Should I have my son assessed for ASD in nursery?

[senorita81]

My son is almost 3 and will start nursery in September. He has been referred to the ASD service for assessment. They have sent me a letter saying that they may assess children in their school or nursery setting and that if I don't want him to be assessed there then I need to let them know.
What should I do? I think if he is on the Autism Spectrum, he would be on the lower end. I don't want him to be singled out either in his new school by having someone come to observe him but at the same time , I want him to be assessed in the best place where he can be observed accurately.
Is there a reason why they come to the school to observe rather than just observe the child in the clinic? Any advice is much appreciated as this is all new to me. Thank you

[Imboredinthehouse]

It’s actually really good to be assessed in school within the classroom, rather than just in a room with an assessor, as they can observe how he interacts with others, how well he follows instructions. No other kids will no he’s being assessed so he won’t be singled out. The teacher will just say mr/Mrs x is come to see us today & then get on with whatever that days plan is.

[Imboredinthehouse]

#no other kids will KNOW

[senorita81]

Thank you for your advice. You are totally right, it makes more sense to have him assessed at nursery.

[AladdinMum]

Observations are always preferred in a natural environment like in nursery/school or even at home, at a clinic the child will likely know that something is happening in the new environment and might impair his true abilities - severity level is normally linked to cognitive performance. Who referred him for assessment? I assume he has already been seen be a gp, development ped, etc.

[senorita81]

Hi Aladdinmum , thank you for your reply. The community paediatrician referred him. Yes that is a good point, I want him to be in a natural environment, so that it is more accurate.