I hope I am posting in the right place. It's my first post here and I'm just looking for some support (I think!).
Basically, my son has just turned 4 and I've had concerns for a while but havent been convinced until I wrote it down. I asked for our HV support over a month ago now and haven't received any so I went to the GP instead.
Here is a list of most of his quirks:
*clothes becoming 'scratchy' (this is new, and not frequent)
*dislike of being dirty/messy, finger painting etc is out of the question
*Dislike of having hair/nails cut - needs a lot of preparation & discussion, role playing, tears, arguments etc for him to sit in the chair & screaming. Doesn't matter where we go, whether it's scissors or clippers etc
* strong dislike of foods based on texture, appearance, smell, proximity to other foods
* did have delayed speech, SALT discharged at 3yo, used to use makaton but now very rarely. Still has some very immature speech sounds. Struggles for new people to understand.
* extreme shyness
* limited eye contact, will avoid if at possible. Will only hold for a second at most
* physical violence displayed when frustrated
* extreme reactions when told 'No' or asked to do something
* dislike of people in personal his personal space, but no awareness/consideration for others
* strong feelings of possession (over people and objects)
* lack of empathy/remorse
* routine obsessed, doesn't respond well to unpredictable change
* repetitive behaviour - actions, food, questions
* no ability to grasp subtle humour
* specific interest in trains/trucks/cars/machinery etc
* no understanding of consequences
* noticeably different behaviour (more control, becomes introverted rather than explosive at things he doesn't like etc) at nursery/in sole care of grandparents. If myself or his Dad are present he will lash out
* meltdowns
* dislike of unfamiliar noises such as hand dryer or other people's hoovers.
* bossy play - his way or no way. With younger & older brother alike.
I spoke with the GP & she agreed that the signs do point to ASD and has referred us to a community pediatrician. I just don't really know what comes next, what I can do in the mean time, who else is likely to be involved etc. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
