Where can I get help?

[karlahine]

Hi there all, I had some news on Friday which left me somewhat stunned! My son's teacher thinks he may be on the autistic spectrum mainly asperger. I've searched high and low to get a diagnosis and keep hitting brick walls. I can't afford to wait months as his well being at school is at risk and therefor the sooner I get this diagnosed the quicker we can get a solution in place! I live in Cumbria and there's absolutley nothing here! Hoping you can help x

Hi - you might be better off posting on the 'special needs: children forum' - it gets lots more traffic than here and lots of posts about autism and aspergers. If I was skilled MNetter I would be able to copy the link here but not sure how to do this, sorry.

Hi

If you want a diagnosis he will need to see a Clinical Psychologist, a Paediatrician or a Child and Adolescent Pyschiatrist. The first stop is your GP for a referral to am NHS one of those.

If you want a private diagnosis then the NAS Helpline keeps a list of private diagnosticians.

An educational psychologist cannot issue a formal diagnsis of ASD / Aspergers. They can only assess the specific learning difficulties and suggest ways to help.

A diagnosis can take months (or even years). The NHS waiting lists are horrendous.

As suggested the Special Needs Children Board is full of parents of children with ASD / Aspergers who can advise.