Signs of autism

[5amisnotmorning]

DD now 4 and at school has always been difficult. She has sensory issues, finds change difficult to cope with like meltdowns if I move a piece of furniture, she struggled for years in noisy environments, has food intolerances, toilet issues, likes running monologues on her particular favourite conversation topics, sleep is and always has been an issue.

However, she is smiley, happy, can engage with others although she struggles with personal space and appropriate behaviour. She started school in September and to our amazement has settled and is happy.
I just read a list of autistic traits and she ticks lots of boxes except her development is fine, motor skills are ok (although has only just mastered a scooter) and she was an early and advanced talker.

I don't think we need a label for her but I am wondering if there are strategies in dealing with autistic children that may help her. I particularly worry about the future as she struggles to cope with stress and change and just if there are things we can do better to support her.

[2boysnamedR]

If she has sensory issues have you asked for a referral to OT?

[5amisnotmorning]

Sorry what's an OT? She hates socks and tights with seams, labels etc but we can manage that. She won't eat sauces but otherwise eats ok.

[2boysnamedR]

OT is occupational therapist. There's more than one type of sensory difficulties so it's impossible to say what would help.

She could be a sensory seeker, avoider or a bit of both. OT can recommend sensory help dependant on needs.

It's currently a massive wait in my area - 26 months. Private is a option but extremely expensive

[5amisnotmorning]

Apologies if I didn't explain myself very well. She has definite autistic traits but I don't think she would be classed as autistic. Day to day we manage fine but there are some issues which are harder for her to deal with.

What I was wondering if there are techniques that might be benefit her to manage her stress and manage change better.

[5amisnotmorning]

And I feel no stigma. If I thought that she would get a diagnosis then I wouldn't hesitate for a moment. I guess I would describe her as high needs rather than autistic.

[Ineedmorepatience]

I would keep a very close eye on her if I were you! If she starts melting down or shutting down before or after school it could be a sign that things are really difficult for her and that she is masking at school.
Many girls with undiagnosed autism fall apart spectacularly when they transfer to secondary school because they simply dont have the skills required to cope with the massive demands on them!

I also agree about OT and despite her excellent language I would also consider a social communication assessment sometimes called a complex communication assessment. This looks at higher levels of understanding including reading body language and facial expressions.

Good luck