I am a mum of 4 with two of whom have diagnoses of ADHD and/or autism and EHCPs and one neurotypical child. 2 are teens and one is a preteen.
my youngest is 19 months and I wish to get them an assessment for autism, if anything to rule it out.
like their adhd/autistic sibling, my 19 month was an early walker and clumsy.
like both the neurodivergent siblings, they have delayed speech (both siblings now are verbal though one struggles with comprehension) my 19 month makes the sounds but no clear words or words that stay.
Eye contact is hit and miss as is name response. They love music mostly nursery rhymes and following the actions.
My 19 month had signs of stims but not a well known one like hand flapping. They hate their hands being touched and their feet also being touched.
my 19 month also walks literally on top of their toes (further over than tiptoes) like en point ballet or with toes stuck under… hard to believe with out a visual but true. We have been to a GP who has never seen it before…
arguably I think alot of things can be development appropriate but with having two siblings with SEN it’s questionable.
i don’t wish to have a child with SEN as the fight is exhausting however I know early diagnosis is best.
HEalth visitor doesn’t have enough evidence for a referral but the GP said it was likely autism and said they will seek more senior advice on whether or not to do a paeds referral. I will of course chase this up but am I preparing to request a fight for an assessment/referral for autism?
we don’t have issues with sleep though food is fussy but nothing restrictive.
i am seeking experience from others who have been in similar experiences please?