Autism - what were the early signs in your young ones?

[rachndan]

Hi all

We are sure there is something different about DD2 who has just turned 1. We cant tell whether it is hearing problems or whether she is on the autistic spectrum (or both)?!

She has a private audiology appointment next week whilst we wait for the NHS audiology and ENT referral and another referral to the community paed department.

I just wondered any of you guys out there with little ones with autism, if you noticed it as early as 1yo what were the signs/characteristics that led you to think of it?

And those of you with older children with autism what are the day to day challenges you face of the disorder?

We are very worried but want to be proactive and do all we can for her especially as she is at such a young age and at a crucial time for her development.

Thank you.

[peaky297]

@rachndan
Appreciate this is an old post, but if you're still on here, what was the outcome? Our.little one is v similar to what you described. Thank you

[FlippertyFlip80]

I have two children with autism, diagnosed at age 8 and 9.

When they were little neither of them pointed.

The girl never responded to her name being called. Never really played with other kids,would sit an observe. Was completely angelic. Don't ever recall her having a tantrum. Didn't sleep well until about age 18 months at night. Then began having sleep difficulties aged 4 and has never stopped those difficulties with sleep. Physically behind her peers, noticeably so with sitting, crawling, walking and running.

She spoke sentences really early, approx 18 months. Knew the phonetic alphabet by 2 years 3 months and was reading simple words by 3 years. Understood numbers beyond 100 by age 3. Had a thirst for this sort of knowledge. Was obsessed with numbers and letters.

The boy wanted to make friends, but used to get into disagreements with playmates everywhere we went. No tantrums until the age of 4 (again very laid back). Then suddenly started having epic tantrums which he was still having at age 7. Still has them now but we're better at diffusing some of them. We know not to push too much.

Again, spoke early but had mild speech difficulties (still odd ones now in late primary). Was also very interested in numbers and letters by the age of 3.

[FlippertyFlip80]

Boy also physically behind compared to peers

[rachndan]

Hi,

She is now 5 and attends a special educational needs school and is thriving. Her words have started to come along rapidly now and starting to put little sentences together.

She has complete eye contact now, she waves, says goodbye, she acknowledges the world and everyone around her. She is also very sociable now.

This wasnt the case even as recent as 18 months ago.

She still isnt where she should be compared to a “typical” 5 year old but isnt as far behind her peers as she once was.

The SEN school was 100% the right choice. She absolutely loves it.

[peaky297]

Thanks for replying- I'm glad that she is doing well and getting the support to bring the best out of her

[gonnabeok]

My dd has just been diagnosed with high functioning autism aged 11, although over the years there were signs that on their own could have been developmental issues.

As a baby very placid, struggled a bit to feed, as a toddler very sensitive to loud noise and light. extremely shy, preferred being with adults, used to wrap a label on a favourite toy round and round her finger. Preferred building things than imaginary play .Ate normally until the age of 4 then as if overnight stopped eating a lot of foods.

As dd grew older wondered why she didn't wear many of the clothes I bought then realised she would always choose to wear the softest clothes loved sensory objects. Some Repetitive behaviours, always losing things. She is very bright academically in the top couple in her class. Girls are good at masking.

[Newmama232]

@rachndan hi how is your little girl doing?