I have often thought DS14 could have ASC.
But due to being very clever, quiet and well behaved at school, no teacher has ever seen what I see.
He is thriving at school and thriving at home. No dysregulation.
However, I now can't see how the next few years see going to progress for him. He has people he hangs out with at school, but no social life. His school 'friends' don't include him in any plans (all girls).
He seems happy enough chilling at home with us, doesn't seem to seek out peer company.
Have finally found two club training nights for a sport he likes. Also volunteers once a week for his D of E.
I fear he will start college friendless and is missing out on social skills. He is very immature and still plays with soft toys at home. They all have a name and character. He spends hours creating stories and events for them such as the olympics! Will write pages of facts and figures for them. Has always loved number, facts, countries, flags. Lots of specialist knowledge. For years it was a dinosaur obsession. Is much better at conversation at home now, for years he would talk at us about his interests. Comes across as shy with people outside the home.
He is a wonderful happy boy. Independently bakes, can do simple chores, no drama at all.
No sign of puberty either which I am aware he is on the upper end of it starting so am bearing that in mind too.
Gives me eye contact but struggles to even with grandparents.
Limited diet but we have improved this and he eats a healthy diet, just plain. Still gags trying some new food.
Gets annoyed at us 'eating too loud' and dislikes smells of some of our foods.
Sensory needs were higher when he was younger.
Delayed pretend play, took a lot of modelling.
Shows me empathy but no one else.
Basically, how do I explain to him that I think he needs an assessment? He seems very unaware and happy the way he is! I am happy with him too of course, but he can't stay at home playing for many more years.