I would really appreciate any thoughts / experience on Autism. I have been researching but have very little experience.
My eldest son is 17. He is an amazing, lovely boy. Very well behaved, all 7-9 in GCSES and predicted As at A level. He has always been a bit obsessive, first with clocks, by 5 he knew every car make etc. Then WWII - every tank, battle etc. But we always saw this as part of his lovely personality. He has always been a bit shy – so can struggle in new environments but has a lovely group of friends. He can also struggle on reacting to others’ emotions. But, essentially the easiest and loveliest child to raise.
We just had our check-up with the dentist. Obviously being 17, he goes in on his own. She asked me if he had been diagnosed Autistic, as she felt he may be.
She suggested we investigated it as would help as he is looking to go to university.
In the past, we had thought about it – but any possible ‘traits’ we saw as mild and there were others who needed more support. But her question made me think – and decided to discuss it with him. We had a chat about what the dentist had suggested, and as nearly an adult, it was his decision if he wished to further investigate etc. He then said that 3 different teachers had all suggested / asked if he was autistic. This has never been disclosed or suggested to us. (obviously very annoyed - but this is about the best for my child, not the possible failings at the school)
So now we don’t know what to do. What we see as his personality, I do not believe has negatively affected him at all. But have we stopped him getting further support ? Should we proceed and look to establish properly if he has Autism ? The dentist suggested it would be beneficial for university.