Autistic Spectrum?

[AmazingDisgrace]

DS2 ( 8 yrs Yr 4)has been described by his school as " probably on the spectrum" I'd agree with that but am very confused. He's quirky, obsessive and a bit odd. Refuses to play with the other children as " I don't like them" Had parent's evening and again ( same every year) he is advanced in reading ( high level 4) and slightly below average in maths ( (3c), writing average but really its awful (3c - teacher admitted quality is fantastic i.e. what he writes but handwriting about 2 yrs behind) teacher describes as self isolating lovely child.

All his teachers adore him. DS1 has ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. I suspect TS in DS2 as he exhibits the same excessive throat clearing etc. I'm just a bit confused as DS2 seems to be a bit " this and a bit " that" He is very literal at times but not when reading if that makes sense?

Any ideas?

[AmazingDisgrace]

Sorry should add, we have a referral for " social communication disorder" but havent had the first meeting yet. I'm painfully aware after DS1 that this may take quite some time

[amberlight]

Hi
Could be. Well worth getting a formal assessment done, I'd say. Are the school supportive of that possibility, or would you want to start with the GP?

[EnjoyResponsibly]

Just started this process with DS age 4.5. He began school in Sept, and his teachers are suggesting we opt for assessment.

I am currently in the process of systematically beating myself up with guilt and worry that I am a terrible mother who should have done more to head this off.

Anyhoo, regarding the assessment not sure where you are, but we are in Kent. I was advised by the unit that does the assessing that if our GP referred we would be seen within 13 weeks, whereas if the school does it the timeframe is 18 weeks. The school is clearly required though to provide a
report because they're the ones seeing the traits in the context of the peer group and learning capabilities.

I am happy to cooperate as i think it's important for the teachers to know what they are up against and tailor their approach accordingly. I am terrified though that this will label my DS and that will follow him forever. Will it affect future career choices for instance if medical records highlight an assessment and conclusions?

Maybe I shouldn't be over thinking at this stage but it's hard not to at 3am

[amberlight]

ER, no, it doesn't affect career choices in any negative way. Employers in this country have no right to medical records for autism spectrum so it doesn't have to be declared.
It helped me a lot to have a diagnosis, because I was able to ask for adaptations for some of the work I do, and because it helped me to know what I'm best at and what I'm always going to find more dificult. It also helps others to know how best to make use of me and my particular skills and abilities. It's a very personal choice, but at present no adult has to declare that they have an autism diagnosis.

More to the point, people are starting to get more positive about autism, and realise that for most of us, there are great talents for employers. We tend to be ten times more accurate than an average employee, for example. Some companies are deliberately hiring as many people with autism as they can.