Ds2 has some traits that I associate with the possibility of an ASD and I asked the SENCO recently if we could have him assessed, and if so how.
She said they don't generally do it until the child is 9. He is nearly 8.
She said the only way to do it sooner would be to take him to the GP and ask to be referred for assessment at the hospital.
I'm concerned that this might make him feel as though he has something wrong with him, though of course the school process might do that too.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the best thing to do? He has been a little 'different' since he was a baby and scored a few red flags on the M-CHAT, which our HV told me not to worry about.
He is very anxious, generally, has a stammer, is shy, and the way he moves is unusual. He has already had a bit of bullying at his primary.
I suppose I'm worried he may suffer more, socially and with his anxiety, if he isn't diagnosed before long, that's assuming these issues are caused by what I suspect and not something else.
He's not in a desperate situation - he is anxious though and also seems to be very bright (completing a times tables sheet well before the rest of the class, and 100% correct - not having really learned them yet AFAIK, he just figures them out). I don't know if it would change anything to have a DX in any case?
Thank you for any thoughts.