What do you think?

[SaraCara]

Ds is in year 5 and about 3 years behind. He's been diagnosed with dyslexia and very poor working memory and processing. But there some other things I've noticed as well and wanted to get your thoughts :

He continously puts things in his mouth
Very fussy eater
Refuses to wear certain items of clothing even if it means he's too hot or cold
Refuses to go to discos at school. But will go to parties.
Plays in one section of the playground at school and has already said he will go to the library for lunch times when he's at secondary.
Walks on tiptoes alot.
Doesn't seem to follow conversations. He has to have plots of films explained.
Says he is 'confused' and doesn't know what the teacher is saying.
Immature.
Very low NVR but high verbal reasoning
Often doesn't 'get' things that seem obvious.
Not bothered by new situations or people but prefers to know someone there already.
Poor fine motor skills. Very bad handwriting.
Really struggles with multi step instructions.
Avoids independence. Ie, won't go to the shop alone.

I was thinking ASD. But I'd describe him as sociable, he maintains eye contact, doesn't react badly to change and has empathy for others. All traits I don't associate with ASD. Not that I know alot about it.

Is there alot of overlap between all these things? I just can't work out why his NVR skills are so bad.

He wasn't breathing at birth and someone said it could be that. He was given oxygen within a few minutes though. I feel as though I'm missing something.

The sensory processing issues would certainly warrant a referral for an ASD Assessment, in my book.
Yes, there is often co-existence of different conditions

Obviously no-one here can diagnose your ds, but I'd certainly be pressing for a referral for assessment.

Thank you. Has anyone heard of non verbal learning disorder? Ds seems to tick alot of boxes.

Could be completely wrong on this but isn't NVLD the US equivalent to dyspraxia (can also come with sensory issues)? I've read somewhere that NVLD is treated with suspicion in the UK. Sounds like he could have some auditory processing problems if he's struggling to make out what is being said etc.

I didn't know that. I'll take a look, thank you.

Yes, agree this sounds like it could be dyspraxia (which seems to be described interchangeable as 'sensory processing disorder' depending on who we speak too). My year 6 DS is dyspraxic (or has a 'sensory processing disorder' depending on who we speak to) and your list would describe him perfectly. See if you can get a referral to an occupation therapist who should be able to assess him. Good luck.

I wouldn't discount ASD. Sounds very much like my 2 autistic DC.

There are a lot of misunderstandings concerning what 'sociable', 'resistance to change' and especially empathy reallg means in autism. It is a myth that auties don't have it. Things moved on significantly since those myths took hold.