What would you do if you suspected a neighbour's child was on the spectrum?

[SaySomethingOrNot]

I have decided to do nothing as I know from experience how the messenger will be shot. So to speak.

I remember how I felt when somebody said to me that something my son did was linked to autism. I was furious with her, outraged on my child's behalf and It never occurred to me that she might be right. Not for a second.

If I said something, it might look like I wanted other children to be autistic as well. So, if I say nothing, I hope that 6 months either way won't make too huge a difference.

Unless its a very close friend, i would keep my mouth shut. Being a mum of an autistic child you tend to notice the traits in other children (and adults), i see it a lot in other children but i always keep my mouth shut .

I agree with Marne. I wouldn't say anything.
And i also see traits in other people and children. My niece being one of them, i tried speaking about it to my sister who took it very badly indeed!

Its a really difficult one. My neighbour has a degree in child development and works with autistic children on a regular basis. I remember telling her when my ds was diangnosed and she said she had though he was but did not want to say anything to me.
However since then, whenever we get together she is constantly observing everything he does and commenting on both his behaviour, my parenting and how I should be doing this, that and the other with him. it is a bit of a nightmare really and I have distanced myself because of it.
I would definitely not say anything for now, she will probably reach out to you for support when she does realise there is a problem.
Totally agree with Marne - I see traits in so many people both adults and children, the more knowledge you have the easier it is to spot the signs!

i would keep quiet. I see traits in a very good DD, but never say anything. I guess the question would be, owuld it be helpful? Are they ok as they are? or is she crying out for help?
Did you ever go back to lady who mentioned asd to you about your LO?

Hmm.

I ahve encountered thids twice; once on a vague friend and once in a relation, I have taken different approaches each time.

With relation I have mentioned it to a close familial link who knows them better and agrees but has accepted the role of keeping an eye and only mentioning if needed(school etc going w3ell atm)

Friend was a more obvious case; had her around a few times, casually pointed out similarities between our boys 'Oh its nice when they do X isn;t it, ds3 does that too' and just amde myself available as issues came up with school, which they did soon enough- dx of AS and epilepsy now