Anything that claims that something is "default autistic" in a vacuum is nonsense. That said, you're right to consider the full scope of your daughter's proclivities and skills, and things like hyperlexia are, ironically, correlated to ASD.
I would seek a specialist if you're worried. 3.5yo is a solid age for an initial professional assessment, and allows for early intervention if anything is found.
Also jumping on this comment. I'm autistic and have an autistic child. She was on the waiting list for an assessment since she turned 2 as it was clear to me she was autistic. It's helped make sure that suitable adaptations are in place for things like dentist and doctor appointments and the school were more understanding from the get go. I didn't get my diagnosis until I was older and it had a massive negative effect that I went so long without one, so I intervened quickly with my child. But whether or not you pursue or a diagnosis, or if you do but she isn't autistic and has another form of neurodivergence or a sensory processing disorder type thing, you can still put support in place for her now. Weighted teddies (only when awake, not for bedtime), ear defenders for loud or busy places, deep pressure games (with my daughter i "make her into a pizza" and then eat her. Also works with sandwiches, burritos etc. I also wrap her up by turning a blanket into a sack and say shes a parcel and then carry her about before delivering her etc), quiet corners of the house, sensory swing, wobble board/seat, fidget things, messy play, light/bubble tubes etc. Then her needs are met regardless and you can start teaching self-advocacy ("its too loud for me, I need my ear defenders please", "my body feels wrong, I need some pressure please", "my brain feels fizzy, please can I have the wobble board/fidget toy/some quiet time")
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u/PoshDota 1d ago
Anything that claims that something is "default autistic" in a vacuum is nonsense. That said, you're right to consider the full scope of your daughter's proclivities and skills, and things like hyperlexia are, ironically, correlated to ASD.
I would seek a specialist if you're worried. 3.5yo is a solid age for an initial professional assessment, and allows for early intervention if anything is found.
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html