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Autism symptoms or just SPD?

NAS24005

Hi all, i'm a bit confused regarding the symptoms of autism - we've had some concerns about our son but it's unclear whether certain things are 'normal' in moderation or an indiciation of an ASD

So my son's 21 months, and in his first year we noticed that he didn't really make much eye contact with us, and wasn't very sociable with us at all - however he has changed. Below are some characteristics

  • Flaps arms when excited - not overly so though
  • Doesn't speak - makes lots of shouty noises (loves screaming in a high pitched voice too!), and he has recently started saying 'Mum', 'Dad' and 'Yeah' but without any context. He also loves talking to himself in the mirror!
  • Makes good eye contact with us now - always responds to his name and looks at you directly
  • Loves lights, fans, and spinning objects - he always has to be honest. However he'll get bored within a few minutes, am I right in thinking usually in autism it's a constant thing? This is our main concern
  • Sensory defensiveness - hates his hair/face being touched, certain textures of foods. Scared of certain noises
  • Sensory underresponsiveness - Very very active, always has to be moving. Loves being thrown out and rough play, constantly taking risks. Even after falling and hurting himself, he won't learn not to do that
  • More social than before but doesn't interact with other kids, other than to take toys off them.
  • As he can't talk he grabs you by the hand and takes you to where he wants, it's difficult to know sometimes what he wants and he gets frustrated
  • Doesn't seem to feel pain a lot of the time. He'll stand on stones/toys which would hurt other kids/people, but he seems to like the sensation

What confuses the issue is that in my family, every single boy has had Sensory Processing Disorder and Dyspraxia, including myself. And I know there's a lot of crossover between SPD and autism, so it's difficult to know whether it's just SPD or something more. I didn't speak 'til I was 2 due to the SPD!

So my real question is if (generally) in autism, the love for spinning/lights/fans is more of a constant thing instead of just an interest? How severe do the symptoms sound?

Thanks!

Parents

  • Hi NAS24005

    My son is 4 and diagnosed with ASD,

    His symptoms were broadly similar to your sons. However, the diagnosis featured heavily on his interaction and social development, and to get this all assessed took several pedeatric assessments at his nursery, observing his play and interaction with children and adults, and also structured play assessments at the pedeatric centre.

    We were told that it is hard to make a diagnosis before a child is old enough to 'understand' all the social rules, as some learn them slower than others, and also often some children do not interact, but still understand all the rules involved, and it takes a set situation like a nursery to enable a full assessment to take place.

    Our son starts school in September, so his diagnosis (8 weeks ago) is just in time to have the SENCO support available when he starts. He talks happily (though in a question / response form only) and will play alongside others, but not actually with them.

    To conclude, your son does sound like he displays very similar to mine, and its worth keeping an eye and mentioning it to all relevant people (Nursery teachers / senco, GP, healthcare person etc.) as a diagnosis may become more appropriate in 6 months / 1 year / 18 months, as the social interaction situations increase.

    Let me know if you have any more questions about anything specific from my sons case Slight smile

Reply

  • Hi NAS24005

    My son is 4 and diagnosed with ASD,

    His symptoms were broadly similar to your sons. However, the diagnosis featured heavily on his interaction and social development, and to get this all assessed took several pedeatric assessments at his nursery, observing his play and interaction with children and adults, and also structured play assessments at the pedeatric centre.

    We were told that it is hard to make a diagnosis before a child is old enough to 'understand' all the social rules, as some learn them slower than others, and also often some children do not interact, but still understand all the rules involved, and it takes a set situation like a nursery to enable a full assessment to take place.

    Our son starts school in September, so his diagnosis (8 weeks ago) is just in time to have the SENCO support available when he starts. He talks happily (though in a question / response form only) and will play alongside others, but not actually with them.

    To conclude, your son does sound like he displays very similar to mine, and its worth keeping an eye and mentioning it to all relevant people (Nursery teachers / senco, GP, healthcare person etc.) as a diagnosis may become more appropriate in 6 months / 1 year / 18 months, as the social interaction situations increase.

    Let me know if you have any more questions about anything specific from my sons case Slight smile

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