What could it be?

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Greetings
To anyone who may know... Can going into a blank stare, focusing on a particular object combined with vertigo triggered by noise and commotion be a symptom of autism? Apparently these "episodes" are not seizures, as verified by an ambulatory EEG. The neurologist can't explain it, but autism has not been brought up (except by my older sister, who says I have it).

It seems as if you've been to a neurologist already.

Maybe speak of those symptoms to the neurologist within your subsequent appointment.

One doesn't just acquire autism in their late 40s.

Do you have a history of autistic-like behavior?

Whether it turns out you are not autistic, welcome to our Forum, anyway!

I do have a history of social problems since I was a small child; I was that odd kid who hung out in the library by myself during recess and retreated to the back of the class by myself whenever I could; it was peaceful back there. They tried to hold me back a grade due to poor social skills, but my mom wouldn't let them, as I was reading above my grade level. I still have weird “tics” such as rhythmic swaying in lines and rubbing my fingers and twisting my ring. My main concern at this point really is my 3 year old son, who is exhibiting the same behaviors; he goes off to a corner by himself while the other kids are playing. He does not do well in a group setting. He is also very fixated on particular objects (we have spent a copious of time looking for “the blue ball” or “the orange train.”) He was referred to early an early childhood education program to get an IEP due to being “quirky,” but was rejected because academically, he is doing quite well. His occupational therapist is really worried that he will be picked on and have severe social problems because of his “quirkiness;” I am concern as well after what I went through as a kid. One of his early interventionists did recommend that I seek help for myself after I gave her my history, so here I am, exploring another avenue to take to figure out what is going on and to be able to help my son.

There are certainly some autistic characteristics there in what you just mentioned. Having said that, it's impossible to know from text alone. I myself was just diagnosed about two months ago, and had a lot of help from the people here in understanding the process and in answering the questions & concerns I had, so I'm sure you'll get the help you're looking for too.

In short- yes, the characteristics you mentioned for both you and your son fit into the ASD diagnostic criteria, but having said that, almost everyone has at least one or two characteristics that fit into the diagnostic critera, so it's just not possible to know. I'd suggest reading into Autism/Aspegers/ASD and seeing what does & doesn't apply to you and your son so that you're able to have a bit more clarity. If after reading into a bit more and you still have the concerns, it may be worth looking for a diagnosis. In my case I went to the local doctor and he referred me to a psychiatrist who then referred me to a psychologist where I got my diagnosis.

As for your original question as to whether going into a blank stare with vertigo is an autistic trait, I don't believe that fits into the diagnostic criteria, but I too have experienced this; it lasts until I realise that I'm doing it, then I stop it and go about whatever I was doing beforehand. I think it's just something that happens to some people, ASD or not. That said, you mentioned that it was triggered by noise, which could 'potentially' have a link to SPD (sensory processing disorder), common in people with Autism/Aspergers.

I agree with what other people have said already. It might be helpful for you to do some reading about autism, specifically autism in females (you're a female, right?) and see what fits for you. You could take an online self test and see what that says.

Try not to be too alarmed if they get kind of "helicopter" about diagnosing your daughter. I have a young family member who has been undergoing various autism tests at his school all year. Sometimes the people giving those tests know what they're doing and sometimes they don't. Sometimes the test is cr*p. Sometimes the kid doesn't want to do it, or is outsmarting it. So just read up on it yourself and use your own judgement along with whatever they're doing. You know your kid best.

If it turns out that one or both of you is autistic, that's great! Yes, it can cause problems to be different, but it can also give you an edge. You're on the right road, either way, because you're finding out!