My (m36) son is 2 yo, and most assuredly on the spectrum. Flappy hands, spinning, repetition, sensory overloads while eating with hands leading to food throwing and smearing, organizing, then throwing, then reorganizing toys, mostly non verbal (we've achieved 10 words I believe by last count) sleep issues, etc. I could go on.. but I won't. We recently had his 2 year check in and we knew it was important because of the delayed developmental "milestones" from the moment the pediatrician walked in I could tell she saw red flags. She even told us to stop trying to wrangle him so she could watch is enviroental interaction. PED worked at an autism center for 15 years earlier in her career and legally all but confirmed that he has it. She gave us the info for contacting diagnostic and treatment locations near us (STL, Mo) and for MOs therapy and treatment program to bring speech and behavioral specialists into the home. This is where frustration (further) enters. We contacted the three centers that are covered by our insurance. 6mo, 13mo and 18mo wait list. So we contacted the first steps program to at least start therapies, and they claim no diagnosis needed to begin program, but when we called they said they won't send anyone to the home without a diagnosis. We have been stringing ourselves thin with emotions, sobbing days on end at this, afraid that we are losing precious time in his development. I just bought a house last November, my first, and am financially strained to say the least.. as well as mom (f34) being on spectrum and high anxiety, and me being primary breadwinner, we aren't equipped to handle development and care on our own. Am i incorrect in thinking that the Peds should have given us a direct referral.. and that she should have known that? I am worried for his proper social and personal development while waiting around for a diagnosis. I am also on spectrum and have genetic diseases and ailments I haven't been focusing on to put my energy into my beautiful little boy Aspen, and I just want what's best for him, but feel like this waiting game is me failing him daily.