autism?

[mattis67]

Hi!

My 3 yo started to behave strange recently. I contacted GP and HV and discussed the issues. Most probably it's autism. GP referred her to a health centre (it took her 3 weeks) for assessment but things are going painfully slowly.
My concern is that if it's autism, sooner she gets specialist help higher the chances are for a better life but I read on chats that a diagnosis can take up to 2 years!!!!
We are from abroad living in the UK for the past 8 years but I'm positive I can get a diagnosis back home within months. Do you think NHS will accept a diagnosis from abroad??

After care is very random in the UK. I have 2 ds diagnosed with Autism. We've had no aftercare or support from any HCP.

you won't get specialist help on the NHS - dx or not. maybe a handful of session Salt and a bit OT but that's it. I wouldn't spent money on a private dx at that point and rather use the money for private therapy.
if a dx is accepted from abroad probably depends which country etc it is from

I have friends who would not get a dx by a private UK based consultant recognised by the NHS.

My dd is the same age. Her older sister has autism so we suspect she may do too. Support varies per area and from what I've heard private diagnosis in most areas don't hold too much weight and they prefer it from the nhs. I'd ask to go for a proper hearing check and get the gp to refer to paed and then ask paed to refer to education. Good luck. Happy to chat if you want to pm me.

My daughter has an NHS diagnosis. Her school assumed it was private and wouldn't give any extra support. I had to prove it was an NHS diagnosis for them to take her seriously. Now they are pulling out all the stops to support her.

Out of interest, what changes in behaviour have you noticed?

Thank you for the answers!

She was referred to CAMHS. The GP didn't discuss anything with me, she just asked me to fill in a form and posted it to them.
No audiology or paediatrician. I'm quite sure that her hearing is fine but I might go back and ask for an appointment with the paediatrician.

PeppasNanna do you take yours to private therapy?

Paddingtonthebear mostly the tantrums. Many signs were there before but now small things changed and we can see the whole picture.