ADOS Assessment - 10year old

[Elmo3b]

My son had his ADOS assessment this week and I'm in full overthinking and worry mode.

He was reluctant to enter the room when called in. It took a lot of persuasion from myself.
When we finally got him in he was very withdrawn.
During the assessment he barely engaged, blunt, limited answers and at times seemed a bit rude too. He didn't look at the assessor once and just fidgeted with his hands whilst rocking on his chair.

He was asked questions about past experiences but he memory wasn't great either.

It was diffcult seeing him so uncomfortable and socially awkward.

Towards the end they brought our some sensory toys which he became mesmerised with.

I don't really know what I'm here asking for.... maybe other people's experiences? And outcomes? If they are similar to ours?

This assessment is the last piece of the puzzle for my son, they have everything they need from us and school so I'm overthinking and questioning what the outcome will be.

He starts senior school in Sept so the pressure and worry is super high.

Thanks for reading x

My son (5 so much younger) was having a really good spell when he had his ADOS which I was glad about. He was really "good" throughout but I sat through it absolutely sure he would be diagnosed... every exercise went completely against his grain and how to get the best out of him which I guess is the point but it was sad to watch, it made me think how hard the world is for him... we received his diagnosis 3 weeks later. I just wanted to say I can understand how hard it may have been to watch, I hope the outcome is helpful for your son, the secondary transition must be daunting xx

Hey, thank you so much for sharing your experience.

It's going to be a long few weeks waiting, I just hope the outcome helps him become more understood.
I hope your son is getting on OK xx

My Ds had his ADOS when he was 9 (he's 13 now). We were actually given his diagnosis on the day and then a detailed report a few weeks later. I will never forget sitting in a coffee shop after the assessment, waiting to be called back in.

I thought my Ds had done quite 'well' in the ADOS and I was concerned he wouldn't meet the threshold for a diagnosis - as he's so much better with adults than with children - but he did. I was amazed by how they totally got his difficulties and it was hard to hear how different his responses were to a NT child of his age.

Even though we were expecting the diagnosis and while not 'wanting' it - I knew that it was important for him that he got it - it was still so, so hard to hear it. It's silly but until they said those words, part of me thought 'maybe he isn't'. My DH cried. It's impossible to know how you're going to react. It's completely fine to share it with people - or not - while you're all processing it. This is of course if your DS is autistic.

IF he's given a diagnosis, on a practical note, see if they will put something in writing quickly. Even if it's just a couple of lines confirming it so you can pass on to his new school before he starts.

Is your DS getting any extra visits to his new school? Have you reached out to the Senco yet?

My Ds is Yr8 at secondary now. I remember having sleepless nights thinking he would never, ever cope. He actually prefers secondary to primary. There are more interesting lessons he says - and better lunches! Depending on the profile of your DS, there are also more clubs where he might find DC with similar interests.
If you're worried about lunchtimes, lots of schools run structured clubs or allow some DC to go to the library.

Again, depending on his profile, it may be worth considering applying for an EHCP assessment (if you're in England). It can cover not just academic development but social skills and independence targets too.