In-Laws Blasted for Insisting 'Very Shy' 3-Year-Old Is Tested for Autism

The internet has backed an angry mother who took to Mumsnet to complain about her in-laws, who are obsessed with the prospect of her young daughter possibly having autism.

In a post shared on Tuesday, the mother, who goes by the username TheGreatBobinsky, explained that her in-laws keep insisting that get her 3-year-old daughter assessed for autism, saying "they won't drop it" despite her many reasons against it.

The in-laws insist that the girl is too shy, has a limited diet, and is obsessed with her hands, which her mother says is not even true. Among their concerns is also the fact that she doesn't like some members of the family and refuses to speak to them.

But the mother, who stated that she wouldn't be bothered by the results of the test, has her own reason to decline. She said her daughter has met almost all of her milestones for her age, and she hasn't got any of the "traits listed on the diagnostic criteria."

She said neither her GP or her daughter's teachers can see any traits of autism, and she is just no longer able to shut down this conversation politely.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

"People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention."

Symptoms that a child has autism include: avoiding or not keeping eye contact; not responding to their name by 9 months of age; not showing facial expressions; not playing interactive games by age 1; not sharing interests, and not noticing when others are hurt or upset by age 2; and not noticing other children by age 3, among others.

People with ASD may also show restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests; like liying up toys; repeating words or phrases over and over; playing with toys the same way every time; as well as having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel.

Most of the 121 comments the post got sided with the woman. One user, MatildaTheCat, said: "I'd stop being polite for a start. Thanks, we've heard you and considered what you are saying. Right now everyone is really happy with her development so let's drop the subject?"

HoneyFlowers commented: "Oh man, the family are being so rude going on about it! I am certain everyone thinks my child has ADHD... He doesn't!!!! Just refuse to entertain the topic again."

Another user, Ownedbymycats asked: "Are they medical professionals? I'd feel strongly enough to limit their access to your daughter if this continues. Your daughter doesn't have to be around people whose company she doesn't enjoy or who make her feel uncomfortable. I'd reexamine my relationship with them."

Cameronnorrieisabitofalright suggested: "Just tell them you have taken on board their concerns and if you feel any action needs taken you will be sure to take it.. Cut dead any more mention of it."

Another user, CuppaTeaAndSammich pointed out: "Everyone is just so quick to diagnose a child with a disorder these days without acknowledging that every child is different in their own way... Irritating."

Doona reassured her: "Being selectively shy is normal at 3, as is fussy eating. It sounds as though your in-laws are suffering from anxiety. They should go get that checked out."

And ComDummings added: "Your in-laws are pricks. Don't be polite. "It's none of your business fuck off." Many children have some traits that could be seen as being part of ASD but a) it's a spectrum so it varies and b) NT toddlers can grow out of these behaviors."