6yo probable ASD - what else can we do?

[RunJHC]

Hi - 6yo DS probably has ASD, we're on waiting list for social/communication assessment which we're hoping we'll get later this year. His main issues are around school work and communication. He can read well but doesn't understand everything, and his writing/maths are behind where he 'should' be for his age. He also gets v anxious about certain things - new situations, hand dryers. Other than that he's quite cheerful and reasonably well behaved (other than meltdowns when he's anxious). Has some friends at school & plays ok with ds2 (3yo) although a bit more immature than his peers.

We've already moved him out of his 1st school where he was really unhappy so he's now at a really small school (private) - 15 kids in his class with 2 adults so all small group/1 to 1 work. He's much happier there - calm atmosphere & lots of practical teaching which suits him. He's also seeing a private SALT for expressive language (which he enjoys) and we've just started an hour a week of tutoring to help a bit with his schoolwork.

Is there anything else we can/should be doing before we have a diagnosis? Want to make sure he's supported and is learning - even if slower/diff way to peers. If we get diagnosis we can look at EHCP etc.

Any advice from more experienced MNers would be v welcome!

[shazzarooney99]

Who is doing your socail communcation assesment if you dont mind me asking?

[RunJHC]

It's through the community paediatrician - so I think it will be paed, local authority SALT etc with reports from us/school. 18 month waiting list which we've been on since sept last year...

[shazzarooney99]

I have to go on a socail communcation course on behalf of my son because they done a test with him looking through pictures ect never had an assessment done though.