Autism?

[hayleyB79]

Hi. I have a 4 year old son who is displaying some symptoms of autism and just wondered if anyone else thinks I should make an appt with gp about it or whether I'm being ridiculous. As a baby he was very anxious. He woke every hour of the night crying just wanting to be held. He cried any time he went in the buggy or car seat until he WS about 7 months old. He cried anytime somebody who he WS familiar with or not talked to or attempted to pick him up apart from myself and his dad until he was about 2 years old. He cried whenever I took him to toddler groups. When he started nursery it took him weeks before he stopped crying when I dropped him off and he still cries on odd occasions now after over a year. They say he cries if anything different happens than he's used to and although hell play with other children he never initiates it. Since he was 2 he jumps up and down and flaps his arms making a humming sound whenever he's excited or imagining. My hair has always been his comforter and even now he likes to touch it at any chance he gets, he gets very upset by loud noises and strong smells and will have meltdowns over pretty much anything, even just asking him if he's OK after he's fallen he will shout and say don't talk to me. Is this normal 4 year old behaviour?

[Frogandbear]

I'm certainly not an expert but from what you have written it sounds like your son has sensory issues. Have you looked into Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? It can display similarly to autism but is centered around sensory issues, which it sounds like is the main issue.

[hayleyB79]

Thanks for your reply. No I've never heard of SPD before but I will look into it. My niece has autism which is why I was a bit concerned. She wasn't diagnosed till she was 12. She's 16 now and my sisters having all sorts of problems with her which could of been avoided if diagnosed earlier and with my son starting school in September I'm dreading the worse with the change for him and being there all day every day which is why I thought I should look into it now.

[Frogandbear]

Does your son go to nursery/pre-school? Have they said anything about what his behaviour is like whilst he is there?

[BackforGood]

From what you have said, I would certainly ask the GP for a referral to a Paediatrician to do further assessments. Why have the Nursery not instigated anything though ?