Hi, I'm new here and don't really know what I want to ask. I guess I could start with a little background. My son is 3 years old. He started going to a private preschool this year, with 2 year olds. He's a little older since his birthday is in September and he will start kindergarten when he's 6. I wanted him to be around other kids because I noticed he was shy and a bit anxious when it comes to new situations and being around other people. His class meets twice a week for just 3 hours. He really seemed to blossom this year, and I thought it was due to the exposure and just with him getting older.
So, on to the reason I'm posting here... My son's teacher asked to speak with me the other day and said she has a son who has ASD. She said my son reminds her very much of her own. She noticed he is very mechanical, he loves fans, light switches, doors, water, locks etc. He isn't all that social and he doesn't always listen. She told me he isn't showing signs of behavioral problems, but that he is compelled to do things like play with the windows in the classroom. That's why she thinks he needs to be evaluated. He is extremely smart. He has known things like his colors, numbers, shapes and letters since very early on. I was amazed by it, but since he's my first I thought I just didn't know the milestones and who doesn't think their child is brilliant? Anyway. I'm in shock. Yes, I knew he was a bit different, but I never thought it could be autism. I didn't even know what ASD was begore all this, I had to research it.
How do you know for sure? What if he is gifted or sensitive, not autistic? I guess we'll have him evaluated, for sure. I want him to have every advantage in life. I'm just floored. I just don't even know what to think right now.
From what I've described, is ASD a possibility? He doesn't have major behavioral problems, yes the occasional melt down, but isn't that being a toddler? He is sensitive to loud noises, he's afraid of the hand dryers in public bathrooms, hair dryers, alarms and sirens. But he seems to be outgrowing those fears too. For example, when I showed him the "fan" in my hair dryer and that it doesn't hurt, he's no longer afraid. Thoughts? Advice? TIA.
So, on to the reason I'm posting here... My son's teacher asked to speak with me the other day and said she has a son who has ASD. She said my son reminds her very much of her own. She noticed he is very mechanical, he loves fans, light switches, doors, water, locks etc. He isn't all that social and he doesn't always listen. She told me he isn't showing signs of behavioral problems, but that he is compelled to do things like play with the windows in the classroom. That's why she thinks he needs to be evaluated. He is extremely smart. He has known things like his colors, numbers, shapes and letters since very early on. I was amazed by it, but since he's my first I thought I just didn't know the milestones and who doesn't think their child is brilliant? Anyway. I'm in shock. Yes, I knew he was a bit different, but I never thought it could be autism. I didn't even know what ASD was begore all this, I had to research it.
How do you know for sure? What if he is gifted or sensitive, not autistic? I guess we'll have him evaluated, for sure. I want him to have every advantage in life. I'm just floored. I just don't even know what to think right now.
From what I've described, is ASD a possibility? He doesn't have major behavioral problems, yes the occasional melt down, but isn't that being a toddler? He is sensitive to loud noises, he's afraid of the hand dryers in public bathrooms, hair dryers, alarms and sirens. But he seems to be outgrowing those fears too. For example, when I showed him the "fan" in my hair dryer and that it doesn't hurt, he's no longer afraid. Thoughts? Advice? TIA.