Is my toddler showing signs of autism or adhd

[Laylalola112]

hi everyone since my little boy started crawling from 7 months onwards he started showing little signs that made me wonder whether he had some form of ADHD, or autism such as constantly shaking and twirling his hands, not responding to me saying certain things, he was never a good sleeper from day 1, he was constantly wingy and crying, never settled he had loads of different problems as a baby then once he started walking he started walking on tip toes now and then, constantly running back and forth non stop full of energy doesn't keep still for not even 10 minutes, he lines toys up and other things in the house. He's very obsessive and clingy with certain toys to the extend he has to take his bucket of animals everywhere with him to family members houses, out shopping, even to bed and if 1 is missing or 1 falls out he has a complete and utter meltdown. He has meltdowns and tantrums countless times a day. He's now almost 3 years old and he is good with his speech and has good eye contact but he doesn't play very well with kids his own age he's very strict with routine he doesn't behave very well Infront of adults and children he isn't familiar with he prefers to play on his own, he loves spinning around until he is very dizzy, he's very fussy with his food but from morning till night he doesn't shut off, he doesn't listen he has no fear he has no sense of danger what so ever he will just run out onto he road and not care what so ever when he does things thats naughty it's like he doesn't realise it's wrong until after he's done it he will apologise but then continue to do it thru out the day, he is pretty much out of control at the moment everyone I have spoken to and have asked their opinion they just say he's a typical boy maybe with a bit of ADHD but me and my mother strongly believe it's that and possibly autism. I have spoken to a few adults with children who have it and they all agree with the signs and symptoms just looking on advise on what to do to get help, and if your child has been diagnosed with either of these what was the early signs and symptoms. Thank you !! X

There are some things in your description that could indicate a bit of monitoring, but, there are a lot of things that all, or many dc do.

Does he go to Nursery or a playGroup ?

Not yet he starts in April, he does interact with other children his age many times a week and I've found he's more interested playing nice with older children even though he prefers to play on his own

It's his repetitive behaviour and strange obsessions that's making me think he could have it all day every single day he repeats the same stuff plays with the same stuff in the same way over and over. He loves to repeat himself over and over to.

ADHD is completely different from Autism.
Don't get me wrong, it can co-exist, but isn't similar at all.
ADHD is rarely diagnosed before the child is about 7, as so much of what ADHD is, is normal 'toddler behaviour', so there's no need to worry about that.

Re Autism : There is no single blood test or X-ray, or genetic test, or MRI or CAT Scan than can diagnose Autism - the diagnosis comes from a multi-disciplinary team using their experience and following a diagnostic criteria.
Practically everything that can point towards autism, can also be things that many people do. For a diagnosis, the MDT will look at 4 different areas of need.
It really is difficult for anyone on here to say whether they believe it might be an issue or not. You should go and talk to your Health Visitor if you don't have Nursery staff to talk to about your concerns.

Dd1 12 has asd and ADHD and ds 10 has add, SPD (sensory processing disorder) and ADD dd3 is 4 and on the waiting list for diagnosis for what is likely asd & ADHD. I would say that your ds is likely to be, from my experience with my own dc, family members & friends also on the spectrum and all the research I have done on asd/asc it sounds like he is displaying a lot of the signs. Don't let people tell you it's "normal" or don't worry he'll grow out of it...it took me almost 5 years of hearing that & I listened with my dd when my gut instinct told me it was autism not naughtiness or bad parenting. She was then on the list for a further 2 years and now has had so many problems through not having the right support in place all these years is left feeling hopeless and isolated. Get him referred now, you'll wait about 18months to 2 years to be seen anyway & if he does "grow out of it" or they say no atleast you'll know & if they say yes he will have access to the right support. My DC do or have done all the things your son is doing or has done & left without the right guidance & support will only get harder for him, you & anyone else who cares for him. Contact your GP for referral. Trust your instinct! Mother always knows! Good luck xx

I have a 13 year old, diagnosed adhd at the age of 10 and ASD aged 11. He was very advanced as a baby. He wouldnt get involved with groups at school etc. My youngest is now 3. Cant talk, spins in circles, eats the same things etc etc. I didnt even think about my eldest repetitive behaviours until it was brought to my attention. Definately push for him to be seen by a specialist

I agree. My eldest was firstly diagnosed adhd and I wouldnt accept it. He was then diagnosed asd, but they assessed further and he also has adhd. It annoys me how people think these things are just diagnosed. It takes months, even years of assessments, questionnaires to parents, teachers etc.

My toddler has just turned 3, and for a while we have suspicions of some form of learning difficulties or autism. He says very few words, but understands a lot. He mostly communicates through body language. I'm from Brazil so I speak to him in my native language, but recently decided to stop as I thought I was confusing him or delaying his speech. This might not even be the case.

He has been referred in the beginning of the year from his health visitor, and since he had been assessed by paediatricians and development and education teams. We are hopeful that some sort of diagnosis will come soon. Hopefully, nothing sinister.

He had always slept well and he is calm at times, loves watching TV, listening to music and he is very affectionate. He makes eye contact with us but no with everyone. He respondes tô him name but like to be in his own zone at times. He is obviously a boy, so there are times when he is vey hyper. He does have obsessive behaviour with certain toys, and seems to know where things are hidden and how many pieces of something I hide are missing, great memory. He also flaps arms and legs constantly. He jumps up and down 'punching his tummy . He doesn't have many tantrum though. His eating is a disaster!

Any similar experiences?