Worried sick after autism suggestion

[MrsM24]

Hi I would really love some advice, my son is 6 years old, in primary 2 and the assistant head teacher approached me at the school last week to say my sons teacher has noticed some repetitive behaviors with him and also said that he's not reciprocal when talking to his peers.

She wanted to ask if we have noticed these behaviors at home and had any concerns, we have noticed he has these little tics (as we thought of them) that show up for a few weeks then go, then it's something else. For instance excessive eye blinking, then wobbling his head, now he rubs his temples quickly and fidgets with his socks and pants a lot.

With the non reciprocal conversation he does talk a lot, and can have a 2 way conversation asking questions back and forth but a lot of the time it's talking facts and figures at you (a lot about the titanic at the moment).

Teacher thought it would be good to have a meeting about possible causes and I'm waiting on a date from her with that. Looking at symptoms online it does seem like it could be ASD and I won't lie I'm heartbroken, I feel so sad and I can't stop thinking about it. He's so clever with reading, numeracy, beautiful handwriting, good eye contact, not bothered about routine or change, easily frustrated at times but he's never had a meltdown. He's shy and watches from the sidelines a bit at birthday parties etc but will join in eventually. We have thought about ASD before, he had a speech delay but health visitor said he was developing fine and once the words came we put it out of our heads. When the eye blinking started we again worried but with no other symptoms it seemed more like a tic which google said could be common in childhood. Feel stupid now for not being more aware of the symptoms and spotting it sooner.

I'm sorry this is so long I just can't stop worrying now about him, his life, school life etc. is there anyone who's been there and can help me through this? I'm so lost I feel like Im struggling to cope with this.

Thank you for anyone who got this far x

Hi OP, when you have assessment be sure to say that school picked up on ASD type behaviours - also definitely mention things such as obsession with Titanic and quoting facts and figures at you when talking. Note all these sorts of things down as you see them as you will forget over time. Your DS sounds exactly like mine at that age (he was diagnosed at 11)!

It's not always really obviously ASD when they're young and so high functioning - but then Secondary school hits and that's when it can get a lot harder and more obvious. Don't let them fob you off, there are plenty of clearly ASD behaviours there, ds had tics too at that age, blinking mainly. Now as an older teen I haven't seen any for quite a long time. Anxiety is also comorbid with ASD in something like 85% of cases. DS is shy and anxious but doing brilliantly academically and is going into software engineering, whatever your ds is into go with it and support and encourage him all you can!

Hi thank you so much for the update and I am so happy to hear that your son is happy and enjoying life . May I ask please has he been diagnosed with autism in the end ? Many thanks again x

Hi, no there hasn't been any assessment or diagnosis yet still on the waiting list with no idea really of how much longer it will take

He sounds a delightful child. If he's autistic, the best thing you can do do is face it straight on and support him in the areas he has difficulties. I appreciate it's a worry, but channel that energy into doing things that will get positive outcomes for him. And enjoy your lovely little boy. He clearly has a lot of strengths.