My eldest DS is autistic and it was always glaringly obvious, however I’m starting to wonder about my 5 year old DS2 now, I can’t tell if I’m seeing these things because I know what to look for but they are traits that all children show to some degree or if I’m missing something because his brother was very obviously autistic and DS2 he has always been the easier one
Definite sensory issues with noise and things like clothes we have to cut the labels out or he won’t wear them. Cries at loud noises
Very literal
Does do pretend play but has to make it very clear that it is pretend, so if you say “hello doctor ds” he will get quite cross and tell you “I am not doctor ds I am a child I am pretending”
Often, whilst he’s watching tv he will repeat every single word under his breath, and sometimes does this with things is such to him too.
Takes things very literally and isn’t particularly flexible with his thinking.
When he was a baby up until about 2 he would scream if anyone other than me tried to pick him up or even talked to him.
Very very fussy with food and will only eat about 10 food items in total.
It doesn’t happen often but when he does have a “tantrum” it’s always extreme, ie lasts for hours, kicking punching screaming etc. Last time was because he fell and got wet mud on his hands when we were on a walk and there was absolutely no calming him down.
He doesn’t have any problems at school at all (he’s in reception) he gets on really well, does everything that’s asked of him. His brother was very very different, and has a lot of difficulties with school
However, socially he is ok I think, he has friends, plays with other children etc can be a bit awkward acting but he’s very confident with taking to people, both children his age and older, and adults. He does however completely blank his friends on the way to school if they say hello to him.