I have recently been researching ASD traits because of my thoughts re my DD who has ADHD and I am thinking possible ASD - I also have ADHD.
My sister has a 14 year old DS and I am thinking that maybe he is showing some ASD traits, but they are going through a lot at the minute and just wanted to check with those of you who are more experienced - with ASD particularly in boys before I drop this on her as she has a lot on her plate right now.
So, signs I am thinking may be indicative of ASD:
- Having received some bad news re his grandmother's health and my sister said he was rocking back and forth in the restaurant they stopped in on their way home from the hospital - this is what really made me think ASD in the first place.
- When visiting his grandparents in another country, got sick with anxiety when leaving - actually throwing up. This would be when leaving home to come visit and then leaving to go home. He would get visibly anxious in the days leading to the travel. This is despite his loving to travel and going to see them.
- Obsessive with maps and travel.
- Struggled with anxiety during Covid, insisting on wearing masks when not needed etc
- Very anxious and conscious about his grandmother's health - e.g. when on holiday with her this summer, he would be making sure she took her meds as she would sometimes forget, despite her son (his dad) being there - he was 13 then.
- Has difficulty with friendships at school, had to be moved classes
He is generally quite a quiet child and I feel as he has got older has withdrawn a bit more into himself - he's not great at chatting or interacting with people, but this could be explained away as shyness/lack of confidence I guess.
Does this sound familiar to any of you - is it enough to warrant bringing it up? Or am I overthinking this and it could just be anxiety about his grandmother?
If you think it is, any tips you may have to support him/things to look out for in the short term would be really helpful.
His grandmother is going to die within days or weeks and he will be devastated, but if ASD is in the mix, then it would be good for my sister to know so she can support him as appropriately as possible. She has no experience (knowingly at least) in supporting an ND child.