What would you say this could be?

[BramblyHedge]

Sorry this is really just a list of traits but I am interested to see a if people think this is 'anything'. It's a bit of a brain dump after an exhausting evening dealing with a meltdown and I may have missed things but I just want to know if I should be concerned (which I am)

8 year old boy

• Academically able, particularly in anything with order (maths, grammar rules, piano etc) - top 5 in class/ Aug child.
  
• Not able to create original material. For example, all art work and writing is derived and very reluctantly produced (e.g. a perfect Peter Rabbit story in the style of Beatrix Potter but no original writing)
  
• perfect recall of information for pet topic and fave book series and amazing memory
  
• will talk to strangers about pet topic
  
• obsessed with screens, whatever they are showing or being used for and won't take eyes off them - almost glazed look (gaming, videos etc)
  
• explosive temper and melt downs/ lockdowns. Very obstinate
  
• unable to cope with people breaking rules or not following instructions
  
• unable to cope with rowdy groups and rough behaviour
  
• asks for playdates but will ignore playdates until reminded they are there. Read a book at his own party rather than play games, because he wanted to
  
• will tell strangers off including adults if they break rules
  
• will talk to strangers in the street and look at their phone screen over shoulder if they are obviously playing a game
  
• doesn't get personal jokes or sarcasm and gets upset if directed at him
  
• does get word play jokes though
  
• confused by sayings ie. 'get your skates on'
  
• only sees things from own perspective and seems 'of another world'
  
• doesn't seem moved by being told off, nagged, frustration on mother
  
• doesn't follow home rules but is obsessive about school rules
  
• unpredictable but adamant refusal to do routine things like teeth brushing or homework or chores or get in car - with no negotiation or persuasion possible.
  
• feels like failure if not perfect/ top/ winner
  

Thx

[youarenotkiddingme]

Agree take list to go and ask for referral.

As much as lists can present as what can be nt behaviours or extreme ends of nt behaviours there's anxiously more to it and it affects daily life or you wouldn't have noted and made the list iyswim?

[BramblyHedge]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I was concerned​ it might be ASD but it gets to the point when you doubt yourself, especially when others say 'oh he is fine and doing well'. He is the same at school and I have had words with them but guess I need to push to get him assessed. Just not sure how that would help him in practical terms as the school say his grades are good so doesn't need help. Thanks again.

[youarenotkiddingme]

Yeah that line gets passed out a lot! Schools care about grades - it's what they're judged on!

But there's so much more that makes a successful student and your ds may in future need extra support in areas of communication and social or emotional needs. He's still young at the moment.

Others needs can begin to impact on academics - and a diagnosis will help identify those and hopefully lead to the right support put in.

[BramblyHedge]

I think that is a fair comment though I was totally frazzled when I wrote my first post so focusing on the worrying traits. It is quite an accurate reflection of his behaviour but let me think. It is a bit difficult to wrote everything else as it is endless!

• he likes reading at bedtime
  
• he sometimes asks for a cuddle at bedtime
  
• he is good at eye contact​
  
• when he has a strop he will lash out at anyone in his way
  
• he likes​ baking ...so he can lick the bowl
  
• he is friendly
  
• he hates having his haircut because it tickles
  
• he has no interest in clothes
  
• he has a 'best friend'
  
• obsessed with you tube (when he sneaks on to it)
  
• will help with DIY
  

Anyway, I take on board all comments and will have a think about talking to school and what it might achieve/ if we need to do anything formal at all.

[BramblyHedge]

Thanks for your reply.

Good diet and appetite. Obsessed with tomatoes and apples. Always has same sandwich. Doesn't ask for snacks but will eat if offered.

Ages to get so sleep and always has been. Didn't really nap as a baby.

Sometimes says sorry after a meltdown but when I ask what for he has to think about it. Then he usually says sorry for being angry. Other times he is completely oblivious and has moved on and can't understand what the issue is.

Didn't talk at all until he was two and just grinned at everyone.

Doesn't recite cartoons in play but if you ask what a book is about he will have memorised the blurb on the back. He doesn't really do characters and pretend play but will attempt to join in.

He notices if his clothes are annoying him. Today he wore his brothers shirt as we had a laundry malfunction and he was a bit distressed as the button seam was too stiff against his skin.

My husband and bil have some similar traits but not to this extent. My bill maybe a bit more so.

He hangs out with quiet kids or another very similar boy.

[PopsyWind]

He sounds absolutely identical to my DS, also 8y. Same as you school have not raised concerns but when I've spoken to them they admit he struggles socially.
I requested a referral and have appntmt to see community paeds - and I definitely feel better for doing so, just got fed up of wondering and worrying I suppose.
The final trigger was him starting to hate school, it's getting to be a real struggle in the mornings