How do you know?

[boythengirl]

Just wanted to say that I find 'it' all so confusing. My DS had a meeting with paed, as we had some concerns about behaviour. She said we are possibly looking at ASD but is going to see how he gets on at school - just started reception. I find it hard to determine what behaviour etc. is NT(thanks stralight for advising on terminology - i have only posted a little to date) and what is ASD. What I mean is that some of this stuff you can see in most people. Or am I being naive and trying to convince myself that my DS is not ASD?

Glad you popped this thread up :) ( makes it easier to respond to different people and questions if you have your own thread < thumbs up>

asd is basically a triad of impairments ( the national autistic society site has some good info).

To be classed as asd you need to have issues in all three areas.. Although those areas may be at different levels.

Yes everyone can and does show bits and bobs of the spectrum.. If you think about lots of mosaic pieces .. Everyone has a bit here and a bit there... But when you have the triad of issues.. You get the whole picture.. Rather than just some tiles.

( it's the best way I can think of explaining it :))

Thanks Arsenic
I have been reading the NAS website all evening but I find I get more confused! Whilst I can find examples of traits I can also find examples of the opposite - if you know what I mean.

I am keeping notes for our next meeting with the paed in 3 months time and I need to speak to the school to get feedback. Would anyone advisee doing anything else in the interim?

It can be helpful if your ds does anything particularly 'quirky' to video it. Things such as stimming ( bouncing, flapping, hair or finger twiddling)..

That and notes are good.. If your ds has tanrums it's worth noting the length of time, the trigger ( if you know it) and what or how he calmed down etc any food issues or issues with motor skills.

Also worth noting what stratagies you have in place for any of these behaviours and any concerns or questions.