Anyone with knowledge of Autism/Aspergers?

[Rollercoasteride]

Hello there
Just wondering if anyone can point me in the direction to get some support for my son (if any is available)
I suspect DS is on the spectrum but not diagnosed. He has had a Camhs referral rejected twice saying he is not at risk. (This was even after he said he didn't want to be alive anymore at 7)

He is now 10, things have been more noticeable. Like he can't cope with change, says socially inappropriate things (very blunt), has meltdowns over small things, so so sensitive, has obsessions (the Simpsons at the mo), easily distracted etc.

He has meltdowns in school, it was disrupting the class. School gave him 121 sessions for an hour every week and things seem to improve (meltdowns were a couple a month, usually when change involved)

But school haven't pushed for further support as he is top in the class.

Doctor says he is the way he is because he is so clever!

I feel I am hitting my head against a brick wall, i just want to get him support.. he will start high school next year. I just want to get him in a good place. He has started pulling his hair out!

We spent time with a child with ASD as the weekend, DS is very similar.

Any pointers gratefully received!

[Wherethereshope]

Do you know who does the ASC assessments in your area? Sometimes it's CAMHS and sometimes a separate service. If you can, get school to refer as they will be able to give their perspective too.

[Rollercoasteride]

@Wherethereshope, thanks for replying, I have no idea who does the assessments.

School have said they can refer him once they have completed a pathway. They started to complete it, but because things settled down abit they didn't pursue it. But I know he will be an absolute nightmare in September going back, I will email the head again before he goes back to forewarn her.

[Wherethereshope]

If you call through to CAMHS they will be able to tell you.

It's really tricky but sometimes you have to let the transition and challenge this brings happen as it gives more examples of where it's been difficult. It's a good idea to give the head a heads up.

Is there anything that helps to settle your DS?

[Rollercoasteride]

Thanks, I will give them a call in the morning.

When he has the meltdowns, he will rant on and on about the same things. I kinda try and use the distraction technique, put the Simpsons on and let him focus on that. Sometimes he will feel better, but sometimes the meltdown will resume.

He is often scared and nervous, i have to lie next to him to get him to sleep..i just worry when he gets to high school

[Wherethereshope]

I think you're right to push for an assessment, he's definately not showing typical 10 year old behaviour, and yes trying to push for it in year 6 is good too.

Does he talk about certain things winding him up or is it like an overload?

I can pm you some suggestions if you like.

[mouse1234567]

Hi,
I am a teacher at a mainstream school that has a lot of children on the special educational needs register -quite a few for ASD. The school really should be supporting you with getting an assessment done. I know it’s tricky but really try to push them on this. The fact that he is top of the class should not make a difference -as you have said you believe he is showing behaviours typical of ASD so should be assessed. I hope you manage to get support with this soon.