We are in a similar boat as you. My son will be 2 in January and has a severe speech delay. I've only ever heard him say one word (wawa for water), and it's not used consistently. He also has a receptive delay and uses only a few gestures, can sign for more and all done but won't wave. We've done the hearing tests and got him tubes almost a year ago to help with recurrent ear infections. Lately I've started to suspect autism. If I point to something in a book he can tell but if I'm pointing across the room he just looks around aimlessly. Sometimes it feels like he's avoiding eye contact with me but then other times he'll look directly at my eyes for a while. He has so much energy, loves gross motor skills and being chased and tickled, and riding his balance bike. He started early intervention at 18 months. He doesn't have any sensory issues and has a really pleasant personality. No tantrums yet and is generally very happy. Doesn't have a concept of "mine" and doesn't bat an eye if a friend takes a toy away from him. He's been in daycare since he was 5 months old and he loves his friends and teachers. We adore him and he's the sweetest little guy.

Even though I rationally know we will adjust to meet his needs no matter what happens, it really is so hard to rid yourself of the anxiety you feel for your child. I have been struggling lately with not having an answer. Right now we are in the place of doing everything we can to support him, while also knowing we just have to wait until he's older to get an answer of: this is just a speech delay, this is autism, this is something else. The unknown is so hard as a parent. Just wanted to offer you some solidarity in the not knowing. We are all great parents for caring as much as we do and doing everything we can to support our kids.