@vittal3]

Hi , A concerned dad here, although my Wife is in denial as she keeps saying our Son is too young to be diagnosed. My Son is 24 month old and he has all the things you have mentioned for Dexter. He doesn’t speak at all.. He doesn’t point he doesn’t wave he has poor eye contact. He also sticks his fingers in his ears. He does understand somethings like when I say “No” he stops.. if we ask him to put something in trash can / dust bin he will do it. I got really worried and I have stopped all of his TV time. He does give me eye contact when I sing his poems, but doesn’t mimick. Some times he does when he wishes.. I want to know how did you help Dexter to point and wave at things that he wants. My Son right now pulls his mom if he wants something or brings his glass over for water or stands in front of kitchen sink and make noise for water.. I want him to start with pointing and waving. Can you help with the basics. It breaks my heart I don’t know how I am going to survive this.. my Boy has two elder sisters who are beautiful and I do notice he usually isn’t interested in playing with them. Can you help me in setting me on right path. I want a normal life for my Son where he can feel and enjoy everything ..

[@NurturingNeurodiversity]

Oh you sound like such an amazing Dad. With you on his side your boy will be just fine, trust me. Please don't assume what comes out equals what's going in either. Your son probably understands far more than you realise and even though they don't show it in typical ways, autistic individuals often feel emotions and experience their environment far more intensely than we do, so don't worry about him being 'numb' to his surroundings or family or anything like that :) I can think of two videos I've done that might help answer your other questions... one is called 'is our nonverbal autistic son starting to speak? Communication progress at 3.5' and another is called 'one vital rule for autism parenting' or something like that (i don't remember exactly. Good luck and try not to let the worries stop you from enjoying your beautiful son. Xx

[@shaunalea823]

Hello I hope you don't mind me chiming in. First of all I know all those feelings as well, my son is 7 and was diagnosed when he was 3 I too was in denial. Even if there is nothing wrong i don't think it would hurt to mention your concerns to his dr, depending on where you live they should point you all in the right direction. I know it's overwhelming and there us a process and it's true every child does develops differently, but he will be ok bc he has people that love him. If he qualifies for help they can give you tips also the internet has great advice, but then again remember your child is unique.

[@payalPatel-jg9fy]

@Adil gul, hi,My son is 2 year old now and he is doing exactly same as your son, can you please share how is your son doing now. As I am very concerned about it.

[@payalPatel-jg9fy]

How your son doing now?

[@berry719]

@@payalPatel-jg9fy how's your son now?

[@leeanncrowe761]

Where’s Dexter?

[@staceydalziel905]

My son is a lot like dexter. He is 4 in December and speech is not great he tries with word but not clear to other ppl. He didn't crawl until he was 15 months and walked at 23 months. He still runs off, doesn't understand emotion. He loves trains trains and buses. Knows nearly all thomas characters. He knows his numbers up to 40, knows his colours and shapes. He has no pretend play. He doesn't interact with other kids. He doesn't play with little sister but wants to be around you. He loves youtube videos of people playing or whatching transport. He not long started copying actions. Hates loud sounds and busy places puts hand in ear. We are still awaiting diagnostic. Scared that he will be left out with peers and has no friends I dont think he knows what a friend is. It's hard because he cant speak his behaviour isn't great as cant tell us what is wrong. He doesn't eat well and doesn't like food. We know he is somewhere autistic spectrum. Think it's hard in public when people stare at you when my son Oliver had a meltdown and then assume he is bad. Any update on dexter?

[@Samantha-gm8kv]

What an annoying thing for the doctor to say when not all autostic toddlers are the same 🤦‍♀️

[@esamuxaxita]

Any updates?

[@NurturingNeurodiversity]

Hi Vanessa, I've just posted Dexter's 3 year update video :)

[@vanyazheleva9082]

Try EmCell clinic in Ukraine. They help lots of children with Autism. I took my son few weeks ago and he straight away stopped spinning the washing machine, which he would do normally for hours. He started having very good eye contact and started pointing to objects and saying more words. I lived most of my life in the United Kingdom and I know no doctor can help him. Fetal stem cells is the best you can give your child with such condition.

[@LooneytechBoy]

i know every kid is different But man i am getting lost here