• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 25 subscribers
  • Views 850 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

Friendly advise needed

Helga101

Hi there

I suspect my nephew (by marriage) could be displaying autistic characteristics, however, I am unsure how to approach this with the in-laws or if it is my place at all to say anything. 

As a teacher I started to notice some characteristics in my nephew at 18 months old that I also recognised in some  of my teenage students that are ASD diagnosed. It was just small things to begin with like looks out of the corner of his eyes, walking on his tip toes (admittedly he doesn't do this as much anymore) and not answering to his name. 

He is 3 now, very intelligent, particularly with numbers, has a crazy good attention span and is obsessed with trains.

Most recently he has developed palilalia and will repeat the end sounds of words under his breath e.g. If he said 'train' he might then drift off repeating 'ain' 'ain' 'ain' 

I realise palilalia is an ASD sympton but can be triggered by other things too, it's worth saying he's just welcomed a baby brother that could have caused some emotional upheaval for him.

I could really do with some friendly advice - should I be sharing my concerns or will it do nothing other than possibly cause upset when this will be picked up later if it is the case.

thanks in advance  

Parents

  • Intelligence, obsession with numbers and trains, can be seen in typical toddlers and are not in themselves of huge significance. Intelligence does not mean anything. But if he is obsessed with trains to the detriment of everything else and is displaying poor social skills, then I think it would be wise for him to be assessed. The key issue is whether the traits are adversely affecting his life and/or that of his parents. Things should become clearer when he starts school and is forced to interact with others. Tip-toe walking and palilalia can be signs, but can be seen in typical children as well. 

    I would keep a watchful eye on him, and pay close attention to his social development. There is no harm in gently raising the issue with his parents. I think it is best to be honest, but then I am not NT 

Reply

  • Intelligence, obsession with numbers and trains, can be seen in typical toddlers and are not in themselves of huge significance. Intelligence does not mean anything. But if he is obsessed with trains to the detriment of everything else and is displaying poor social skills, then I think it would be wise for him to be assessed. The key issue is whether the traits are adversely affecting his life and/or that of his parents. Things should become clearer when he starts school and is forced to interact with others. Tip-toe walking and palilalia can be signs, but can be seen in typical children as well. 

    I would keep a watchful eye on him, and pay close attention to his social development. There is no harm in gently raising the issue with his parents. I think it is best to be honest, but then I am not NT 

Children
No Data