Can a child only have ASD features in specific environments?

[Julestherabbit]

Child in DS’s class has recently been diagnosed ASD, but only displays features at home. Is this a thing? I have never heard of ‘selective’ ASD.

Its not selective ASD. Many children are able to mask their Autism to some extent in different environments. Its entirely different.

selective ASD

How do you know the boy only displays signs at home?

It is well known many children, especially those with additional needs, behave differently in different settings. ND DC often mask in school and fall apart or explode at home.

It is also common for schools to claim not to see signs when in reality the school is either missing them or choosing not to see them.

The aSD will always be there but certain situations may make it harder for them to cope/ make them tick more, cause more anxiety basically make the asd more prevelant.

But it,s tough I have met those parents. (My child has adhd.... really are you sure it,s your chaotic home life thats the prob?) However for some home is a safe environment they don,t have to put on a front.

How do you know the boy only displays signs at home?

Because that’s what his mum says, and I’ve never seen anything other than a well behaved child.

Thanks for the really helpful responses. I’ve learned something today

Autism is a condition. It is not selective. It is just that children with autism behave differently in different environments, depending on how they are affected by the environment. As PP said, some mask at school, then explode as soon as they get home.

Also in busy classrooms, unless a child is having a massive meltdown, teachers do not always see the signs of autism.

We used to go to parents' evening and the child they described at school was nothing like the one we had at home.

Being autistic and well behaved aren't mutually exclusive groups.

Many DC with ASD are 'people pleasers' and terrified of breaking the rules.

I would be surprised if a child who had been diagnosed didn't display any signs at school. They may not be obvious or recognised for what they are, but I would be surprised if they weren't there.

The environment can make a massive difference to some children.

specialist Salt could pick up autistic behaviours, when they went to do an observation, when school could not.

one masked in school for years, until they did not.