Autism signs?

[candywoo]

Hello just looking to see if anyone has been in a similar position.

Around 6 months ago my 3 year old started to rip her clothes off and hairbands/hair out when she got upset and now for the past 5 months she will not wear any clothes at all when we are at home. Yesterday I tried to insist on her wearing a dress or shorts in the home and it resulted in her lashing out at me. She never does this for any other reason. She occasionally smears if I don't catch her in time when she needs a bowel movement but other than that she uses the potty.

She wears clothes when we go out but they have to be put on her right before we leave and if she gets upset whilst out she will attempt to rip them off. She knows we can't go out if she won't wear clothes. As soon as we walk back through the door she cries and takes them back off.

She is also delayed in her speech and language.

Anyone been here? Is this normal or could it be a sign of autism?

Have a look at Sensory Processing Disorder
she may be hypersensitive to wearing certain materials or textures.
You can buy clothes online without labels or seams. You may be able to unpick what she really can’t tolerate. For our daughter it was buttons she couldn’t tolerate.

There would need to be other difficulties with speech and language and social communication and interaction to consider exploring a diagnosis of autism. Is she at nursery and have they expressed any concerns?

Thanks

Yes sounds like sensory issues - but they are very common with ASD. Speech and language delay could also be a sign - has her hearing been checked just in case? It's not unusual for kids with ASD to need grommets.

Some nurseries are very good at noticing things and many others don't have much clue. DS wasn't picked up by anyone until he was 10 - diagnosed at 11.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if she was diagnosed at some point - does she do anything repetitively? Is there anything she is obsessed with? Does she enjoy imaginative play? There will be more too it for her to get a diagnosis but it might not be obvious to you, especially if she has a speech delay. It might be more noticeable to someone who knows what to look for so definitely worth looking into IMO. Talk to her nursery (but don't take what they as gospel) talk to your health visitor and talk to your GP.