Could it be autism

[Barnbrack]

My eldest had health issues as a baby so I was always watching his development so closely to reassure myself he was ok. He walked early, he talked on time, he had sentences by 2, he played, at the time I thought appropriately but with hindsight having had another child since, he moved from toy toy at speed, as soon as he worked out what a toy did his interest was gone, his fien motor skills were as good as his gross motor skills which were way ahead.

However he waved late, clapped late, had screaming meltdowns over going in a pram or car seat, clung like he was in terror of them, always hated swings. Loved roundabouts, climbing and slides. Terrible separation anxiety mainly with me. Would get massively upset and have meltdowns over bizarre things, for months my husband could only wear either a jumper OR a jacket, if he tried to wear both my son would become inconsolably distressed.

Transitions were a nightmare, getting out of the cot to go downstairs to get dressed to go in the car to get out of the car to go into nursery was upset and screaming at each transition.

Yet, he had friends, still has the same friends right from nursery now he's 7. Made friends easily in any environment, in a very 'boy' way in that he'd run into softplay and run out with a band of merry followers. His feeling were always very easily hurt while he could fall off the top of the slide and dust himself off like nothing happened. He'd run off in all environments as soon as he was uncomfortable and I'd be chasing him in fear until he was 5/6

He's clever and funny and has friends. Yet he cries before social events, struggles to go I to classes like swimming, will scream and hiss when upset, spins and jumps and wags his hands, but CAN sit in class at school for short periods. Is amazing at maths, could multiply double digits at 4/5. Is very loving and very verbal but sometimes talks like an elderly Victorian. He has screaming meltdowns where we can't reach him and he can be very violent towards mainly me in these moments

He's been referred for ADHD due to all of this and his complete inability to sleep without melatonin for more than 2 hours at a time.

He can seem so typical sometimes but I think that's because he's so well managed with exercise (2-3 hours a day running, park, cycling, trampolining) and routine. And when out of routine like the school holidays he really struggles.

I feel like I think he's autistic but I've spent so long trying to reassure myself he isn't that I don't know if I've been kidding myself. I just want to ensure he has the right support. Especially as he gets up through school (his school are wonderful)

Depending on the health issues, that could be responsible for some of the things you mention, e.g. separation anxiety. ADHD could also account for what you describe. However, I think a referral for an ASD assessment would be a good idea too.

It sounds like DS has sensory needs, has DS ever had a sensory OT assessment?

No, he hasn't, he has had an IQ and neuropsychology review at 4 and I think I didn't realize his sensory issues WERE sensory issues but we were already using ar defenders and a weighted blanket and a sensory tent to calm down from meltdowns and I dunno it got lost in the noise of everything else. His health history is febrile seizures but prolonged ones and anti seizure meds for a period.

Not all ICBs commission sensory OT on the NHS, but if your area does, it is worth a referral. Does DS have an EHCP? If so, sensory OT can be in there even if your area doesn’t offer sensory OT on the NHS.

What support is the school providing?

Noone ever mentioned OT (were in Scotland so ehcp isn't a thing here) school have been amazing they just seem to take each child as they come. There's a big learning through play ethos and in Scotland they don't start school until 5 which helped. They don't sit at desks all day they have free play a fair bit interspersed with learning done in a circle on the floor and with desk groups for quick bursts if literacy and numberacy. He was very behind in literacy but they weren't worried although still started a dyslexia assessment and gave him a coloured overlay last year which he still uses. He had chewie toys and ear defenders but no longer really uses and the whole class have access to a box of fidgets and he can also take a preferred fidget (he likes a Lego mini fig or 2 bits of LEGO to attach and detach) and they have a tent and a soft reading area he can access at any time. Doors are usually open between classroom and other play area and other than during desk time they can wander in and out.

If your area offers sensory OT or you can afford a private assessment, it would help.

Does the school offer sensory circuits?

If so, DS would benefit from that. For desk time, has DS tried things like s wobble cushion, resistance bands on the legs, exercise pedals underneath the desk, exercise/peanut ball or a rocking chair instead of a chair, or a standing desk?

Other than the overlay, what support is DS receiving for dyslexia?