Partner convinced DS has Autism, becoming all encompassing - advice needed

[C277744]

Hello,

My DS is 34 months old and my partner is convinced that he has autism. I am sending this post as my partner is often correct about everything when it comes to our DS’ (x2), but I am struggling to get on board with this, however clearly I want to support as best I can.

So I'm here for 3rd party input - basically! Many thanks in advance!

I will certainly acknowledge some, different, behaviours that my DS has, but have often put these down to him being a toddler and at most some sensory issues (hypo).

• Presses head up against his brother (10 months). Whilst being affectionate, it isn’t proportionate

• Pulls a funny snarling face without appropriate context, and will make a peppa pig noise.

• Will look in the mirror and pull above face, or others, and when questioned will just laugh.

• Over familiar with children (touchy)

• Kisses objects and friends

• Hyper most of the time

The above alone makes it seem like an open and shut case, I’ll admit, but the reason I am struggling to get behind the "self diagnosis" from my partner is that, my DS is:

• Hitting all milestones (although has hypermobility and was slightly delayed sitting/walking – doing incredibly well now)

• Very funny and sociable, albeit can take a bit of time to warm up

• Speech is pretty good, 5 word sentences + and whilst he repeats some words/phrases is starting to move away from his comfort zone and attempt more complicated sentences.

• Smashed potty training in 2-3 days with very few accidents since.

• Has a best friend and others - plays well.

• Sleeps well

• No concerns at nursery, or from a specialist we took DS too for a day assessment (albeit I think they deal in quite severe cases typically).

I guess I am just reaching out to see if this resonates with any one else here and for a bit of insight as to how others found the journey. Thoughts and views welcome – it’s why I’m here! I know a diagnosis isnt the end of the world, we just want to get him the best support - i guess how hard we need to push for this support is the key area.

Many thanks!

Sorry can’t help but hopefully others can so giving a little bump

Is he in Nursery full time @C277744?

And can you tell us more about the Specialist? Who were they? What process led you to see them and what assessment tools did they use?

Hi @BunnyRuddington,

DS is in nursery 2 long days and 2 mornings a week.
The centre we took him to was Bibic. Id have to look up the specific tools but they did a 1 day assessment with a report and GBOS sheet.
The process to go and see them was largely due to my partner and their beliefs that that our DS behaviour was not typical - at this point it was mainly sensory / posturing.

They don’t really say on the link ehat assessment tools they use. Did you fill out the 3 year Social and Emotional Ages & Stages?

It seems a bit odd that your DP is driving this. Usually it’s the Mum as they’re the one that spends the most time with them. How do you feel about your DS’ behaviour?

@BunnyRuddington yes they did do the 3year SEAS and had DS either on track or above on all but one point (which is now invalid as it was to do with potty training which we hadn't done at c.28 months but now have and DS smashed it!)

Sorry for confusion - partner is my wife! So you're correct, she spends more time with DS at various groups etc and compares to DS peers.
I understand where she's coming from, but DS is our first and Google can convince you of anything!

Ah sorry about that, ine shouldn’t assume

Now I’m a bit confused over the Social & Emotional Ages and Stages being used as I’ve just read through the obe I linked to and it doesn’t mention potty training?

@BunnyRuddington my apologies, it was SGS II they conducted!

Ok so I would advise filling in the Social & Emotional Ages & Stages that I linked to.

Do either of you have ASD in the family?

@BunnyRuddington did that this afternoon and scored 85. If I'm honest some are borderline so I've tried to be as fair and put some up to a 10 and others at a 5 etc.
DS just gone to bed and tonight id probably have scored higher as he hadn't napped and was... a lot!

Ok with a score of 85 it’s recommended that the HCPs monitor his progress. Is your HV aware of your concerns? If not I would let them know his score on the Social & Emotional Ages & Stages.

And I know that you’ve said his speech is really good but I’d still recommend doing this simple SaLT progress checker before speaking to your HV.