possible aespergers

[sal71]

A friend of mine who works with teenagers with AS has pointed out she thinks my DD may have some traits ,and form talking to us about her behavior and witnessing it over the years, eg she has high anxiousness level generally, OCD traits (routine, dirt) and finds it difficult to keep friendships (though not to make them). She is dyslexic, but very bright in lots of ways plus very arty. I don't know what to do with this information. She is leaving Primary now and going to the local state secondary, which is pushing her anxiety into overdrive though she insists she is happy to go.
Should we go for diagnosis?
I really don't know what to do for the best, or even where to start..

Personally I would say yes. At the moment it sounds like you DD is coping with things but school only gets harder, work wise and friendship wise after primary and I think she would probably benefit with learning coping strategies for anxiety etc.

My middle son has tourettes, dyslexia and is on the autistic spectrum (still chasing a firm diagnosis) and pushing for these diagnosis's has given him more help in school than without them he would have had.

He is seen by a specialist at CAMH's (child and adolescent mental health) but it has been a long hard road to get to where we are today and still have more to go! Its taken us nearly 12 yrs to get here as I have known something wasn't right since birth! We have seen countless doctors and professionals but you really have to push to get the right treatments etc.

Sorry that was a bit of an essay!
xx

I would say yes, get a diagnosis because it will help her teachers understand her behaviour. While a class teacher can get to know a child relatively quickly, it can take a lot longer at secondary school. It will also help her understand herself.

Go to the GP, and explain your concerns and ask for a referral for a diagnosis.