• Replies 1 reply
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 48 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Early signs of autism in low support needs adults? Freaking out before assessment.

sommersunshine

Hi guys! I'm thinking about getting assessed for autism and the main part I'm really hung up on is the early signs. I didn't really seem like a very autistic baby, but started showing lots of signs by age 4. I was a sensory seeker as an infant and had a love of spoons where I would hold them and look at them. I also used to cry when I couldn't express my ideas, as I was a slightly late talker but was still within the normal range. By age 4, I had strong food sensory aversions, was referred to an SLP for pragmatic communication issues, had very literal communication, struggled to make friends and understand social rules, was a diagnosed sensory seeker, and had black & white perfectionistic thinking. I also had chewlery & was stimming by then as well. 

However, I was great at imaginative play, and would often play with my brother. I was a bit bossy at times and would complain that the other kids were doing it wrong but had good play skills in general. For example, I would yell at my brother for passing the ball the wrong way or would yell at my dance class when people turned the wrong way. I was also very hyperempathetic and personified my dolls. I had to put them to bed because I couldn't handle them being in a box.

Also, I have always had great eye contact and have always been affectively expressive. 

  1. Is this enough early developmental history? Or I guess has anyone been diagnosed with this type or amount of history? I'm worried about wasting my money if I won't qualify. 

  • Hey, no worries—your history sounds pretty classic for a lot of late-diagnosed folks, especially those who "masked" or flew under the radar early on. You're not wasting money; this is enough to bring to an assessment. Let me break it down.

    DSM-5 (the main guide clinicians use) says symptoms must be present in the early developmental period—think toddler/preschool years, not necessarily babyhood. But here's the key bit: they "may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities." Meaning, stuff can simmer quietly until school, friends, or life ramps up. No need for obvious infant red flags—like poor eye contact or no babbling—if things kick in by age four.

    Your stuff?

    • Sensory seeking as infant (spoons obsession, looking/fascinating) → that's straight-up Criterion B: unusual sensory interests.
    • Late talking + crying over ideas + pragmatic issues by 4 → social communication deficits (Criterion A), literal style, SLP referral.
    • Food aversions, black-and-white thinking, perfectionism → repetitive patterns (B again).
    • Stimming, chewlery → motor/sensory stuff.
    • Struggling with friends, bossy rules in play, yelling at "wrong" ways → social rules and flexibility issues.

    The imaginative play and doll-personifying? Not a deal-breaker—many autistic kids do play pretend, especially if it's structured or solo. Bossiness often ties to needing control, not lack of empathy. Hyperempathy (feeling dolls' "pain")? That's common too—autistic folks can feel too much, just express it differently. Great eye contact and expressiveness? Some mask it well, or it's not a core deficit for everyone.

    Lots of adults get diagnosed with similar: subtle early quirks, then boom—toddler social/sensory hits. No infancy drama needed. Clinicians look at retrospective reports (your memories, family input), current traits, and how it impairs now. If you're struggling with overload, routines, or relationships, that's what counts.

    You're good—go for it. Assessments aren't "pass/fail"; they're about understanding yourself. If worried, jot down examples (like spoon fixation) and mention masking. Want help prepping questions for the assessor?