Behavioural issues

[Xo94]

Hi everyone. Just want some advice on what my son's behaviour could be indicating. Currently waiting for a referral to the psychologist to see him. He touches everything, rolls around on the floor, hangs off chairs, furniture. He chews paper and other inedible items but gags trying new foods and massively dislikes certain textures so his diet is very limited. His spatial awareness is very poor, clumsy, always in people's faces and in their way, struggles in social situations. Can become overly excited and cannot calm down. Has horrible outbursts of anger when he doesn't get his own way. He can't deal with certain sounds. Does not respond well to change. Extremely defiant. Struggles expressing what makes him sad, gets very upset when asked about how he feels. Delays in reading, writing and learning in general. Can anyone give me any advice on what this kind of behaviour could be indicating. School are not saying what they think is wrong but have finally agreed to put a referral in to the educational psychologist. Any thoughts and advice would be highly appreciated. Thanks X

IT could be and it does sound very much like autism spectrum disorder - how old is he?

Hi Aladdinmum, thanks for your message. He's 6 years old 🙂

You are doing the correct thing by having him referred to a educational psychologist - there seems to be a lot going on from your description, specially sensory related behavior. His sensory behavior and sensitivities, together with lack of spatial awareness (i.e. social norms), struggling with social situations, potential cognitive delays and difficulty with transitions could all be pointing to autism but only a development pediatrician or psychologist can asses and confirm any of this.

Thank you AlladinMum, i feel at a loss really because school are saying they will refer him to the EP however they seem to be delaying the process. Odd to me, he clearly has many issues.

They also tell me that I shouldn't take him to the doctors because the doctor cannot do anything, surely that's not true?

The GP himself cannot do much per se, i.e. he does not have the expertise, but what he can do, which is what you need him to do, is refer him to a development pediatrician.

I visited the GP today regarding my son and he basically told me that whatever they do will take much longer than what the school can do. Extremely frustrating.