Should this child be assessed?

[Boutrosboutros]

I'll post soon with my relationship to this child, but I would like to know if you think this child would warrant an asd assessment.

It's a girl, late primary age. No problems with speech - in fact she was early to speak and now has a very advanced vocabulary for her age. She struggles with friendships with children her own age, she can be bossy and precocious and doesn't suffer fools gladly. She tends to play with younger children at school. She struggles on playdates to not control the play and will often suggest 'reading together' as an activity to children who come to her house.

She's a high achiever academically but spends a lot of her time off in a dream world. She's obsessed with horses and ponies and will bring conversations back round to them where possible, although she can also have very high level, adult type conversations about life too. She's very easily upset and worries a lot about cruelty to animals and the environment.

She makes great eye contact and doesn't seem too bothered about routine or changes to it. Doesn't tend to have meltdowns and enjoys following rules and instructions.

YABU - this child may well be ND and it would be worth exploring further
YANBU - this is a normal but quirky child, wait and see what happens

Thanks for giving your opinion!

No it doesn't not even a tiny bit.

@Janedoe82 it's Neurodivergent, not Neurodiverse.

It's shorthand for autism and adhd.

If were autistic you would understand. The realisation that you are not broken or weird an explanation of why your life was the way it was can be life changing.

Sounds exactly like my daughter!

I do wonder sometimes as does she I think , but I’m not sure what the benefit of an assessment would be, especially as she’s coping fine, doing well academically etc. I mean, compared to other girls her age she’s a bit different although it often comes across as just more sensible and grown up. There’s no lip syncing on TikTok or hanging out at local benches getting pissed with her mates. However, in a stable full of fellow “horse girls” she really doesn’t stand out 😂 I suspect quite a high correlation between ND and horse owners to be honest !