Both myself and my husband have noticed some things our 6 year old son does that make us feel he may be autistic. He doesn't display the signs listed on the NHS website and wanted to know what other people thought. Does it sound like neurodivergence or normal 6 year old?
Behaviours:
- Hates change to routine. We have to explain what's happening before it happens and any changes cause him stress
- Prefers his own company. He is fine with other children at school but likes to play on his own and sometimes hides or clings to me/his dad in public settings like soft play
- Has had a couple of instances of emotional issues. He has cried uncontrollably and says he doesn't know why. Both in instances of lots of emotions and/or tiredness
- Intelligent. Uses language and understands concepts other kids his age don't.
- Incredible imagination. He makes up complex worlds and scenarios while playing. He also plays a board game once them makes up his own version of the rules which others struggle to follow
- Teachers say he is very quiet in class but always does his work. He won't talk unless asked.
- If taken to a new place with strangers he can withdraw, recently this happened at a christening and he said he didn't want other people to see him and he had under a chair for about half an hour before deciding to play with the other kids
Conversely, he doesn't have problems making eye contact or being social but he is usually on the periphery of his friends when they play. He seems to understand emotions in others.
Any opinions on this are welcome!
- Thanks.
