Hi there-
Our 9 year old is currently being assessed (slowly, owing to Covid) for ASD. She has some traits which certainly fit, but we are not sure whether she is unusually sensitive and/or mardy, or if there are indeed underlying issues such as ASD. She doesn't have some of the classic traits, or I would certainly have pursued this sooner. I do suspect we have both ASD and ADD in my family, but not so strongly or obviously as to have ever required intervention or a diagnosis.
Currently she is having a meltdown/weeping fit because she doesn't fancy what I am making for tea, despite my telling her she can pick what she likes and keep things separate on her plate as she prefers.
20 minutes ago it was because I had offered to find out about an activity afternoon next week, during the holidays, and she was only interested in one of the activities. If she can't do only the thing she is interested in, then she just wants to stay in her comfort zone at home. This will involve as much screen time as possible.
Our patience is wearing thin, and we need some coping strategies, please. NB: we have tried to cut back on screen time (I am particularly unhappy with her current useage), but have been advised not to until we have a diagnosis. Her meltdowns (if that's what they are) have really increased over the last year, and since returning to school after lockdown in particular.
Her school is aware- she doesn't have meltdowns there, but she is quiet and doesn't engage. She is behind in some subjects, despite being reasonably bright and articulate when she's 'OK'.
I'd be very grateful for any input or resources you may have found useful... thanks in advance.