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Son displaying some autistic traits

VerityFen

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!

  1. Thanks.
Parents

  • Some of this certainly would tick the boxes of autism but to meet the criteria for a diagnosis he must fit all the main areas. One of these is communication which you haven't touched on much. Now this doesn't mean he has to be limited in his vocabulary or anything like that but there must some difficulty with communication. This may be taking things literally, difficulty knowing when it's his turn to speak, talking at length about one topic and being unaware of the other person is getting bored, repetitiveness in what he talks about. 

    If he has no difficulty with communication, they would likely look at a different diagnosis such as social anxiety.

  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    Thank you, that is really helpful.

    He does talk about lot to family and tends to talk when he wants to rather than when it's his turn (but he is 6 so I don't think that's too unusual)

    One thing that stands out with communication is that if he wants to talk about topic A and you ask him about topic B he will just carry on talking about topic A

  • in reply to VerityFen

    Yes that would be an example of a communication difficulty. Another thing to look out for is does he use/understand gestures and facial expressions when communicating.

    It may be worth keeping a log of anything that fits into the main areas for diagnosis - communication, social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviour (this includes difficulties with change, fixations on certain topics, interests, sensory differences, stimming - repetitive movements). This will help you to explain/evidence anything if you do decide to go down the route of diagnosis.

    His school may also be helpful to talk to? They may have insight that you don't in school specific situations.

  • in reply to Stuart333

    Yes I struggle with on the spot questions sometimes. 

  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    When I was concentrating, playing, and I was called or asked a question, although I heard it I couldn't answer. Not for 10 to 20 seconds. I was always being complained at for not responding.

    If given a drink I would normally put it down and forget it. I always have cold tea 

    Simple questions out of the blue, like, do you want a cup of tea or coffee, are hard to answer, because I don't know if I do, or which one, or when.

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  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    When I was concentrating, playing, and I was called or asked a question, although I heard it I couldn't answer. Not for 10 to 20 seconds. I was always being complained at for not responding.

    If given a drink I would normally put it down and forget it. I always have cold tea 

    Simple questions out of the blue, like, do you want a cup of tea or coffee, are hard to answer, because I don't know if I do, or which one, or when.

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