What subtle signs did you notice was autism?
Hi everyone! I have a 6(m) who is in kindergarten (US). He is diagnosed with ADHD and is currently medicated for that. It has helped wonders with his emotional regulation and other ADHD behaviors. However, I have always wondered if he also has autism. He has some behaviors that make me question is it ADHD, or is this autism. When he was around 3 or 4 (I don’t remember the exact age) he had a small autism evaluation with his pediatrician. I noticed no blatant signs such as hand flapping, or lining things up in lines at the time. He always had some sensory issues that over time I chalked up to his ADHD. But the line between ADHD and autism isn’t very distinct so of course I question if what he does now is one or the other. For example:
- He will make eye contact but he doesn’t maintain it. It will last for a few seconds and then he will look elsewhere.
- He will randomly clap as he’s doing things. Sometimes this clapping is quick and other times it goes on for longer than 10 seconds. He doesn’t realize he is doing it.
- He will randomly attach himself to random words people say and repeat them. A person walking by shouted “hey stupid are you coming” and then he shouted “hey stupid” back.
This is what I have noticed so far that could be distinctive to autism and not 100% ADHD. So I’m wondering what subtle signs of autism did you notice in your kids before they were diagnosed?