Can toddler’s number obsession NOT mean he’s autistic?

[BigGlassOfRedPlease]

Just that really. My 3 year old is and always has been, completely obsessed by numbers. Has been able to count past 100 since he was 2. Regularly counts enthusiastically for the fun of it, almost like it’s a song. Points out numbers absolutely everywhere we go - car number plates, supermarket aisles etc.
can a child this going be this obsessed with numbers and NOT be on the autistic spectrum?

I think it's probably okay. I'm 67 and my mum says I self taught reading before I went to kindergarten, and I am hyperlexic, still. I hate TV because it's so leadenly slow. So I just don't watch it, at all. I'd read the script for 30 minutes of documentary in about 8 minutes, and wonder what else to do for the remaining 22 minutes.

I often felt anxious as a child, and found counting things very soothing. No idea why! And actually, I still do.

And, I don't like looking at pictures very much. Composed considered images I can cope with. Random snaps, no.

My DS was like this as a little one, he also used to describe numbers as friendly or pointy or happy, etc. He has since grown up, did well at school, and is now an intelligent, high flying adult with his own family and career.

I’ve only recognised my autistic traits in my 40s and there are many more like me - passing for neurotypical all our lives.

Autism is a huge spectrum and it’s not necessarily a terrible thing if he is on it. I’ll probably flamed for saying that almost all the really interesting people are neurodiverse.

The problem with the diagnostic and the wondering stage is that it’s so deficit focused. But that’s a feature of language and a system rooted in Victorian values. Try to see past the “labels” and “symptoms” and just focus on understanding and supporting the amazing little individual that you have on your hands.

He sounds lovely, and you sound like a wonderful mum.

My now 6yr old has been like this since around 2. Not autistic.

My son is 4 years old he as been into numbers and letters since he's been 1 year old he loves to sing the alphabet but he also enjoys singing in different languages at the moment he will sing in English, Russian and he his learning himself Chinese, numbers are also a thing with him he will surprise us every day with big numbers he also paces and flaps his hands at the back of his ears he also a fussy eater and can be very emotional over little things iam wounding if he could be autistic and should I get him tested but I not sure as he quite bight in areas of his learning

@Warrior21 autistic people are often bright, so I don't know what you mean by "but he's bright in areas of learning" It's only when it's accompanied by a learning disability when they struggle with learning. I work at a school and many children diagnosed with ASD are advanced readers and mathematicians with a fountain of knowlwdge usually specified to a certain area, especially science. What is he like around other children? Pacing and flapping and emotional disregulation is a red flag for autism and I would definitely get him tested. My 2.5 year old son flaps and paces back and forth through the house, day dreams but is very bright as he knows all his colours numbers letters and shapes. I wanted to just say he's gifted but around other children he pays little or no attention to them, he sometimes watches what they're doing and copies but doesn't really talk to them or play with them. Your son may be high functioning but worth getting tested now sooner rather than later down the line.

Chrissayeth
He struggles to work along other children and play with them but he rather play alone but he will copy and watch other children, iam only going by what the school said he his advanced in areas like his reading spelling numbers shapes colours saying the alphabet in different languages for his age thank you ever so much for replying and iam happy someone knows what we are going through as parents hope your little one all the best and amazing future as these children need us xx