Autism or not?

[Davespecifico]

Could someone still get an Autism diagnosis if they display many of the behaviours but: have excellent facial expression recognition (even for subtle nuanced expressions), don’t have a fear of change and wouldn’t need any interventions regarding routine, speak with typical neurotypical tone of voice (naturally), have quick understanding of figures of speech, no stimming, no meltdowns, know if they are boring you, sensitive to nuances in social interaction, no special memory for dates etc.., is never inappropriate with people, interested in fashion, understands why they have to do things they don’t like.

Reasons to consider Autism as a possibility: extreme social anxiety, some demand avoidance/anger about demands (at home only), sensory issues including shopping in crowds, seeing and hearing other people eating, and very limited diet, a special interest that is slightly young for their age, happy to spend very long periods alone with phone.

I know individuals with autism all have their own distinct profile and have more issues in some areas than other’s, but in my child’s case, social interaction (although it varies according to where she is) and sensory issues are the big thing, but there appears to be no issue whatsoever with areas listed in first paragraph.

Would be grateful for some thoughts.

My Ds is currently being assessed for autism, he is 14. He has always had characteristics but seemed to cope until secondary school and the teenage years hit. He has huge problems in social situations and struggles sometimes to interact at all. He also has sensory issues around food ( restricted diet), smell, noise, clothing etc. He does not meltdown but we have had episodes of him shutting down when he cannot communicate at all and zones out completely. He does have very rigid behaviour too, we need a timetable for his week which he must not deviate from. He would not cope with times changing or a surprise. He spends nearly all his time on his computer so I guess that would be his strong interest. I would say too he is emotionally young for his age considering he is nearly 15.

When we saw the community paediatrician back in December she suggested that a diagnosis would happen if his difficulties were having a major impact on his life (they are) and of course that he met the criteria. She told me to buy him books on autism and talk to him about autistics in the public eye. He is awaiting a speech and language assessment but I have a feeling he will get a diagnosis. The school senco says that you can tell as soon as you meet him that he has communication issues. Unfortunately as we wait for assessment his mental health is beginning to deteriorate, it's manageable at the moment but he has gcses next year.

I think girls can mask their difficulties more so it may be worth you looking into it further. I also think there is quite a bit of information online about girls and autism, as they can present differently. If she's at school is there a senco you could approach with your concerns?

Do ask for an assessment by someone who has a lot of experience diagnosing autism in girls, because girls present very differently to boys.

If she's autistic she was born with it and she will always have it. If she isn't, the dx will not be given, it's that simple. Do bear in mind that the dx wait-times are around 2 years in some areas, so you'd be better starting the process now, rather than waiting until you have more traits or signs.

You've not said how old she is, doesn't matter really, but just to say that in secondary school, - sweeping generalisation and hearsay alert - kids who are not recognised/have their needs met/are only treated like NT will at some point find that their ability to cope has run out of steam.
Some find the transition from primary to secondary too much to handle, some find they can't cope when the workload starts to intensify for GCSEs, some find that at A level, others keep it together until Uni and a few even beyond that. There's no set timing for when a child's coping mechanisms aren't enough for them any more, basically they struggle through most often without you knowing how much of a struggle it is for them until they hit that point.

Definitely read up on autism presentation in girls, then go to your GP armed with a list of 'I know it's not a straightforward presentation, BUT then list the things she has difficulty with as above.

I'd echo Blanktimes advice. The cumulative effect of trying to cope can be very hard. We only considered autism in our DD when she was 18 and beginning to really struggle with her mental health. School didn't suggest it, the GP and first psychiatrist were dismissive, in the end a second psychiatrist suggested going for diagnosis. She had none of the "typical" indicators - we just thought she was a bit nerdy and inflexible in her thinking.

Thanks all. I have read a fair bit about autism in girls/ masking etc. I feel that in the areas she in which she doesn’t present as autistic, she isn’t masking and it comes naturally. But yet, there are the sensory and anxiety issues. She’s 13 btw.

I'm going through something similar with my 13yo dd atm, I've watched a video on YouTube by a chap called tony Atwood about Aspergers and girls which was really interesting.

My dd doesn't have social anxiety but does struggle socially, it's strange because she is sociable and she likes being around people but often becomes completely overwhelmed.

The charity Bibic are offering private assessments so we're going to do that and take it from there.

Just seen this girliefriend. Thanks for info re: charity.