Is this normal behaviour or not?

[masonclaire]

2 year old DS has always been high needs since birth. Crying/whinging a lot and not the best sleeper.

I have always thought he may have ASD as he is just harder work than other kids his age. And people have made comments.

Firstly his development has always been great. He speaks, walking at 11 mo etc.

A typical day - wakes up 5-6am crying pushing me out the bed to get him snacks from downstairs. He sometimes cries for an hour until I give in. Which is just unbearable at this time of day. Won't drink milk so bottles stopped at 1 yo.

Demands to go downstairs, very indecisive on what cereal he wants, will throw food on the floor if it's not the one he wanted. Demands snacks throughout the day. Cries a lot if he doesn't get his own way.

Wants to be carried everywhere, EXTREMELY inpatient and demanding. Very hard work if we go out to shops or restaurants, not very good at listening to orders eg come here. Throws everything, hits me and others if doesn't get his own way, won't sit in pram or highchair. Fine in car.

Doesn't sit and watch tv for long, gets bored easily. Loves playing with other kids, plays nice with toys but not for long, won't eat much, fussy with food, not very affectionate

You have described my nearly 2.5 yo boy which he seems like a big baby in a little child's body. He has always been high needs and the whinging never stops. His hyperactive but other than that most people say he is a good boy minus the excess energy but it's me who he takes out all of his whinging and whining. His never happy with anything. Since the day he was born, I literally have to think of new ways to entertain him and keep him busy all the bloody time as he gets so bored so easily.

So since 18 months old, he has started playing with his toys a little while longer and thank god for screen time, which has given me some time to myself for loo breaks or uninterrupted coffee. Other than these moments, his never happy or content. It's relentless and exhausting. His understanding is getting better as he no longer runs off and is responding to simple commands which he wasn't last month. He pointed at around 17 months to share interest, pointed at around 22 months to request and since turning 24 months, he has been pointing and using words to request. He has about 120 words, no two words sentences yet but is using his words in correct context. Great eye contact, seeks appraisal, can read emotions.

So with all of this, it makes me certain he isn't asd but he is emotionally so different to other toddlers his age that makes me think what if he is or is he just an unhappy child and it's related to his personality or if there's another health reason.

Sorry I didn't mean to hijack your thread but I was hoping to bump it and someone with more experience to come along and respond to your questions which will also allow me to follow it and hopefully give me a different perspective.

@fourtail no I really appreciate your reply. My family/partner are adamant he doesn't have ASD as he's developing amazingly in other ways. He counts to 10, can also read emotions like when he sees me crying he says 'you ok mama?' (I'm pregnant so extremely emotional). And to be honest some days he's an angel and we have a lovely day but overall most days are seriously hard work as all he does is whinge and does not seem happy with anything even though I do absolutely everything to keep him entertained, we never stay in the house doing nothing all day. I'm glad im not the only one going through this. My family think it's just his personality..