Could this be autism?

[hellosunshineagainxxx]

Friends 5 year old is so different to all the children I know. I adore them they are lovely but I have noticed a few things, now they are at school if it is a possibility will the school pick up on it and speak to my friend?

Almost mute, barely speaks to anyone but when they do they are very softly spoken but clearly quite capable of using words/sentences

Hates loud noises, things like animatronics, hand dryers, car engines and fireworks

Plays alone, wont engage much with other kids their age

Hates getting changed, teeth being brushed, certain textures

Very fussy eater (I know lots of kids are but they are so skinny as barely eats)

Can I child have extreme sensory issues without being autistic? Like I said they are a lovely child I just wonder if the school would pick up on it and offer some additional support

It does sound as if it might be a possibility but I'm not sure what you can do about it.

Also you can't be sure that school haven't already broached the subject. When DD was in primary the school tried several times to bring the subject up with the DPs of one of the other girls and they were very hostile and didn't think there was anything to worry about. It's only in High School that they've being willing to get a diagnosis. Some ASD girls can mask quite well through primary though and it can get more difficult when puberty hits and they go to high school.

Yes, you can have sensory processing disorder which is separate to autism. Why don't you talk to your friend.

It’s surely likely the mum has noticed this herself? Maybe she doesn’t want to talk about it?