Apples-- In your thread the other day I voiced my opinion that I did not believe your DD to necessarily be speech delayed, but I guess I was in the minority. I also believed that by its definition in the DSM IV a child with a speech delay could not be diagnosed with Asperger's. But, then I cam across this,

Asperger's and delayed speech

which claims 50% of kids with Asperger's were speech delayed. So, now I'm just confused. I really thought Asperger's was characterized by advanced early speech.

Also in the article linked above they mentioned gestures. I thought that might interest you.

Quote
Between 12 and 24 months, reasons for concern include a youngster who:

• has difficulty understanding simple verbal requests
• has trouble imitating sounds by 18 months
• isn't using gestures, such as pointing or waving bye-bye by 12 months
• prefers gestures over vocalizations to communicate by 18 months

Of course, then there is the new DSM coming out next spring that is supposed to roll Aspergers into a general ASD diagnosis. FWIW I did not like the blog post. I just took it as one individual's account of living with Asperger's. It is not diagnostic criteria. I'd much prefer to read the DSM.