3 yo boy delayed speech...oxygen deprivation @ birth

[hippieluv2001]

Hi, my 3 yo boy has been having trouble with speech and social skills. I have been dealing with Help Me Grow and have tried speech therapy, which he refused to participate in. I had his hearing tested, which he passed with flying colors. My next step is to get a referral to a neurologist.
He can speak in full sentences, but only at his leisure. He now will give us hugs, but only when he wants a hug. He makes eye contact, but again it is at his leisure. I know he hears and understands, but he doesn't usually try to respond.
When I was in labor with him, his heartrate dropped into the 30's and 40's for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, during delivery, his heartrate again dropped into the 30's and 40's for about 10 more minutes.
Could his heartrate dropping (due to cord compression) have contributed, or even caused, his delayed speech and antisocial behavior? If so, what could be wrong and who would I take him to to find out a diagnosis for treatment? Does this sound like Autism to anyone else? I don't want to make it worse on him by taking him to a neurologist for testing if it isn't something that I should be concerned with. Any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated. We have been dealing with this issue for about a year and a half now. I need to figure this out. Thank you very much!

[Dr. Joshua]

Hi- thanks for your question. I definitely recommend that you take him to a pediatric neurologist. From your description I cannot say whether these issues are caused by some neurological condition or are just part of his individual personality and development, the fact that you as the mother are concerned is sufficient to warrant an examination by a child neurologist.

Keep us posted!

[hippieluv2001]

Who diagnoses autism? I have repeatedly been told by many people that he seems autistic. There are waiting lists for nearly a year and I can't wait that long. So, who might I take him to to get a diagnosis to deal with the situation properly. What are all of my options?

[Dr. Joshua]

I think your best option is to first discuss the matter with your local health care provider. Talk to his primary care physician, and see what options are available for you locally. If you can, arrange for a meeting with a child neurologist. Autism is diagnosed and treated by pediatric neurologists.