My oldest (5) is diagnosed as autistic and recently I've been noticeing possible traits in my younger child (2) aswell. What I'm struggling with is trying to untangle what's her own inherent behaviour, what's copied from oldest, and what's from living over half her life in lockdown.
I also keep wandering if I'm noticing things more/ making something of nothing due to sibling, but also worrying I'll miss dificulties if they exist but are less extreme then her sibling, because in honest at this stage I'm completely out of touch with what "normal" development should look like.
Would anybody be able to tell me if any of this would concern you in a 2 (nearly 3) year old, with strong family history of autism?
Sensory issues around noise/fans
hates wind and will insist on having hood up for slightest breeze
Hates wereing shoes/socks
Lines up toys (could be copied but sibling finished this stage some time before she started)
Spins, but so does sibling so could be copied
Poor eye contact (could be learned as sibling dislikes eye contact)
Doesn't point, but will bring things or tell you the name of what she wants you to pay attention to/ get
Will not usually talk to people she doesn't know well, completely blanks them, but talks well if she decides to.
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.
SN children
Traits in younger sibling
Sprogonthetyne · 05/07/2022 13:46
MS261996 · 02/08/2022 07:08
Hi OP,
I feel for you and your concerns as I am in a similar position, I have a 8 year old son who is autistic and a 1 year old who has been put on the waiting list to be evaluated. I would say that you should consider the pattern of your child’s behaviour in regards to change and consistency. My son regressed a little over 1, but never had brilliant eye contact but was affectionate, my 1 year old on the other hand has very poor eye contact, and will not let me hold her all that much, does not cuddle and doesn’t really respond to smiles. Although they are quite different, both children have always had ‘signs’ and most noticeable was their social interactions. My son has always had repetitive and restricted play so would only line up things and not doing anything else, my 1 year old cannot play at all at the moment, just bangs things. Can your little one play in the typical way? Can they use their imagination? What are they like with other children? Also does she use her speech to communicate with you and others. Children do unusual behaviour all the time, I think it’s important to look at how consistent the behaviour is and if their development has somewhat stopped or decreased in terms of social interaction and things like that. At age 18-36 months my sons needs were more obvious and really played in his own world, he seemed much more social as a baby but babies giggle at themselves all the time so it seems like they are being sociable because they seem bubbly so you may miss the lack of eye contact. Also think about her receptive language, how much does she understand because this is important too. I hope this helps you somewhat.
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