DS1 was diagnosed as having ASD last year, and I have long suspected that DS2 has it too.
DS2 will be 3 in Sept, and I'm starting to think i need to start the diagnostic process. Can't bear the thought of him having the same problems at school that DS1 had. All the fighting and now having DS1 at home all year has meant that poor DS2 has been shunted to the background a bit.
I'd like to ask those of you who have more than one child on the spectrum if your children presented in roughly the same way? DS1 and DS2 are miles apart, though it's DS2 who I think has the more obvious signs.
DS1 didn't give me any cause for concern until he started school. He had no delays or anything, and it's only in hindsight (and with a lot more knowledge of the condition) that I can see he always displayed signs of autism.
DS2 has been delayed almost everywhere. Although within "normal" limits, he's always been only just, for instance he didn't start speaking until a couple of weeks before his 2nd birthday, and his speech is still largely unintelligible. DS1 spoke really early and clearly.
DS2 has been an incredibly fussy eater, despite being breastfed and BLW and all that stuff that is supposed to encourage a varied diet. Almost impossible to get him to eat any fruit or veg. DS1 will eat anything and is willing to try new food.
DS2 is almost constantly constipated, even when on Movicol and other medication. DS1 had no digestive problems.
DS2 flaps when he is excited, always has, and it's really pronounced now. It's not just hands, it's his whole arms. DS1 has never really stimmed like this.
On the other hand, DS1 was always an appalling sleeper, and was right up until diagnosis, when he was prescribed melatonin. DS2 has been so much better right from when he was a newborn.
DS1 will not do anything independently. he will never play on his own for more than 30secs and is always yammering at me about his current obsession, not a conversation, just repeated facts. DS2 will play on his own calmly and happily. Not sure how much of it is creative as he doesn't speak well enough to be understood, but a lot of it is just copying things out of Thomas films.
DS2 doesn't seem obsessive the way DS1 was, he knew every Thomas train from the sound of its whistle for instance. DS2 likes Thomas, but not in that same way.
Did those of you who already had a child on the spectrum find it easier to get a diagnosis for a subsequent child? Were professionals more willing to listen?