School says DS displaying ASD behaviours

[noblegiraffe]

I got called into a meeting at school last night where out of the blue the SENCO suggested possible ASD for DS (4). He is on an IEP to work on his social skills and has been given a special cushion to help him sit still and stop annoying others on the carpet. It will be reviewed and if no improvement, they will get him assessed.

I know his social skills are crap with his peers, and I've been told he can't keep his hands off them, which is annoying them; he plays with much older children in the playground. He plays nicely with a friend out of school and with his cousins.

He's very bright, and a bit quirky, but when I google ASD symptoms, they are all talking about things which don't fit. Speech is fine, so is eye contact, he can recognise emotions. I don't know many other 4 year olds for comparison and I don't know what I should be looking for, or whether there is even a problem that a bit of help won't sort.

So my first thought was 'no, he isn't autistic' but then that might explain some behaviour but then does some autistic behaviour mean autism?

Thanks everyone. It's a bit depressing to think that although he seems ok now with a few minor issues that this could get worse. I don't want my lovely boy to struggle at school.

Having read a lot on the internet and on MN, I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that ASD is a distinct possibility. I just hope that with support he can modify his behaviour so it becomes less of an issue.

noble, sorry it's all such a shock. Please do grab this opportunity with both hands though. Better to have a happy, slightly unusual DS dx with ASD now (if correct, of course) and help given, than to have a very unhappy year 2 child who has been left undx and unsupported.

Hi @noblegiraffe

I just wondered what happened to your son and the outcome of his ASD referral/assessment if you are happy to share?

I am going through the same with my son at the moment who is 5yo and sounds very similar to your son! I have my doubts but feel a few of his traits could fall in the ASD spectrum or just could be that he is only 5yo and adjusting to school and the social side of things.

I hope all is ok for you and your son.

Many thanks.