To say being Autistic is not ‘fashionable’ and you can’t just tell your GP they have it!

[SuperFlyWoman]

Had to disabuse a teacher of 30 years standing of this notion today.

Do they really think like this, that a GP can diagnose after you say your child has it?

Do they not know that parents have to wait years for Communication Disorder Assessments chaired by a panel of a Paediatrician, Clinical Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist.

You can’t just rock up to your GP after deciding your child wants to ‘cool’ and Autistic.

AIBU to think that the fact more children are diagnosed now is due to there actually being a diagnosis more than anything else?

Well if the number of long forms and questionnaires that we, my dd1 and her SENCO have had to submit to CAMHS is anything to go by, the process is certainly not a rock up to your GP process. We're only at the very start. I'm kicking myself that we only did this now when she's 14 than when she was 8 and we suspected but teachers denied. We probably won't be able to get help in time for her to sit any GCSEs. I wish it was quick.

Getting diagnosed is an absolute nightmare. YANBU. I say this as an adult seeking diagnosis and being forced to jump through hoops.

It wasn't properly recognised in my youth (70s/80s) - that's why there were few diagnoses. If it had been properly recognised, there might be a lot fewer messed-up undiagnosed adults now in their 40s.

We should be glad children now are getting a diagnosis, and the support they need to reach their full potential - albeit after their parents have to navigate an obstacle course.

Is she currently teaching? I hope not.

It sounds like she doesn't understand the diagnosis process at all. It's a really silly comment. No parent takes the possibility of their child being autistic lightly.

My sons teacher has queried him for AD traits and wants us to chase a diagnosis but also says it's almost pointless as he is doing well and doesn't need any help. My worry is that although he's doing well now, things may deteriorate in puberty. It's hard to know what to do for the best. We're tempted to pay for a private assessment to see what they suggest.

You'd think the school would be a place we could go to for support in these things but sadly not.