Anyone have an autistic child?

[LaceyKeo]

Sorry for flooding the board.


After looking through a load of stuff and putting a bunch of stuff together, I'm wondering if my son may be autistic.

I know the only way I'll find out is through medical professionals, and it's pointless worrying until then, but still...

He's hit most of his milestones around about where he should have (generally on the later side but still within where he should be).
Except for talking, which I posted the thread about yesterday.

He walks, runs, eats his food with his fork, will find his shoes when asked to, will clap and "yay" at good things...

He also barely talks, won't take a cuddle unless it's on his terms, is limited with eye contact, flaps his hand when he gets in a strop, stands rocking side to side, is always flipping any light switch he can find...
There were about five other things on an "is your child autistic" checklist thing.

Just wondered if anyone else here has any insight/experience? Xx

 

[Staceylou27]

Hi, I work with autistic children and the things you met boomed are typical of a child with autism. That doesn't mean he does have it though.

Autistic children are very structured and like set routines, they struggle to cope with change. They have to do things the same way each time they do it. Some autistic children do have some speech but most communicate using makaton and or a form of sign language. When a child is unable to communicate this is when negative behaviours will Be seen.

How old is your child? Typically they won't diagnose autism until 5 years old.
It may be worth learning some basic signs to help your son communicate his needs, even if it is not autism he needs a way to he able to communicate with you. Objects of reference always work really well to.

Also the rocking motions, flicking lights on and off are a way to meet their sensory needs. A child with autism has more sensory needs that other xhildren.
It may be worth going to a sensory class (if you don't already) or introduce things that are sensory for him to play with. Light up/ flashing toys, musical instruments, regular trips to the park to play on swings and roundabouts.

Could it be that he is just a late developer?

I love my job and working with the children brings such rewards, there are many levels of autism it may be that he only has traits.
I would try not to worry and continue doing what you are doing to help him develop.

I hope this helps a little

 

[LaceyKeo]

It does, thank you.

I should have said, sorry, he's only two (couple weeks ago).

If I take autism out of the mix, he could very well have problems hearing. He holds his left hand up to his ear quite a lot (only for a second at a time). Last night, I was snapping my fingers beside his right ear, and he reacted. Snapping by his left gave no response at all, not a blink, nothing. I did this at various "attention" points, to see if he was just too engrossed in something else but, each time was the same result.

He could also just be a late developer, for sure.

I have very little frame of reference for either children, or autism. He could be totally "normal". All my speculation is personal opinion and google-checked.
I won't know anything until I see the doc, I know that...

I have heard people say that autistic children (once they actually learn how to express it) are very affectionate.
If he does even have it, it's mild I'm sure, traits more than full-blown.

Honestly, if he does end up with autism, it changes nothing other than the way I approach things with him... Just wanna get him the help he needs.

Thank you for your reply xx

 

[Becibelly]

Hi Hun, my oldest son is now 6, he has autism and I must stress that he is an absolute delight he showed early signs and deep down I had a suspicion that something wasn't 'right'. He was an early walker, ate well etc etc but his behaviour concerned me. He always had to be in control from as young as 18 months, he had awful meltdowns, he had fixed interests, very little speech. He started diagnosis process aged 3 in nursery and it took just over 6 months to official diagnosis. He could not speak and was very frustrated. With lots of help he started speaking sentences aged 4 and now he doesn't shut up! Things have been tough for him with so many challenges including anger for some time. He doesn't find it easy but things have improved considerably and he is so much fun. He is also extremely loving to everyone he meets.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that it may be worth getting an opinion - if he's in nursery they have access to educational psychologist. If not then GP is first point of call. It may be something else entirely.
If I can help with any info feel free to message me, I've been through the process and emotions! I can honestly say hand on heart that there have been times that have crippled me but I would not change my boy for the world. He is awesome! I now have a 3 month old son and may well have to go through the process again. But I love them both with my whole heart xx

 

[Staceylou27]

That's great beci that you got an early diagnosis.

They are very affectionate people when they have the tools to express how they feel and learn how to communicate In a way that works for them.

 

[lisey]

My son has autism also, he is a lot older at 13. If you have concerns I would contact the GP or health visitor. Early diagnosis and interventions are key with autism. My son was a little under 3 when diagnosed and I worked in a playgroup for several years up until recently and professionals are very keen on early interventions.
Some of the things you wrote do sound familiar in regards to autism but the first thing they would do is a hearing test as that could be the explanation for it all. Children with autism can absolutely be affectionate, I have always said I don't think its accurate when they say 'most' children with autism are not affectionate, my son has always been in autism specific schools and I would always see children run to their parents, give big hugs etc. My son has severe autism but is so cuddly and lovely, he doesn't like to see me cry. He is my absolute world xx

 

[CharlotteH24]

My older brother has mild Aspergers Syndrome and at 24 he still has issues dealing with the diagnosis, I think a lot of that is to do with Aspergers not being a known condition until the 1990's and he was born in '91. He was diagnosed at 4 years old after showing signs of autism, he was obsessed with zoo animals which then progressed to dinosaurs and now music. He struggles to go into a shop and buy things so now does his shopping online. He's incredibly smart and was predicted top grades in his A levels but he struggled to apply himself and my mum struggled to motivate him to revise too. Saying that, he's the first person in our family to go to uni after he failed his A levels, did a course in something completely different before doing a college course in what he's doing at uni now. His main issue was/is that he can't focus on one thing for too long, it's like his head is too busy to focus. When he is focused on something there's no way of pulling his mind away until his own brain let's him.

I'm not sure what help is out there, perhaps things like speech therapy eventually. My brother ended up ahead in everything but struggles with conversations. Definitely get him seen to and express your concerns, the worst they can say is to work with him for a few more months and see if he catches up or bring him back if he doesn't.
I wouldn't worry too much, you could do with a diagnosis before school though as it could make his teacher's and his own life easier. Either way nothing really changes, as long as you and your family love him for him then that's all that matters.

 

[LaceyKeo]

Hey ladies, thanks for all the support

I've got him a health visitor appointment on Wed, and a doctors appointment on Fri. I'll definitely be pushing for a hearing test, and checking for tongue-tie as well. If that all comes back fine I'll definitely push for a check for autism. Xx

 

[kumber]

Lacey, this had just popped up in the related threads to my autism thread. Did you ever get a resolution?

 

[Kitten1991]

My brother was diagnosed late with autism, from what i understand each autistic child is different.

Generally they don't like loud noises, social occasions.... My brother has been homeschooled for the last 6 years because he couldn't be statemented because he was too smart. However he has just been accepted into college at aged 15 to do a full adult media course .

It is best to speak with your GP if you have concerns that your child may or may not have autism and they will be able to refer you to the correct people.

 

[Blueclass]

Hi I work at a school for kids with additional needs. I definitely agree the earlier a diagnosis the better. Intervention is very important as some children get older they can begin to be controlling and don't like change. We see this alot! If you start early they can teach him how to use PECs or use makaton.