So what would you think of this?

[Lelophants]

Ds is 3.5 and we have always wondered a bit about behaviour. Has always done strange movements which I think look like stimming. Mostly does it when very excited but this can be a lot. He is also very very obsessive about certain things. Atm is a certain kids show and he dresses up as it and talks about it and plays it 24/7. He often does the weird behaviours when hes playing it.
Can have really bad behaviour and pushes boundaries constantly. Nursery have a very hard time with him as he doesn’t seem to learn and he basically needs 1:1. He doesn’t understand social boundaries at all and is constantly in other kid’s faces. Can be gentle but will follow them around trying to touch them, doesn’t seem to get why they don’t play with him. Also he’ll only want to play his game about his obsession. Oh and he can hurt them and doesn’t seem to get it.
He has empathy when we talk about things when reading but in real life just doesn’t seem to get it. He’s hurt me (sometimes accident and sometimes on purpose) and finds it funny. He can also have big tantrums and gets funny about sensory thighs but this has calmed down a bit.

It got really bad so had health visitor found. He scored far too low for autism as has good eye contact, good speech and other part’s of development are good. She said maybe he just needs more socialisation practise and it’s because he is anxious. She said we will keep an eye.

Time is going on and I still don’t know. Nursery aren’t happy but tbh they are understaffed and bit useless generally. I’d move him but he finds transitions v v hard and I don’t know where would be better anyway.

What would you think of this? If it’s not autism then what is going on and why is he so different? :( a lot of the time he is very happy and in his own world, but it can be heartbreaking to watch him struggle to socialise and the lack of empathy can be upsetting and confusing.

And he is definitely very different from any other 3 year old I know. I can’t mix with most people or go to groups because of his behaviour.

Does DS have an EHCP? Have the nursery applied for early years inclusion funding? Have they asked for input from the Area SENCO?

Good eye contact and speech don’t rule out autism. Whether it’s autism or not it sounds like DS would benefit from further input and assessment, so I would push for a referral to paediatrics. For the sensory difficulties has DS seen an OT? If not look whether sensory OT assessments are commissioned on the NHS in your area (unfortunately they aren’t in all areas).

He doesn’t no. The sendco have given them some advice about things to do but we need to follow up. Do you really think it’s a gp thing?

I think it is worth a referral, whether that is via the GP or otherwise.

The nursery can apply for early years inclusion funding if they need more funding to better meet DS’s needs. You could also consider applying for an EHCNA.

I think I’ll try and get a gp appointment then

I don’t know if it’s worth it though since the health visitor told me they won’t refer him and the list is years long anyway