To think this was signs of autism?

[SquishyBones]

When I was a teenager I used to be fascinated with album covers to the point where I’d buy an album more for its cover than its actual content. I used to routinely line all my CDs up all over my bedroom floor and stare at the covers ... then I would check albums I didn’t have to work out which covers would look good in my collection. The CD singles used to irritate me because they were a slightly different shape so would stand out when they were all laid out.

I was also fascinated with dog breeds (still am) and had a book which listed all the breeds. I memorised them all and would practice naming them all via their pictures every night and would test myself afterwards to make sure I wasn’t forgetting any.

I didn’t make friends easily and when I did in secondary school it was based on alcohol, drugs and music.

Apart from that I mask well. I still have my “weird quirks” at home but function more or less ok outside of the house but people do think I’m weird and odd.

I’m awaiting assessment and have been waiting nearly 3 years now 😩

@Frazzledmum123 I would say a diagnosis is always worth getting even if someone is doing well as they are purely because there could be a time when they require something ‘extra’, eg, more time in exams, a different way of having something explained etc

@TheTrollFairy thank you, I'm leaning towards that tbh, he has a referral to CAMHS due to tbem believing anxiety could be causing the ticks so I may speak to them then

I put my socks on first. It’s the only way!
I’ve always had massive sensory issues around clothing, used to drive my parents insane.

My DS can be sarcastic and he’s autistic. He’s hilarious.

They don’t diagnose as Aspergers anymore, it’s all under umbrella of the autistic spectrum.

Frazzled 15 year old Ds was diagnosed last year. He coped just about at primary, we had some concerns but decided not to pursue anything at the time. Secondary has been terrible for him and he was referred in year 9. Still took until the start of year 11 to get his diagnosis.

Going through the diagnostic process with him as opened my eyes hugely to neurodiversity especially within our family. I'm learning all the time and I'm surprised I didn't recognise so many things before now.

@Punxsutawney that's one of my concerns, I think he is going through the motions sometimes and I want him to know he's fine the way he is as it helps when we talk things through. I actually suspect my dh and probably even his dad may also be on the spectrum too, or maybe it's just a personality trait they all have in common? Anyway I think I may try and get him on the list to be assessed, it's not going to hurt is it.
@PeggyJarvis that made me smile

@Frazzledmum123 My 20 year old DS has recently been diagnosed with ASD. To answer your question, he absolutely gets sarcasm and irony and has a very well developed sense of humour.

Frazzled yes I think it's worth looking into if you have concerns. I do really regret not pursuing a diagnosis earlier when Ds was at primary. It's a difficult thing to go through with a 15 year old. His support in school only started in year 10, so many missed opportunities and it's had a significant impact on his mental health.