Autism....

[karlilay]

Wondering if anyone could help me really. The HV is coming on Wed to see Zach. He has issues, and always has, but I think iv maybe been in denial.

I have asked his preschool teachers weather they think he has something wrong and they reassure me he is fine.

Just wondering if anyone could share some traits. I have awful health anxiety and I don't google. So I darednt start looking at autism.

Things with him are... :
He was late walking because he was terrified he would fall. He still hates anything unsteady at age 4. He won't go down a slide or go in swing.

He is so so fussy with food. He is ok with breakfast and lunch, snacks type stuff, but at dinner time all he will eat is chips (that I make at home) beans, pizza (new thing!) carbonara and Spag bol.
I do him things like hot sausage rolls for dinner. And cheese with is Spag bol etc.
He will also eat nuggets, but only the ones from Mcds.
He hates strong smells.
And loud noises.
But he speaks well, he loves to play with others, he is very empathetic and kind, and he is such a good boy..

I feel like my heart is breaking

 

[annanouska]

Smells and food issues can be a sensory issue which can be part of ASD, or an issue just on its own,more just normal fussy toddlers.mthe fact he socialises well with others,mood language ands empathy is really encouraging. What issues is is u are worrièd about u say he has a,ways had issues? The unsteady thing and not falling again may be sensory or just personality x

 

[Starry Night]

Your guy sort of sounds like mine. My boy just got an autism diagnosis a few days ago.

BUT

Before you become afraid, I think the fact your son's preschool isn't really concerned is a good sign. My guy is friendly too, but once his doctor and the specialists alerted us to the possibility of autism we noticed key subtle differences. He loves other kids but doesn't really play WITH them. He is usually jumping and running around them but not really interacting or he is playing AT them, is in their face, etc. He is very cuddly and affectionate but it's only on his terms and is usually in response. He doesn't initiate. He also has language delay and most of his speech is repeated phrases from movies.

I have anxiety issues too so I can understand the fear. As the previous poster said, it could just be personality. It's normal for toddlers to share some traits with autism. People I know are having a hard time accepting my son's diagnosis because "all kids do that". It's how pervasive the traits are.

Hang tight and let us know how it goes on Wednesday.

 

[karlilay]

Thankyou. Just wrote a really long response and it got deleted.

He is good with speech, I think he needs his adenoids out as he talks through his nose a lot. He likes kids, but he does tend to play on his own. Saying that, he is always playing WITH his sister, today they were army men... He also plays with my nephews well too. In the garden and on the trampoline especially.

This morning I cut my finger and said 'ouuggghh' he came running in and asked, 'what happened? Are you ok mummy?! He also spilt his sisters cereal yesterday and she cried and he wa mortified and in tears because he had upset her. He is always affectionate, he loves a cuddle, and kiss.

It's just the sensory stuff that puzzles me. He hates too many kids, he is just so so nervous of everything. He's so gentle. I really just want him to come home
With a bit
If a grazed knee or something. He also hates cold and wind. So while all the other children are outside at preschool he stays in. He is really weird about going to the toilet anywhere. Even home. He holds it until he is bursting. He probably only
Goes one or twice a day.

 

[alibaba24]

It sounds like he may have some sensory Issues which have every chance of just being outgrown. my 5 year old still isnt keen on wind.. she seemed to be most sensory age 3-4 now shes growing away from them. the public toilet nightmare still persists though and this is actually common in alot of kids.

the fact his language etc is good is a big positive

by the way my daughter was being sort of assesed for autism but they are not taking the testing further now as they dont see anything to indicate asd. so It can happen that kids have sensory issues without being on the autism spectrum. try not to fret and enjoy all the great things about your son x

 

[Cattia]

Hi, I remember you from baby club and the toddler section! You might remember that I also have terrible health anxiety issues too, and am also worried about my son right now who is about the same age. I posted a thread about it the other day. His issues are different, he is 100% a sensory seeker but I too am really scared about possible ASD. Like Zach, my DS talks well and he is very social, his pre school have no concerns about him but I know he has sensory issues. It doesn't help that because of my anxiety my DH just thinks I'm being neurotic.

DD used to have a lot of sensory issues at that age that she has largely grown out of too. She used to freak out in public toilets because she was scared of the dryer. She loved parties but then when we got there would just cry because she was so terrified of balloons bursting. She also hated sirens and even loud motorbikes, and she still hates fireworks but the other stuff isn't really a problem for her any more.

I am not really sure whether to go any further with DS in terms of testing, I had considered getting the HV involved too. I am scared of getting him labelled but I also think he maybe needs OT to deal with his sensory issues. I would be really interested to know how you get on.

 

[karlilay]

Hi Cattia! Of course I remember you too, congratulations!

My Madi was the same too, my goodness, she was terrified of people. She would close her eyes and cry everytime my mother in law came, the whole 2-3 hours she was there. She also hated loud noise, and I really worried about her starting school. BUT school has really brought her on, we've had a few issues where she didn't want to stand on stage and do her Christmas play, but that was in Reception, and year 1 she's really changed.
I'm really hoping that's what happens with Zach. I have spoken to all three of his preschool teachers and none feel I have anything to worry about, but then in the same breath they tell me he won't go outside with the other children. And he imitates them inside and runs around.

Yesterday was a big one for us, we had his hair cut, which he hates, because of the hair that falls on him, but my sister actually managed to use clippers on his hair yesterday!! Which is massive!! And he spent most of the day in the garden on the trampoline.

I have th HV come round and then a doctors appt for his adenoids I wil let you know how it goes.

 

[Cattia]

Yes I remember Maddie being so nervous, how great to hear how she's come on. School has been really great for Abigail too. Do let me know how you get on. I was thinking that once I have this next baby the HV will come round so maybe I will mention it then. Good luck, he sounds like a gorgeous little boy and I'm sure things will turn out fine xx

 

[veganmama]

sorry i know this has nothing to do with your post, but i remember a loooong time ago you posted about how you were worried about your son's pronounciation and my Lo is now 3 yrs old and doesnt pronounce well at all but i can understand him. just wondering when your LO started pronouncing so others can understand him 100%