ASD

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I think DD (8) has ASD. I've thought it for a while. She has terrible anxiety, always needs to know what's happening and when, who will be there, how are we getting there, when will we be home etc. She gets up early and gets upset if she can't find clothes that "feel right". She is very bright and loves the education aspect of school but struggles socially. She has friends but as she gets older is finding the dynamics of friendship groups a real struggle. She has an amazing memory and remembers incredibly strange facts about things and memorises dates. She often has meltdowns at home over seemingly small things. She tells me she feels sad and doesn't fit in anywhere. I don't know what to do. She has an autistic child in her class at school who is fairly severe, non verbal and in nappies. To her, that is an autistic child. I don't know how she would cope with a diagnosis if she got one. I don't know where to go to speak to someone about it. School laughed it off as they just see a bright, sweet child who is no problem at all. Any advice would be great!

Hi OP bumping for you

Your description sounds very similar to my dd (12) who was given an ASD diagnosis last year. My dd’s school were very dismissive too but you can approach the local authority yourself and ask for an Education, Health and Care assessment to be carried out. You’ll need to give your reasons, including your daughter’s thoughts if you felt that was appropriate. Have you spoken to your GP? They could help perhaps.
I won’t pretend it’s easy because it isn’t and even having the ASD diagnosis creates its own difficulties. My dd struggles a lot with the thought but at least we now have an explanation for her difficulties.
Good luck to you.

I'm in a similar position with my child who is 6. I won't list all the indicators but luckily School agree there may be 'something'. However, they left it me to sort out everything from here. I'm going to see GP without my child and ask for a referral to a CDC (child development centre) rather than general paediatrics. I'll speak to school nurse too. If anyone suggests a parenting course I'll have a shit fit! I've got three others (one a week rounded adult) and I don't have any of the challenges or concerns with those than I do with my 6 year old, neither does anyone else. None of my others have challenges in social situations or clashes with relatives or friends in the same way.