I have a 25 month old with a speech delay, he is in therapy. he is very shy toward adults but loves kids his age. he doesn't have sensory issues or repetative behavior. what else should I be looking for?
How about eye contact? does he fixate on anything? does he have "melt downs" (fits that he can't seem to control?) the thing about autism is that all the kids are really different, I would take him to a clinical psychologist for an evaluation to find out so you can get him more help. at 25 months there is likely a reason he is not speaking (autism, apraxia, other disorders) and it is important you know what you are dealing with. no matter what the outcome it will make you feel empowered because you'll know what action to take.
If he is lacking in social skills (prefers to be alone, doesn't communicate well or at all), talks about things obsessively (even during a conversation), no eye contact, fails to respond to his name, appears not to hear you at times, resists cuddling/holding, unaware of the feelings of others (unable to feel empathy), speaks with abnormal tone/rhythm (use sing-song voice or robotic speech), repeats words/phrases verbatim but doesn't understand how to use them, performs repetitive movements (rocking, spinning, clapping), develops specific rituals/routines (and is disturbed by changes to these routines.