Daughter suspected Asd

Hi everyone im new here, mum to three girls.my youngest has been refered for asd, dont no where to start my daughter is 6 years old she will not poop on the toilet she will only use a pullup and stand up to poop sometimes takein hours, she hits herself untill her nose bleeds she has meltdowns over clothes,she will not wear socks/tights dreadin the start back to school in september as mornin meltdowns over gettin socks on is a nightmare to the point she makes herself sick, brushing teeth also makes her sick, bedtimes are just as bad she wakes 4/5 times per night wanting to get up to play downstairs, she uses a ipad and watches videos on repeat mostly about dinosaurs.she will only eat chicken nuggets with batteted taken off pizza with toppins takein off dry cereals and dry bread and crisps.really dont no what to do as 12/18 months waiting list to be seen. Thats just a few things to list. Im goin back to our own gp friday but i cant see whay more can be done now the referal has been done i dont no what else to do . 

Parents
  • The socks may be because she doesn't feel comfortable wearing them. If possible, don't make her wear socks. See if she will be happy wearing something like sandals (when the weather/situation applies to it, of course) so she doesn't need to wear socks. In terms of colder months or conditions where she has to wear shoes, the only thing I can suggest is potentially those sole support things you put in the shoes sometimes. If there's stuff like that which can provide the protection and comfort of a sock without the need to wear one, that may work? Unfortunately, I don't have this sensory issue, I tend to struggle with other things...

    Brushing teeth is a hard one. I despise brushing my teeth, but I do it because I know I have to. Unfortunately, when you are young (and if you hate the feel of it), you don't understand the importance of brushing. Maybe research what other people have done to solve their situation. I'm sure there are posts regarding this issue on the forum. Otherwise, look into sensitive toothpaste and toothbrushes with smoother bristles so the feeling is more like a cloud than a rock. Maybe talk with your dentist and see if they can recommend anything.

    Waking up throughout the night, maybe introduce a clock or alarm to her. Don't instantly go, "You cannot wake up at all during the night". Every couple of days or every week, decrease the amount of time she can get up and play. Or at a speed that is comfortable for her if she is struggling with the change. But introducing a clock might help. Sorry, this is probably the weakest solution I have in total.

    Watching/playing/being very interested in one or two specific things is typical for autistic people, and dinosaurs are quite a common one from my experience. If you are concerned about her not learning to read, maybe search for teaching resources with dinosaur elements to engage her.

    Food is a big problem for me. Sensory and taste are one of the most significant factors for me. It took me until I was about 11/12 years old before I tried a simple pork sausage for the first time. Before that, chicken nuggets, smiley faces/chips, tomatoes or cucumber. Nothing else (aside from snacks, of course). Food will take time to improve, but the common factor I see is that she likes dry foods. So maybe try to introduce more dry foods to start with? Dry cereal, dry bread. In the morning, with bread or cereal, instead of using butter, marmalade, or milk the breakfast, have it separated from the foods on the side. She probably thinks that "liquids should not be on food", so maybe having it as a drink will help? But food is perhaps the hardest as it mostly comes in due time. As she ages, I may get interested in trying new things, and only then may she improve. Otherwise, separate foods from each other (if that is a problem she is having) and maybe add a new dry food or two into her dinner and see if she will try it. My mother always added broccoli, spring beans, or a little gravy/sauce for me to try. I never did, but the fact she tried and didn't force me to try it was a slow but big help.

    Sorry, I couldn't provide many professional answers. I'm not the oldest person on these forums, and I still struggle with many of these problems. I don't have or know a kid with autism, so I cannot provide any actual knowledge except for what I can guess or answer based on what my parents did for me when I was little.

    Hopefully, everything goes well for your daughter, and know that no matter what happens, you are doing a great job, and I'm sure people here will be happy to help.

  • Thankyou so much for your response, i do try and give all foods she point blank refuses and would rather go hungry than eat, i just keep tryin day by day. Thanks

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