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5 year old and autism
by questioningmom, Jun 07, 2007 12:00AM
My mother called me the other night wondering if my son has autism. By everything I'm reading I don't think so but I thought I would post the question and see what you thought. Her reasons for questioning are below:
1. When he was a toddler, he loved to put everything in a line.
2. Since learning how to snap his fingers, he is constantly snapping.
3. Her cousin had autism.
As far as any other signs, I don't see them. He is a very expressive, fun little boy. He makes friends at school pretty easily, adapts to change with no more trouble than any other 5 year old. He does hate to lose but I don't think that's anything to be concerned with - he just has to learn that one. He does not shy away any more than the other boys his age from hugs and kisses. He's a very caring child. He has selective hearing but I don't think it's to an "abnormal" degree - he's just being a child in my eyes.
Thank you for your time.
1. When he was a toddler, he loved to put everything in a line.
2. Since learning how to snap his fingers, he is constantly snapping.
3. Her cousin had autism.
As far as any other signs, I don't see them. He is a very expressive, fun little boy. He makes friends at school pretty easily, adapts to change with no more trouble than any other 5 year old. He does hate to lose but I don't think that's anything to be concerned with - he just has to learn that one. He does not shy away any more than the other boys his age from hugs and kisses. He's a very caring child. He has selective hearing but I don't think it's to an "abnormal" degree - he's just being a child in my eyes.
Thank you for your time.
Post Comment
Children with autism prefer solitary play, have repetitve behaviors (spinning, rocking, high pitched sounds, snapping fingers, etc.), narrow interests, throw tantrums, limited eye contact, delayed social skills, limited or restricted play schemes (not much "new" pretend play), fixate on TV/movie characters, don't let others particpate in their activities, strict adherence to routines, sensory difficulties (it is like some sensory information actually "hurts": socks too tight, limited foods they will eat, etc.), things have to be placed a certain way (shoes put on a certain way, line up toys, toys put in certain spots, etc.), have difficulty sharing, often are echolalic (repeat exactly what you say but it isn't real communication), memorize letters numbers at an early age, learning is largely rote in nature but has no attached meaning (abstract concepts are difficult, often answer "because" when asked why questions such as "Why do we wear clothes?") scripted information (songs, lines from movies, etc.) but it is not used in a functional way or in context, and lack joint attention (example they point at something and look at you to see if you see it too) or does not adjust gaze to look at objects others are looking at.
Early intervention is key so I would urge you to see your doctor if you have concerns.
The trait of liking things "orderly" is common in people, but is usually quite exaggerated in kids with autism. Not only do they line up their toys, but the need to keep them lined up disrupts their life and their family's life. Maybe he will have some mild obsessive tendencies, or be very neat. These are quite acceptable traits as long as they are not disruptive to one's mental health, development, and social life.
Moms of young kids all will tell you that there are times when repetitive behaviors drive them bonkers! His finger-snapping may be annoying, but as long as he can suppress it appropriately for a while, it wouldn't worry me. It is a form of self-stimulation, but, in all honestly, everyone self-stim's to some extent or another. The question is, does it disrupt his life and can he stop it when it is socially inappropriate? Some people (adults included) tap, hum, twist locks of hair, twiddle, on and on....
I was, and still am, a persistent rocker. I rock at home, I rocked in school (sometimes), I rocked while studying in med school and I rock prior to going to sleep. I have been told that it looks quite pathologic. Oh, well... It has been suggested that I am an "autistic in the closet." lol.
Unless there are other things that you are worried about and have not mentioned, I would advise you to just continue enjoying your son. If you remain worried the advice above is good.
Quix