ASD dx - what do we do now?

[sc13]

I'm asking because I don't entirely trust the NHS to provide us with the best plan, given their funding restrictions... DS is 3, verbal and attends nursery full-time.
So far:

• we're doing Hanen course 'More than words'
• we're getting SALT (no waiting list at this point apparently) but I won't know how much of it until the week after next
• they're going to do an IPE with the nursery
• we have been referred to an Ed Psych
• we have been referred for Music Therapy

I am also going to start visual timetables at home for things like getting dressed, we're doing an Organised Mum calendar, and I'm smuggling Omega 3 into DS's food.

Should I:

• look into ABA (I've just sent for an information pack from PEACH)?
• ask for referral to an Occupational Therapist (even though DS has no major sensory issues)?
• give DS enzymes?
• do something I haven't thought of yet??

As always, any advice greatly appreciated. I'll try to be less of a help-seeker and more of a help-giver once I get the hang of this

[sc13]

Ah, the statement. Should I apply for a statement, no matter what?

[5inthebed]

Speak to the EP about statement. We are just waiting for a date for DS2's.

Try get a place on an earlybird course, I found it most helpful.

You sound like you are on the ball with it all, well done you!!!

Oh and incase you need one later.

[sc13]

I certainly will, 5, thanks!! And Earlybird, yes. I've sent off for one of those help! courses the NAS run too.

[Deeeja]

Wow, you are doing so well.
While I think it is true too make sure that you have enough evidence to go for a statement, I also think that it is best to apply for it as soon as possible, the whole process takes 6 months plus. In my experience it takes aout a year. The evidence will be gathered as part of the statatutory assessment. When I applied for my ds's statements all I have were paediatrician, salt, psych reports, and that was enough. If you can afford it, it helps to get additional private assessments done, but this is not necessary.
Also helps to treat yorself to something extra nice!

[sc13]

Thanks busy: I was reading about DLA, but feel a bit of a fraud because at present DS is not really hard work in terms of care IYSWIM.
at other advice: I'm trying to cut down the phoning/reading up time to one hour a day, especially since I really should be working instead...

[Deeeja]

If you don't already have one, apply for an assessment by a disavility social worker.
This will also provide you with extra evidence for statement.

[sc13]

Thanks Deeeja - hope you're well. New baby almost on their way, if I remember correctly?

[Deeeja]

disability social worker....

[sc13]

Sorry, x-posting there. For a moment I thought you were saying that no, you weren't pg, and that the disability social worker was coming to see you

[sickofsocalledexperts]

I would definitely look into ABA, or VB (verbal behaviour) which is the branch we use. When my DS (asd) was 3, I also tried SALT, SEN nursery, portage, OT, fish oil, gluten free - you name it. The only thing that showed immediate tangible results was VB. It's also the teaching methodology used as standard in the US, and is the only methodology which is proven via research to be effective. And yes, go for a statement asap, do not be fobbed off. And yes, apply for DLA. When you really examine your worst ever day, it is probably a lot worse than if you had a child with no SEN. It's easy for us to think it's all fine, because we are capable women who learn to adapt. But when you actually start to write it down, you might find you do qualify for at least one of the care components. Good luck, sc13, your DS is so lucky to have such a switched on mum. The verbal thing is also a very very good sign!

[IheartNY]

sc3 - I hope you dont mind me asking, but how long did it take to get your DS dx? and what signs did he show?
My DS is 3 as well and his first paed appt to look into ASD is next week.

[sc13]

Hello IheartNY - he was first referred by HV in Nov and we got the dx the next April.
Main alarm bell is probably delayed/disordered language; lots of echolalia (repeated speech); a good amount of sounds that aren't really language. Also, difficult to hold his attention; rather obsessed with numbers; lines up things; limited pretend play; lack of interest in other children; not a lot of gesture imitation; started pointing later than average child. Probably none of these things in isolation would have determined a dx, but, taken together, they do.
No major sensory issues; no major meltdowns; rather flexible with routines - we're lucky on this front so far, because a lot of kids with ASD manifest sensory issues more clearly, for instance.
Good luck with the appt!!!