Good Morning,
I'm a bit nervous to be posting but I could do with some advice or hear experiences from anyone who may have been in a similar position.
My eldest DS is 3 and for quite some time I've had some concerns that his behaviour may not be entirely typical. I've been keeping a close eye on him and really trying to focus on helping him in some areas (mostly social skils) but I feel like things are actually getting worse rather than better.
I'm aware that this is not a place to recieve a diagnosis etc but we are waiting for the HV to come and do a sogs assessment and in the mean time I guess I just feel like I want to sound things out a bit.
Main things I've noticed are:
Struggles in social situations and lately even with very familiar people (grandparents, cousin etc) will refuse to engage at times. This seems to be worsening too.
Very poor sleep and this has always been the case
Can become extremely anxious and is very reliant on DH when worried. I know children have periods of separation anxiety but this seems to be happening more often.
Won't interact with other children in terms of answering questions, saying hello, making observations etc. Even with children he has seen on a regular basis for a long time. Once he has warmed up will run around near them but that is about it.
Very rigid with certain things. Like he will only watch a small handful of programmes and will get very upset if you try to show him something new or deviate from that. He also likes routine and can get very fixated on doing things a certain way.
His speech was delayed however this seems to have caught up but conversations are very much yes and no. Or one words answers. Everything seems very matter of fact if that makes sense? He likes to ask us to spell words to him and he enjoys memorising things like numbers until he remembers them. Conversations are very much "bus Mam. A blue 38 bus". He doesn't enjoy doing anything he may not be able to do straight away.
He is very loving towards me, DH and DS2 and comfortable with us at home. However interacting with others seems a huge challenge. We've really tried to increase social interaction with others and being gently supportive without forcing him into uncomfortable situations. I did think lockdown had played a big part to start with but nothing seems to be getting any better. He goes to nursery for 3 full days a week and we try to have a play date at least once a week and regularly visit places he can have interaction with others like soft play etc.
I apologise for the essay and I probably have more I could add. Any experience, thoughts or advice would be gratefully recieved!