Also Dd2 for a change

[chocnomore]

I usually post about Dd1 (severe Asd) but have a question about Dd2 (3). I started to get some niggles.

Dd1 was delayed from early on, her difficulties were really obvious.

Dd2 on the other hand did everything early, crawling, walking, talking, communication is fab BUT she seems to be so rigid in many ways. can only eat with certain spoons, will only drink from one cup. lasr year, we went to the seaside where she wore a skirt - she will now not wear skirts anywherw else because 'skirt is for the seaside'. the other day we went to a sporting activity where the coach high-fived all the children in the end of the session. only Dd2 refused ('because I went there only to ride my bike. thats what you said mummy' - this is so Dd2). She has zero flexibility in her thinking for a lot of things and dealing with her can be exhausting. I think I got a better handle on Dd1.

I could go on and on and on. she also has sensory issues (tactile).

Nursery noted that she can be stubborn when she gets something in her head but have no other concerns.

Is this what NT(ish) 3 year olds are like??? I

I would definitely be keeping an eye on her choc.

Control over things like spoons, cups, clothing can be a 3 yr old thing because they are finding their feet and dont have a lot of control in their little lives.

Dd3's pre school always told me they didnt have any concerns about her until she left when one member of staff let slip that she was the "most stubborn child she had ever worked with!!"

Inflexibilty is very hard to live with. I would recommend keeping a diary of her issues, how they effect her and what strategies you use to help her. This might help you to see a pattern of behaviours and it will also help if you decide to ask for a referral in the future.

In my experience SALT's can be quite good at picking up subtleties in language such as being very literal or pedantic which could indicate a social communciation issue. In some areas you can self refer to SALT's or they run drop in sessions.

Also remember that pre school is likely to be structured and may even be using visual timelines and stuff which can help high functioning children to mask their difficulties.

Good luck

thanks ineed. you used 'pedantic' in your post. Now that very much describes Dd2!

Hmmm, precise, pedantic use of language can be a feature of Aspergers, some children are described as *little professors".

Dd3 had amazing language when she was little but when tested by a SALT she was found to have difficulties in some areas eg, when shown a picture of cutlery she said "You eat with them" after a great deal of careful consideration.

Have a look at some Tony Attwood books they might give you some insight.

Good luck

Choc, If you have niggles, listen to them.

Some things are so much easier to head off earlier rather than later, and it is MUCH easier to get into systems before school start to get involved and worry about their budgets.

Think I will start a diary to begin with.

Luckily, Dd2 will only start school in 2015 so we are not under massive pressure time wise but I am very consious of the potential issues once school starts.