Hi there,
I'm new to this forum and just wondered if I could get some advice.
My just over 2 year old son has had a number of difficulties for some time. I've tried to convince myself that it's just individual differences and "normal" toddler behaviour etc. However, my partner and I have come to the realisation that it's likely there's more going on, and my main concern is that he may have ASD. The main issues are:
- No/very little speech. Any that does exist isn't used functionally - rather he might repeat something he hears (I think he enjoys the sound they make)
- Head banging when upset - to the extent he currently has a permanent bruise on his forehead
- Appears frightened by other children his own age - and if any approach him he will either become distressed or simply move away from them
- Loves his toy train set - to the extent he doesn't really play with anything else. Will invite me over to join him, but won't let me actually join in, by, for e.g. moving a train - becomes very upset when I do this
- Only eats certain foods - particular about colour and texture (I think - as isn't actually able to communicate this to me)
- Rarely responds if I simply say his name - however, will respond if I say his name followed by something he might like
- I think his understanding is actually pretty good. But he won't do something I request just for the social interaction if that makes sense? Only if it's something he would like to do
- He doesn't seem to recognise his reflection as being his own. For example, if he's looking in the mirror, and I ask "where is X"? He points to himself but not the reflection
- "Tracks" things with his eyes (if that makes sense?!) - looking at things from the side of his eyes kind of thing. Or looks very closely at things.
- Will watch youtube videos of trains (would watch for hours if I allowed it probably!) - and it seems like he's memorised the exact pitch of certain train horns and when they start and finish and things.
- Dislikes loud noises (i.e. vacuum cleaners; hand driers, hair driers etc. - to the extent I avoid these things now) - but seems to love (and be very aware of) other noises
- He does however, look at me and point if he sees something he's excited about. And he will look at what I'm pointing at if I say "Hey X, look, wow"!
All of this has really impacted on our day to day life. I've stopped taking him to playgroups and things (as it always results in head banging etc.) - which has resulted in me feeling pretty isolated and worried that I'm not giving him a nice day. It's difficult going anywhere different (even friend's houses), and I've started to feel quite conscious of other parents looking at (and judging) me/us. I've also recently had a baby - so that's an added stress and huge adjustment for my 2 year old.
Anyway! Sorry for the long post! I guess I'm after a couple of things:
1. Thoughts on the above list and whether it points towards ASD.
2. If anyone knows of any local support groups for parents in my area; or things I could take him to during the week that he would enjoy and where I could maybe meet parents in a similar position. I live in the Manchester area.
Many thanks in advanced. Feeling pretty emotional about the whole thing, so any support/advice would be GREATLY appreciated :-) x
