So I know autism is known as a disorder that affects language and social skills. But can you be on the spectrum despite having some strong skills in this area?
My 10 year old was diagnosed with ADHD and GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) at 8. He was later suspected to have ASD by his Psychiatrist but did not meet DSM5 criteria when formally assessed. The reason was because he was found to have above average language and social skills. He did meet the criteria for restrictive and repetitive interests and sensory responses. We were told what we were seeing was just the ADHD and GAD. However his current paediatrician is even starting to query the ADHD, and telling us he is “normal”, so how do we explain his behaviour?
Here is a rundown of what I observe in his social and language skills.
Expressive language skills.
Verbal
Very enthusiastic when talking about things that interest him (science). Will often find a way to bring his interests into a conversation even when not relevant. Will rarely have a conversation that does not involve science or facts at some point. Often rocks or sways when talking. Uses lots of facial expressions and hand gestures. More than the average person. Eye contact can be quite intense. Can often give facts to people when univited. Uses a large vocabulary and in appropriate contexts.
Written
Poor written skills. Messy handwriting and awkward pencil grip. Left handed but will occasionally use right hand awkwardly. Misuse of capitals. Some letters are reversed.
Receptive language skills
Verbal
Will listen attentively if it’s a topic of interest. Will listen when not a topic of interest but often fidgets or sways. Interrupts frequently and argues points made, even if he is making the same point. Eye contact wanes. Often appears not to hear people when they are greeting him, or will not respond in an unobvious way (ie. Will quietly say “hello” in reply to his chest). Can misinterpret body language and facial expression. Often thinking people are angry or sad when they aren’t, and seeming not to understand when people have had enough.
Reading
Excellent reading and comprehensions skills. Enjoys watching documentaries and information videos and can sit attentively watching for hours, only stopping to share a new fact he might learn.
Social
Does not actively pursue friendships, however has many children interested in being his friend. Will often say he doesn’t want to go out and play with friends, but sometimes will. If forced to go out and play does not give too much resistance. Tends to argue a lot with other children and want things to be done a certain way. Has said he wants to live alone when he’s older as he doesn’t want to have to worry about another person. Likes to be alone when at parties or gatherings, but will join in with games if asked. Can sit in a large group if they are still, but gets anxious when there is a lot of noise and moving about. Is highly empathetic to people, animals and the environment. Shows many concerns about world issues. Can get very anxious about adult issues like money or parents arguing.
In addition to this he has many sensory issues. He is a poor sleeper, having trouble getting to sleep and waking up early. He likes movement and often sways, rocks or spins. He seems to like pressure and will often throw himself on the ground for no reason. He has even laid face down on the wet road in the middle of the rain. He sleeps with the blanket wrapped firmly around his face (we’re amazed he hasn’t suffocated!) he will sometimes touch the tip of his tongue to new items but doesn’t seem to chew anything. He covers his ears to sudden loud sounds and to the vacuum cleaner but tends to have the music or tv turned up very loud. On bright days he will refuse to go out, cry, or walk around with his eyes closed. Although this seems to be inconsistent. Despite knowing how to use a knife and fork he uses his hands to eat and likes to separate out each element of food (even rice!). He dislikes the elevator, but will use it now without getting too upset. He quite often makes loud and repetitive sounds. He will repeat single words that sound interesting to him, but we have not noticed any echolalia. He previously had trouble with brushing his hair and teeth but it ok now, however he still freaks out when I cut his nails. he also seems to overreact to pain.
He is very interested in science and history and general facts. Particularly in space. It is often hard to talk to him about anything without him integrating science into it.
He is a lovely boy and will show affection to close family members. We don’t get any anger tantrums, but we get many emotional outbursts due to frustration.
Does this sound like anyone you know with an ASD diagnosis?
My 10 year old was diagnosed with ADHD and GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) at 8. He was later suspected to have ASD by his Psychiatrist but did not meet DSM5 criteria when formally assessed. The reason was because he was found to have above average language and social skills. He did meet the criteria for restrictive and repetitive interests and sensory responses. We were told what we were seeing was just the ADHD and GAD. However his current paediatrician is even starting to query the ADHD, and telling us he is “normal”, so how do we explain his behaviour?
Here is a rundown of what I observe in his social and language skills.
Expressive language skills.
Verbal
Very enthusiastic when talking about things that interest him (science). Will often find a way to bring his interests into a conversation even when not relevant. Will rarely have a conversation that does not involve science or facts at some point. Often rocks or sways when talking. Uses lots of facial expressions and hand gestures. More than the average person. Eye contact can be quite intense. Can often give facts to people when univited. Uses a large vocabulary and in appropriate contexts.
Written
Poor written skills. Messy handwriting and awkward pencil grip. Left handed but will occasionally use right hand awkwardly. Misuse of capitals. Some letters are reversed.
Receptive language skills
Verbal
Will listen attentively if it’s a topic of interest. Will listen when not a topic of interest but often fidgets or sways. Interrupts frequently and argues points made, even if he is making the same point. Eye contact wanes. Often appears not to hear people when they are greeting him, or will not respond in an unobvious way (ie. Will quietly say “hello” in reply to his chest). Can misinterpret body language and facial expression. Often thinking people are angry or sad when they aren’t, and seeming not to understand when people have had enough.
Reading
Excellent reading and comprehensions skills. Enjoys watching documentaries and information videos and can sit attentively watching for hours, only stopping to share a new fact he might learn.
Social
Does not actively pursue friendships, however has many children interested in being his friend. Will often say he doesn’t want to go out and play with friends, but sometimes will. If forced to go out and play does not give too much resistance. Tends to argue a lot with other children and want things to be done a certain way. Has said he wants to live alone when he’s older as he doesn’t want to have to worry about another person. Likes to be alone when at parties or gatherings, but will join in with games if asked. Can sit in a large group if they are still, but gets anxious when there is a lot of noise and moving about. Is highly empathetic to people, animals and the environment. Shows many concerns about world issues. Can get very anxious about adult issues like money or parents arguing.
In addition to this he has many sensory issues. He is a poor sleeper, having trouble getting to sleep and waking up early. He likes movement and often sways, rocks or spins. He seems to like pressure and will often throw himself on the ground for no reason. He has even laid face down on the wet road in the middle of the rain. He sleeps with the blanket wrapped firmly around his face (we’re amazed he hasn’t suffocated!) he will sometimes touch the tip of his tongue to new items but doesn’t seem to chew anything. He covers his ears to sudden loud sounds and to the vacuum cleaner but tends to have the music or tv turned up very loud. On bright days he will refuse to go out, cry, or walk around with his eyes closed. Although this seems to be inconsistent. Despite knowing how to use a knife and fork he uses his hands to eat and likes to separate out each element of food (even rice!). He dislikes the elevator, but will use it now without getting too upset. He quite often makes loud and repetitive sounds. He will repeat single words that sound interesting to him, but we have not noticed any echolalia. He previously had trouble with brushing his hair and teeth but it ok now, however he still freaks out when I cut his nails. he also seems to overreact to pain.
He is very interested in science and history and general facts. Particularly in space. It is often hard to talk to him about anything without him integrating science into it.
He is a lovely boy and will show affection to close family members. We don’t get any anger tantrums, but we get many emotional outbursts due to frustration.
Does this sound like anyone you know with an ASD diagnosis?
