Concerns of DGD

I haven't, but didn't want to just read and run. Has she had any assessments?

How does she get on at school?

I suppose you want to see if anyone will 'diagnose' her as autistic but that is for the school and her parents to seek advice about. She could be just the quiet, independent type in a family of extroverts. Her diet is worrying though; are you saying she has pizza and crisps for every meal, even at school! It sounds like her parents definitely need some advice there on nutrition and discipline.

Social services are involved primarily for her brother. Academically I don’t how she s doing. All the family, Mum, Partner and brother eat what we would call rubbish food. When we do take her out she eats nothing!

Has she been assessed for autism?
If not I would advise she is.

I would definitely suggest an assessment as the lack of interaction does sound rather autistic. Others may know more about that than me.
Also effort needs to be made to improve her diet. There are various ways but forcing her to eat anything will probably do more harm than good. What about delicious sweet smoothies? Make three and ask her to help you decide which is the best. You need her help! If you can get her drinking them you can maybe try more flavours and add all sorts of nutritious ingredients.

Nothing unfortunately really For you to do if her parents are worried they will get her tested or not which ever they feel is right
If she is used to eating ‘rubbish food’ and you serve her ‘good food’ that might be why she doesn’t eat it
I m sure if the school have concerns they will tell the parents
As the brother is under social services does that mean there are problems within the family if so perhaps she just withdraws into her art work

My eldest gd would hardly eat anything, it was a real struggle. We all, parents as well, gave up and left her to it. She is now a 25 and a mother to a boy who she bringing up to eat healthy food. You never know.

If all the family are eating "rubbish" then she has little choice and this is all she will be used to. If Social Services are already involved with the family I would hope they take notice of all the children, not just her brother.

She may well just be withdrawn because of the family dynamics, which is sad but understandable. Don't start trying to put labels on her - that is for her doctor or other professionals involved.

Could be autism but might not be. Many children have a food fad where they don’t eat anything else. She might just enjoy her own company. What is she like at school? If she interacts at school she is probably ok.

Children go through phases of picky eating and they don't all like closeness and cuddles. Maybe you could make pizza with some healthy ingredients mixed in? If she sees you enjoying healthy snacks she might just try some but never nag her.

Does she like smoothies? I make strawberry and banana ones for DGD - with a little peanut butter sneaked in when she's not looking!

My first thought was autism. I believe that there is so much help for that out there now. x

But you can’t jump to a label that’s for the school the parents of social services to decide if they believe necessary vinasol

Quite right not to label anyone let alone a child.

But reading the examples given it looks as though autism is on the op's mind and she is looking to see if others agree.

Naturally there is nothing she can do except leave it up to the parents.

Is it your son who is your little gd's Father Hildagard? Can he be spoken to at all?

It's true that early diagnosis does lead to better outcomes with autism.

My GD is my daughters child, the GD father is not my Dd current partner. GD father sees her regularly. Not looking for diagnosis just input.

Just keep loving her and working with her as much as you can Hildagard have you talked to your daughter or the father about your concerns ?
Children do go through difficult times and it seems that there are some problems at home for her. At least you can support her, don't judge just be there. I hope things improve for you all.

I agree with others that the school should pick up on any problems. She may be different at school? OR Perhaps they have told the parents they have concerns but they have not relayed it to you?

I do have a grandson diagnosed this year (at 8) with autism and he does display some of the symptoms you describe like being very artistic and being fussy over food) He doesn't interact well at school, he is way behind his peers academically but he DOES interact at home with his parents, siblings, cousins and grandparents.

What I have learnt - in all honesty - is that EVERYONE has their quirky ways. Getting a diagnosis of 'autism' is difficult. We pushed ahead because the teachers felt he needed 1:1 in school but unless we got the diagnosis they didn't get funding. He had to undergo test after test - many inconclusive to start with. But he was diagnosed eventually.

Ask your daughter IF the school have made any comments and if so, to act on it. As was said early diagnosis does come with better outcomes.

Better put than my contribution Tedber !

Thanks Namsnanny...what I omitted to say that since our 8 year old has been officially diagnosed with autism and has now got 1:1 in school he has come on in leaps and bounds. His reading, writing and arithmetic have improved 100 fold. It is clearly what he needed and I am so glad we pushed for a diagnosis. Not an unnecessary label imo. He still doesn't have any ''friends' at school as such. Very much of a 'loner' there but he is happy and as I said, he is brilliant with his family. (Did anybody watch The A Word on t.v - we cried buckets as it seemed just like our boy)

But this all came about because the school pointed it out. If the OP's school are happy and have no concerns about progress then I think that any 'quirkiness' is just the child's nature. Every child is different! Not all behaviour demonstrates autistic traits and not all autistic traits mean the child has autism.

Tedder thank you so much for your reply, have taken on board all your comments