Borderline

[podsquash]

My DSs Year 1 teacher used the word borderline today with respect to ASD. I have raised this issue repeatedly with my son's teachers from preschool age, wondering if there is anything there to be assessed. I've posted on here before about it.

Anyway, she used the word 'borderline' and now I think - thank you! Someone recognises what he is like! I know he doesn't have full-blown ASD.

But the question is, does 'borderline' merit an assessment by an Ed Psych? My husband strongly thinks we shouldn't pursue it. I've asked the teacher to 'keep an eye on him' for now and asked that we discuss it before Christmas.

Not sure what I want from this post, but needed to share it.

Sorry what is ASD? Aspergers?

Your DH might not want to pursue it but it sounds as if you might; have another meeting with the teacher in a month perhaps when you've both had more time to research it and think about the options.

You say you've raised it with his teachers ie. did you think there might be something to investigate first? All these things (eg autism) are a huge spectrum, not black and white and opinions will differ. Even borderline ASD may benefit from outside experts help tho your DH may resist the labelling of your DS as different in any way.

Great to hear your school is taking notice. I know your DH might not want to persue it but it might be worth persuing an assessment so that your son can get help if needs help. I know a good range of people with ASD and they range from three of my friends husbands (borderline-mild) to young adults with ASD in a special school.

I am going through this with my DS1. He is 4.6 and I have suspected him to have AS or HFA from about age 2. I would totally recommend bypassing the school as no matter how great his teacher they are not qualified to diagnose or discount a neurological condition. I have been to the GP and asked for a referral to the community paediatrician and onwards to CAMHS. My son also had a full assessment with SALT.

I can understand your DH's reluctance to pursue this as denial is a strong motivator. I really think if you as a mother are concerned you will be right. I KNEW with my son there was an issue, everyone around me, DH, teachers, HV all thought I was insane. Now everyone around him can see there is a problem. It takes such a long time to get support so I would advise you to tackle it now.

Good luck. I know it is such an emotional roller coaster to go through.

Thank you all for your kind messages. I think it is significant that I feel RELIEF rather than anything else. Also, I do wonder whether children who are borderline benefit from help...my gut says yes. I think the GP last year said that any referral would go thru the school now rather than to a community paediatrician...not sure of procedures.

Pod post this on the Special Needs children section - lots of people with great advice and personal experience on there. The teacher is sticking her neck out by even mentioning ASD to you by the way. A GP can refer your child at your request to a devt paed ... you dont have to go via the school. The school can request an Ed. Psych to observe him but that costs them money, so they may not be eager to do it. 'Borderline' merits assessment. Don't be frightened of it, they won't find anything that's not there iyswim. 'Borderline' may also change as he gets older and require more intervention at school or outside.