So for a while now me and my daughters dad have suspected our youngest may have sensory issues and/or high functioning autism. Autism runs in his family, ADHD runs in mine. I spoke with my daughters nursery last week and they want to arrange a meeting so we can discuss my concerns. I just want to hear from other mums with children who have been diagnosed with either/or and whether or not they think that what we suspect is correct.
Here’s a list of things my daughter does:
• stimming - when she was a baby she used to make a low grumbling sound which would go on for ages. She doesn’t do that anymore but makes lots of repetitive noises and makes repetitive foot movements and hand movements. She also seeks lots of stimulation with her chin like pushing her chin into peoples faces or placing things under her chin and holding them there. She seeks stimulation with her hair by rubbing it onto hard surfaces.
• she is terrified of anything that makes a loud noise or moves suddenly. For example if she sees a street sweeper she will freeze or hide behind my legs as she is scared of the noise. She doesn’t like dogs. Was once scared of a piece of paper blowing in the wind and also hates chicks as she was startled by one. She hides her head whenever she hears a loud noise or is startled.
• hates going too high on swings. She will freeze and go red in the face if she goes too high. She also used to freeze and go red whenever we turned a roundabout in the car.
• very rarely cries if she falls or bumps into things. Will only cry if she SEES a bruise or a cut but isn’t phased by the fall. Also, terribly clumsy.
• sensitive too light. Sometimes looks like she’s walking with her eyes closed (but does also wear glasses)
• has absolute meltdowns which don’t seem to end. Could be over something small.
• doesn’t like a change in routine. Will sometimes repeat the action just so she can do it herself. For example at nursery they walk up and down the stairs as they aren’t very steep, however mine at home are but she won’t let me carry her and if I do she will physically walk back up the steps to walk down again. Won’t let me take her coat off and if I do she will put her coat back on just so she can take it off again. We also used to allow her to empty the potty herself and when we tried to change that it caused a meltdown.
• constantly washes her hands. Doesn’t like dirt. Dirty hands are a no no. Has a meltdown if she gets food on her.
• occasionally walks on tip toes but isn’t a constant thing. Occasionally hand flaps also.
• always itching (does have eczema but sometimes scratches when nothing is there)
• climbs and jumps off things (mainly the couch)
• can’t sit still, is a nightmare at appointments
Sorry it’s so long, these are the only things I can think of right now. Our meeting is next week so any advice is welcome 😊