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Family: possible ASD child

3 replies

Tadah2 · 01/07/2025 16:18

My SIL and BIL (DH brother) have a lovely soon to be 4 year old DD. She will be starting school next year (August baby), she is non verbal, she has stimming behaviour, sensory issues and is not yet potty trained. My SIL and BIL (plus all that side of the family) repeat that it’s because she is an August baby and she hasn’t gone to nursery/pre- school so she’s sensitive around other people/her cousins. They aren’t intending to send her to pre school, as SIL is a SAHM.

I think it is clear DN has ASD, others have mentioned it to SIL and BIL (class teachers at baby classes, which were swiftly stopped) and they’ve said it’s not true - they are fully supported by all other family members in their view. They are looking around local schools for next year. I am just wondering, is there a moment that this might get picked up before she starts school. I know it’s none of my business, but I worry she is going to really struggle at mainstream school - especially with no ECHP. DH has said not to raise it, as it will go down like a lead balloon. I’ve mentioned in passing, conversationally, that other ND children I know and the similarities - the response is always that DN is just catching up, she’s an August baby, she’s developing etc.

I guess my question is, if DN is not going to pre school, all HV checks are done, when could this be picked up? Or would SIL and BIL need to raise it themselves.

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 01/07/2025 17:04

Difficult but I would keep quiet, even though it’s going to be super tough on your DNA.

In our area checks by the HVs weren’t really effective. My DC2 wasn’t talking at all at the 2.5 year check and the HV was less than concerned. They’ve later been diagnosed with AuDHD.

Lots of DC with ASD will be staring school without an ECHP in place. I know mine did, we were aware that something was different but had so much reassurance from the HVs that ASD was just not on our radar.

It might be that DSIL & DBIL don’t have much experience of DC and are being naive or it could be that they have their heads completely wedged in the sand. Either way I don’t think speaking up will help unless they actually do ask tou something.

Hard to just stand back though isn’t it?

DD had a girl in her class who was very clearly different to the other DC from a very young g age and I’ve seen her DM scream at Teachers if they ever mentioned having her assessed or offering support. She eventually got diagnosed with ASD as a teen.

Tadah2 · 01/07/2025 17:37

Thank you, that really helps. I feel a guilt for not pushing it for my DN, but you are right. I just hope she does ok, and will
support them all when/if they need it.

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 01/07/2025 17:46

Sorry about the typos. DNA should read DN. I just hope she gets into a school where she receives appropriate support Flowers

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